Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

As a team member of the Aquatic Research and Monitoring Section and under the team leadership of a research scientist, provide fisheries and aquatic science, statistical, modelling, and technology expertise to the development and implementation of aquatic research and monitoring programs, and
provide science transfer and collaboration skills to inform the effective management of Ontario's aquatic resources with an emphasis on the Great Lakes and Lake Simcoe.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Provide scientific expertise and analytical methods in advanced quantitative fisheries and multivariate analysis, ecological modelling, indicator
development, and sampling design as a member of a research team that informs aquatic ecosystem and fisheries resource policy and management.
Specific tasks include:
Applying established, modern, and novel advanced statistical techniques for the analyses of complex fisheries and ecosystem data;
Using up-to-date and appropriate statistical tools and techniques to design scientifically sound sampling protocols and plans for the collection of spatial
and temporal fisheries and ecosystem data in large lakes;
Acquiring the most up-to-date information and applying conventional and novel fisheries models and theory (e.g., stock-recruitment, stock-assessment,
bioenergetics, and life history models);
Informing the design and development of fisheries models and decision-support tools;
Developing, programming, and utilizing computer programs for statistical (descriptive, multivariate, spatial, and temporal) data analyses and simulation
modelling;
Developing, maintaining and utilizing databases that involve complex multi-variable aquatic ecosystems and pressures;
Processing and analysing ecological data, and interpreting and summarizing results;
Ensuring fisheries and ecological data are quality controlled and managed to meet established procedures, practices and standards;
Providing modelling, analytical and science support and advice, as required, to researchers, biologists and fisheries managers in MNRF and other external agencies and organizations;
Participating on international, provincial and regional task teams as a science expert during the review and development of provincial resource legislation, policies, programs, standards, guidelines and regulations pertaining to fisheries management on large inland lakes and the Great Lakes;
Training and providing leadership to staff on data entry and management, preparation of presentations and reports, and the general use of computer resources.
Participates in planning, delivery, and transfer of projects by:
Assist in the design, implementation, analysis, transfer, and review of aquatic research and monitoring programs on the Great Lakes and Lake Simcoe;
Investigating, testing, and applying new and emerging assessment, monitoring and research technologies for investigation of aquatic ecosystems and fisheries;
Applying modern techniques to the collection and analysis of fisheries, environmental, ecosystem, and habitat data, such as hydroacoustics, acoustic telemetry, side-scan sonar, stable isotope analysis, GIS, spatial modelling, stock assessment modelling, and time-series analysis;
Preparing summaries of research findings, such as statistical tables and appendices, graphs and maps, that are intended for inclusion in presentations, reports, and publications;
Preparing or assisting with preparing written internal and external protocols, summaries, and reports, and peer-reviewed publications in the primary scientific literature;
Informing the design, coordination, and implementation of Great Lakes and large lakes field and laboratory studies using specialized equipment and methodologies;
Providing training and group leadership to staff, summer students, and academic and agency partners;
Liaising and working with partners and collaborators from external agencies and organizations to design and implement programs relevant to Great Lakes and Lake Simcoe fisheries management;
Providing client support and science transfer of aquatic research and underlying resource management principles to MNRF staff, stakeholders and other agencies via one-on-one communication, publications, and presentations at meetings and workshops;
Disseminating research results to clients and partners including MNRF Great Lakes Management Units, Great Lakes Fishery Commission's Lake Committees and Technical Committees, Lake Simcoe Fisheries Management Committee and others as required,
Presenting research results at international scientific and fisheries management meetings, workshops, symposia, and conferences;
Acquiring the most up-to-date information relevant to the research program by assimilating the scientific literature, attending scientific conferences and symposia, and maintaining contacts with colleagues doing similar work within MNRF and in other agencies, institutions, and countries;
Acting as a supervisor under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and any workplace policies, procedures, or practices as directed by their immediate supervisor, report and hazards of which they are aware to their immediate
supervisor, report all work related injuries and illnesses to their immediate supervisor.

Staffing and Licensing :

Valid Class "G" Driver's Licence or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario.
Valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card or higher certification (or ability to obtain one).
Ability to travel to remote locations frequently and for multiple days.
Physical ability to handle heavy equipment and work under adverse weather conditions.

Knowledge :

Knowledge of aquatic ecology, including, fisheries ecology, population dynamics, life history theory, evolutionary ecology, Great Lakes ecosystems, and applied mathematics and statistics to design and implement applied fisheries research projects, analyze ecological data, transfer science, and develop
defensible decision-support tools;
Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques to analyze aquatic populations, communities, and ecosystems spatially and temporally;
Knowledge of data analysis, systems design and development, mathematics, simulation-modelling techniques, and programming methods to develop stock-specific and ecosystem models and computer-based tools for fisheries management;
Knowledge of established, new, and emerging assessment, monitoring and research technologies for aquatic ecosystems and fisheries to design and implement applied research and monitoring projects on the Great Lakes and Lake Simcoe;
Knowledge of the theory and practices of fisheries management to provide practical advice during policy, legislation and program development and to recommend appropriate actions to address fisheries issues, and conduct applied research that supports relevant management and policy needs in the
Great Lakes and Lake Simcoe;
Knowledge of natural resources data management and information architecture theory, principles and techniques, data modeling using computer software, and use of information tools to analyze ecological data;
Knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

Skills :

Conceptual, quantitative and analytical scientific skills to develop analytical methods and provide scientific expertise in advanced quantitative analysis of fisheries data, including multivariate analysis, ecological and time series modelling, indicator development, and sampling design;
Demonstrated computer and data management skills with statistical, computer programming, spreadsheet, database, mapping, word processing, and presentation software to manage complex datasets and information, conduct statistical analysis and modelling, and disseminate technological and
scientific information and results;
Demonstrated ability to operate specialized sampling equipment (e.g., hydroacoustic technology, multibeam sonar systems, GPS systems, field computers, ROVs and trawls) used to assess, monitor and research large lake fisheries resources and ecosystems in such a way as to ensure the
collection of scientifically rigorous data and that work is done safely;
Demonstrated ability to prepare written scientific reports, papers and presentations, and to give oral presentations to transfer science to scientists, managers, agencies and the public;
Interpersonal skills to communicate with staff, public, external agencies, and research collaborators with tact and good judgment;
Demonstrated project management skills and ability to work independently;
Organizational skills to manage multiple projects concurrently, solve problems and work with other staff and partners to meet required deliverables within appropriate timelines.

Freedom of Action :

Works within the procedural controls of Ministry and government policies, legislation, associated manuals, guidelines, directives and established practices and procedures;
Results are formally reviewed in annual performance appraisal where target achievement is based on mutually agreed upon performance measures;
Provides updates to Research Scientist and other team members through regular meetings, discussions and periodic reviews, to deal with problem areas;
Liaises with supervisors, collaborators, and internal and external clients to develop and refine project directions and plans;
Targets and performance are regularly reviewed with the Inland and Great Lakes Unit Coordinator and Research Scientist and adjusted due to unforeseen priorities and workload changes;
Direct supervision by Research Scientist is received as required for technical soundness of work;
Works in team environment and is required to accept responsibility for actions taken and work carried out;
Makes decisions on activities by identifying requirements, establishing resource needs, and following technical standard operating procedures;
Situations not covered by Ministry policies or normal operating procedures are reviewed and recommended course of action is discussed with Manager or Research Scientist.