Be part of the work that protects Ontario's land, water, and wildlife. This role helps guide science-based decisions that keep ecosystems healthy and communities strong, supporting how Ontarians use and care for natural resources—now and into the future.
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
• a defined benefit pension plan
• comprehensive health plan
• life and disability insurance
• flexible work arrangements
• collegial and professional work culture
• career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• on-the-job training to support your success in the role
Please note: During the application process you may select one or both locations to be considered for.
About the job
In this role, you will:
• lead aquatic field crews in collecting fish, habitat, and environmental data, making sure work follows provincial standards, safety rules, and sampling protocols.
• operate boats, vehicles, snowmobiles, and ATVs to support field surveys in remote lake and river locations, often in changing weather conditions.
• ensure field data and samples are accurately collected, recorded, stored, and ready for entry using specialized monitoring equipment.
• provide day to day direction to students and temporary staff, including assigning tasks, checking work quality, and promoting safe work practices.
• review, organize, and summarize field data and samples to support scientific analysis and reporting by specialists.
• help maintain, service, and store field equipment and supplies at the end of each project or survey season.
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
• You possess or have the ability to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operators Card.
• You possess or have the ability to obtain a MED Domestic Vessel Safety (MED-DVS).
• You possess or have the ability to obtain a Small Vessel Operator's Proficiency (SVOP).
Knowledge of fisheries monitoring & assessment:
• knowledge of fisheries and aquatic monitoring techniques, including fish sampling, fish identification, habitat assessment, and preparation of fish aging structures
• knowledge of field and limnological equipment and standardized data collection protocols to ensure accurate and reliable scientific data
Field operations & equipment operation:
• ability to safely operate boats, vehicles, snowmobiles, and ATVs in remote and variable field conditions
• ability to perform physically demanding fieldwork and basic equipment maintenance in compliance with operational and safety standards
Leadership & crew coordination:
• ability to lead and support field crews by assigning work, monitoring performance, and ensuring tasks are completed to required standards
• ability to promote and enforce occupational health and safety practices in field environments
Problem solving & judgement:
• ability to assess field conditions, identify risks or issues, and adapt work plans within established protocols
• ability to exercise sound judgement in responding to unforeseen operational challenges and escalating issues when required
Communication & data documentation:
• ability to clearly communicate instructions, observations, and findings with team members, supervisors, and stakeholders
• ability to accurately document, compile, and summarize field data for reporting and analysis purposes
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace: