Are you passionate about butterflies and keen to contribute to efforts to monitor and protect their populations? Is so, do not miss this opportunity to join the Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section to help us coordinate and implement butterfly monitoring across the province. In this role you will conduct field work, aid in project planning, and engage with partners and community-scientists to ensure standardized collection of biodiversity data.
About the job
• Prepare and maintain field and lab equipment by determining supply needs, procuring materials, and keeping vehicles and technical gear in working condition.
• Carry out fieldwork for wildlife monitoring programs such as trapping, tagging, surveying, and data collection across various species and research initiatives.
• Record, manage, and summarize data using paper and electronic tools, ensuring accurate entry, secure storage, and preparation of summary reports.
• Communicate with partners, staff, landowners, and the public to coordinate access, share program information, and support collaborative research activities.
• Train and support junior staff in field techniques, equipment use, data collection, and health and safety practices.
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.
Technical Wildlife Field & Laboratory Skills:
• knowledge of wildlife anatomy and resource management to support WRMS research and monitoring activities
• ability to conduct wildlife trapping, handling, biological sample collection and processing using appropriate safety protocols
Communication, Collaboration & Stakeholder Relations:
• ability to communication well through presentations, email, phone, and field interactions to relay program information and coordinate access/permissions
• written communication skills to contribute to field manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training guides, and summary reports
• ability to use tact and diplomacy when liaising with landowners, partner groups, collaborating students, and the public
Data Management, Analysis & Technical Reporting:
• able to accurately record, compile, and store field and laboratory data using digital and paper systems; ensures data integrity, security, and confidentiality
• ability to use software (Excel, Word, Access, GIS, data loggers, tablets) for data entry, backups, basic statistics, and preparation of summary reports
• knowledge of basic statistical concepts (e.g., mean, standard deviation, range) to generate preliminary data summaries
Coordination, Planning & Operational Support:
• ability to contribute to operational work plans, support field operations planning, determine supply/equipment needs and procure items
• work independently in remote settings, making technical decisions within established policies and procedures
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:
What we offer
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