Are you a highly motivated individual with an interest in science and research? Here's your chance to apply your skills and knowledge to an exciting position with the Wildlife Research & Monitoring Section (WRMS) of the Ministry of Natural Resources, supporting Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance and preparedness.
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
• 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
About the job
In this position you will carry out a variety of technical duties and program responsibilities associated with the delivery of wildlife research, such as:
• provide technical oversight and direction for both lab and field programs
• inventory and procurement of supplies, equipment and services
• ensure integrity and safe operations of lab and field personnel, equipment, microscopes and vehicles
• ensure equipment is maintained in excellent condition; follow and contribute to the standard lab and field procedures and protocols for testing and monitoring for the presence of wildlife disease
• conduct preliminary necropsies in a containment level 2 laboratory
• ensure accurate data collection both in the lab and the field through use of paper data sheets or electronic devices such as computers, data loggers or tablets; accurately compile field and laboratory data and perform basic statistical analysis such as mean, standard deviation and range
• communicate with both internal and external partners and public
Please note that you will be working in inclement weather conditions (rain, snow, heat, cold), and may travel extensively for long periods of time during projects throughout the province of Ontario.
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 are willing and able to be vaccinated against the rabies virus and maintain adequate antibody titre.
Scientific knowledge and skills:
• You have expertise in field and laboratory techniques, including use of live-traps, microscopes, general lab practices and use of field equipment to collect data and process animal specimens for biological data and sample collection.
• You have working knowledge of animal anatomy and histology to perform necropsies and collect biological material both in the field and in the lab.
• You have working knowledge of wildlife research and monitoring techniques and principles to plan, organize and implement projects.
Technical knowledge and skills:
• You have demonstrated proficiency with computer software used in word processing data collection and entry.
• You have a working knowledge of GIS, GPS and mobile/electronic data collection technology and associated file types to plan, map and report on field and lab programs.
• You have an understanding of basic statistics to complete preliminary summaries including analysis of data to determine such variables as mean, standard deviation and range.
Teamwork and group leadership skills:
• You have the demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, as a team member and as a leader (as required) and provide daily supervision/coaching to staff.
• You have working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable workplace regulations.
Communication skills:
• You have the ability to communicate effectively with tact and diplomacy, to train staff, present results, and prepare reports.
• You have well developed interpersonal skills to solicit cooperation with other staff, partner agencies and the public to maintain and build strong relationships and cooperation.
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: