Wildlife Research Technician

Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding opportunity that allows you to make a positive impact on wildlife and contribute to public safety? If so, do not miss this opportunity to be a part of an energetic and highly professional team with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's Rabies Surveillance and Control Program. Gain valuable experience in your field and lay the ground work for a future with the Ontario Public Service in areas such as science, biology, natural resources and environment.

Temporary assignments/contracts for up to 16 weeks, with the possibility of extension, in:
West Region (Vineland): 8-12 positions
Southern Region (Peterborough): 2 positions

Please Note: Moving or living expenses/reimbursements are not available.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Are you looking for an exciting position supporting wildlife health? In this role, you will carry out a variety of technical duties and program responsibilities associated with the delivery of wildlife rabies research, control and management programs.

Every year throughout the summer and fall, our team works together to:

• distribute oral rabies vaccine baits by hand, bait station, helicopter, and airplane
• conduct trap-vaccinate-release of wildlife in high-risk areas
• test dead, sick, and strange-acting wildlife for rabies
• conduct research to help improve the effectiveness of rabies control operations

Learn more at:  Wildlife rabies outbreaks and control operations | ontario.ca

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirements:

• You must have a valid G license or equivalent. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's license upon being hired.
• You are or are willing to be vaccinated against the rabies virus and maintain an adequate antibody titre.
• You possess, or have the ability to complete, Standard First Aid and CPR training.
• You are capable of working in low altitude aircraft (twin otter, beaver, and helicopter).
• You have the ability to undertake fieldwork, working in inclement weather conditions, lifting, and carrying heavy objects (field gear), and hiking long distances over difficult terrain.

Technical knowledge and skills:

• You have proven experience working in lab and field operations.
• You have experience working with laboratory and field equipment, including use of live-traps.
• You have the ability to collect and process specimens for biological data.
• You have basic knowledge in mammalian anatomy.
• You have knowledge of wildlife research and management techniques and principles.

General skills:

• You have proven ability to work as a team member with minimal supervision.
• You have interpersonal and communication skills to interact with the public and landowners with tact and diplomacy.
• You can work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and ensure team members working with you are following workplace regulations.
• You possess problem-solving skills to troubleshoot operational field activities.
• You have organizational skills and attention to detail.
• You have well developed knowledge and skills working with computers and computer software such as word processing, spreadsheets and data entry.

How to apply:

Applications must be received by the end of the closing date, March 17, 2023.

Please send resume and cover letter to:
Sarah Hagey, sarah.hagey@ontario.ca, Science Operations Supervisor (Acting)

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

Collection of Information

Your personal information is being collected and will be used to determine your qualifications for employment with the Ontario Public Service, and for recruitment modernization initiatives. OPS Careers is an authorized common service in accordance with s. 6 of the Ministry of Government Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.25 and this collection of personal information is necessary to the proper administration of OPS Careers.

Please do not provide more personal information than what is asked of you. For example, do not include your social insurance number, photograph, or banking information, etc. with your application. We strongly encourage you not to provide us with information beyond that which is requested in the job posting.

If you have any questions about the collection, use, disclosure, or retention of your personal information, please contact us.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Friday, March 17, 2023 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.