Environmental Biologist

Position: Environmental Biologist (1 position)
Reports To: Environmental Planner
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Date: May 5, 2025 to August 22, 2025 (16-week contract)
Wage: $18.20 per hour

Please submit a cover letter and resume to the attention of Tammy Cook, Chief Administrative Officer. The application deadline is March 6, 2025.

Eligibility requirements for applicants:

• Between 15 and 30 years of age when employment begins (inclusive)
• A Canadian citizen, or permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations

* Youth who have previously been hired through the YESS program are eligible to be re-hired by a participating organization as long as the individual is hired into a new position or in a position that is a progression from a position that the youth previously held.

General Overview:

The Environmental Biologist reports to the Environmental Planner and may receive direction from the GIS/Water Resources Technologist or the Watershed Biologist. Working in a team environment, the Environmental Biologist will assist with the environmental monitoring programs and contribute to ongoing studies and projects. Day-to-day duties will specialize in the collection, entry, and/or analysis of biophysical data to support various water quality and invasive species monitoring programs.

Finally, the proponent will be expected to assist with the Neebing and McIntyre River Sea Lamprey Trapping Program. This project requires the student biologist to assist with conducting mark and release studies and collecting raw data to be used to generate population estimates of Sea Lamprey. Fish identification and dissection skills are an asset.

The successful candidate will support LRCA’s water quality sampling programs and Neebing Culvert Assessment. The students will directly contribute to the Bathing Beach Sampling Program, collecting weekly water samples from June to August, analyzing results, and compiling data into a summary report. Cyanobacteria and invasive species monitoring will be carried out alongside the Bathing Beach Sampling Program. Further, the Environmental Technician will collect samples for the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network and Mosquito Creek.

The Environmental Biologist will assist with invasive species monitoring programs and contribute to ongoing projects. The proponent will be expected to participate in the Thunder Bay Regional Phragmites Collaboration, by continuing to locate and map invasive Phragmites within the Thunder Bay Region and surrounding municipalities and townships. Using Survey 123, iNaturalist, and EDDmaps, the Environmental Biologist will continue to collect data on native and invasive stands of Phragmites.

This position normally works a 35-hour work week with occasional evening and weekend involvement. Occasional assistance with LRCA’s public events may be required on an as-needed basis. Hours beyond the normal work week are compensated with time-off in lieu as agreed to with the supervisor, in advance when possible.

The work week is Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m.

A valid clean driver’s license and access to a working vehicle is required.

Duties:

1. Conservation Area Water Quality Monitoring:
   • Bathing Beach water quality monitoring at Hazelwood Lake and Mission Island Marsh.
   • Cyanobacteria testing and sampling at Hazelwood Lake, Mission Island Marsh, Silver Harbour, and Hurkett Cove.
   • Development of the Conservation Area Water Quality Monitoring final report.
2. Sea Lamprey Trapping Program:
   • Conduct a Sea Lamprey mark and recapture study on the Neebing and McIntyre Rivers.
   • Remove, identify, and count fish and invertebrates captured in traps.
   • Assist with collecting biological data from Sea Lampreys.
   • Complete related field reports (environmental data and daily report).
   • Assist with the dissection of recaptured Sea Lamprey.
3. Phragmites Monitoring and Mapping:
   • Locate and report invasive and native stands of Phragmites (Phragmites australis subsp. australis) using Survey 123, iNaturalist, and EDDmaps.
   • Map the side of the stands using a Trimble Hand-Held GPS unit.
   • Work with the GIS/Water Resources Technologist to produce final map products.
   • Assist with the development of a Regional Best Management Practice for Narrow Leaved Cattail.
4. Neebing Culvert Study:
   • Assist with inspections of undersized culverts and culverts identified as potential fish habitat connections and document conditions.
   • Assist with data organization and producing the final report.
5. Stewardship Program support:
   • Assist with planting projects as required.
   • Assist with the maintenance of the greenhouse and seedlings.
   • Assist with any invasive species removal initiatives along the floodway.
6. Any other duties as assigned.

Education & Skills Required:

• Currently pursuing, or have completed, post-secondary education in Biology, Environmental Studies, or a related program with relevant experience in areas such as water quality, hydrology, water resources, and environmental science.
• Experience in a variety of field sampling techniques and monitoring protocols is an asset.
• Working knowledge of handheld GPS equipment would be an asset.
• Flora and fauna identification skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office including: Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including ability in technical report writing.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal to no supervision.
• Must be willing to work outdoors and in adverse weather conditions.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License with a clean driving record.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a detailed resume and cover letter. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The information provided will only be used for the purposes of this position and will be managed in confidence within the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Submit your application to:

Tammy Cook – Chief Administrative Officer
Lakehead Region Conservation Authority
P.O. Box 10427, 130 Conservation Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T8
Fax: 807-345-9156
Email: jobs@lakeheadca.com