Research Scientist

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Research Scientist position requires a proven track record in developing and implementing wildlife connectivity models, artificial intelligence applications for camera traps or autonomous recording units, and understands the development of land-cover classification models. Experience conducting wildlife connectivity analyses in the Greater Toronto Area would be considered a strong asset.

Major Responsibilities:

Supports supervisor in pursuing funding opportunities to enhance existing program areas and other research

Works with teams to create, format and prepare reports (case studies, discussion papers, technical strategies, planning documents, technical reports, and proposals) for review and circulation to internal/external stakeholders and external experts for various purposes

Reviews and provides written input or feedback on draft reports or interim analysis completed by other project team members; ensures the final report is complete, accurate and incorporates or addresses comments

Designs and carries out detailed technical analyses or assessments in association with other staff, including but not limited to statistical or trend analysis, modelling, risk or scenario analysis, literature review or other qualitative assessment approaches

Collects data according to standardized protocols and ensures that data are scientifically defensible to guarantee the provision of high-quality information to TRCA and its partners

Organizes, manages databases, and conducts quality control checks on monitoring or assessment data, ensuring quality control and assurance measures are always followed during data collection and analysis processes. Updates and maintains corporate databases using SQL and GIS ArcMap

Creates, modifies and stores appropriate graphics, tables, maps, databases or other tools to view, access or present the analyzed information, including for use in final reporting

Provides subject matter expert advice to stakeholders and partners within area of work

Contributes to the development and implementation of industry best practices, more efficient processes and procedures and the innovative use of new technology

Identifies area of improvement or concern that should be addressed and collaborates with others to develop a plan that maximizes the value of a project; considering alignment with other areas, availability of resources and ability to leverage other projects/this project for other future projects

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)

University degree in Biology, Geography, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Engineering, Physics, Renewable Energy or a related field.

Valid Ontario Class G2 driver's license.

Experience

4+ years of experience related to the major responsibilities of the role

Experience with the full research lifecycle, including identifying research knowledge gaps, seeking funding, designing and conducting experiments, undertaking spatial and temporal analysis using statistical software to analyze data, and publishing research findings

Experience managing data and implementing quality assurance quality control processes

Experience evaluating scientific results and communicating science-based advice, findings and recommendations to scientists, managers, or non-technical stakeholders

Experience working with municipal, provincial, and federal environmental policies

Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies

Sound working knowledge of science policy and practices surrounding land use, climate change adaptation and/or mitigation as they pertain to ecosystem management, sustainable technologies and/or watershed hydrology

Proficiency in MS Office suite including online software, such as MS teams, WebEx, and SharePoint

Able to comprehend documentation that is technical or scientific in nature, skilled in writing technical reports or manuals

Ability to overcome objections by reasoning persuasively

Demonstrated ability to proactively identify problems in a timely manner, seeking the appropriate level of support to solve issues

Demonstrated ability to prepare consultant terms of reference and procurement documents