Research Analyst (Green Infrastructure)

Position Details:

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $36.68/hr, Max = $42.51/hr

Employment type: Full-Time Contract 

Duration of employment: 12 Months

Hours of work: 35 hrs/week

Work location: Head Office

Division: Development & Engineering Services

Business unit: Watershed Planning & Ecosystem Science

Travel: 10 %

Remote Work: Hybrid

About TRCA:

With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.

TRCA is considered the provincial leader in conserving, restoring, and managing natural resources to advance safe and sustainable development.

To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon. Please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF or Word file prior to 11:59 pm on August 16, 2024.

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Research Analyst is responsible for providing technical knowledge regarding ecosystem, green infrastructure, and urban forestry data collection and analysis to help inform land use, sustainability, infrastructure, restoration, natural heritage system planning, climate change adaptation, watershed planning and reporting, and other ecosystem management decisions of TRCA and its partners.

Major Responsibilities:

• Participates in environmentally, green infrastructure or urban forestry focused technical analyses and acts as a technical lead on broader TRCA projects.
• Organizes, manages databases, and conducts quality control checks on monitoring or spatial data.
• Conducts geo-spatial assessments, compiling, analyzing, and reporting on a variety of data sets using ArcGIS or equivalent software. Oversees and carries out spatial data collection using remote sensing data
• Prepares data summaries, including GIS, statistical or trend analysis and interprets data.
• Supports the implementation of the latest statistical scientific methods using relevant software (e.g., R Software, Python, Julia, etc.).
• Supports field initiatives to collect, compile, analyze and report on a range of ecological research topics.
• Works with the project teams to create, format and prepare draft reports for review and circulation to internal/external stakeholders and external experts for various purposes. Reports are also inclusive of case studies, discussion papers, technical strategies, planning documents, reports and proposals.
• Supports with the coordination of requests for comments on draft reports or interim results, including the compilation of received comments, and reviewing and documenting responses.
• Supports the preparation of presentations for stakeholder-related and other public speaking events, creates data visualizations and other supports enabling audience understanding of the information.

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)

• University degree in Forestry, Biology, Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Physical Sciences, or a related field.
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver’s license

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in environmental research and/or data analysis
• Experience conducting scientific field work, spatial data collection and mapping, and/or surveys and laboratory work, and managing related data
• Experience managing data and implementing quality assurance quality control processes
• Experience evaluating scientific results and communicating and providing science-based recommendations based on findings

Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies

• A strong understanding of the research process (e.g., conception, literature review, analysis, results, discussion and applied research implications)
• Understanding of ArcGIS,  implementing spatial analysis (e.g., landscape metrics, spatial and temporal analysis) and/or spatial data collection and mapping
• Ability to review a data set, identify anomalies in the information and develop methods of analyzing the data
• Ability to write persuasive or compelling content for the purpose of generating positive responses or heightened interest by other
• Proven ability to provide sound technical advice and solutions to solve environmental and/or engineering technical issues
• Proficiency in MS Office suite including online software such as MS teams, WebEx, and SharePoint; coupled with strong MS Excel capabilities for analysis and data visualization
• Proficiency in statistical and spatial analytical software to implement analysis (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, R software, Python, etc.)

What TRCA has to offer you:

As part of a progressive team you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment. Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values by demonstrating the following behaviours; integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare). 

You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that:

• Makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.
• Fosters high performance and collaborative teams.
• Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP).
• Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program.
• Provides unique TRCA Perks.
• Provides flexible work arrangements.
• Offers potential for career growth and advancement.

While Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews.  Please be advised successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver's abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer.  We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.  Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to TRCA.  We welcome applications from all qualified persons.  Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection and onboarding process in collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27.  Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Manager of Records Information, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan. Ontario, L4K 5R6, (437) 880-2308.