Senior Research Scientist – Green Infrastructure

Position Details:

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $111,420.40, Max = $129,165.40

Employment type: Full-Time Permanent

Hours of work: 35hrs/week

Work location: Head Office

Division: Development Engineering & Services

Business unit: Watershed Planning & Ecosystem System

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 6, 2024.

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Senior Research Scientist is responsible for managing a team and overseeing several research initiatives related to green infrastructure, urban forestry, and ecosystem service valuation. The Senior Research Scientist provides technical expertise, ensures rigorous research methodology, enables effective partnerships with leading academia/research institutions, expanding TRCA’s access to leading science and practices.

Major Responsibilities:

• Leads and manages various research projects or initiatives relevant to TRCA’s business and strategic objectives.
• Carries out technical analysis and/or assessment on projects both within the scope of the research group and on other internal stakeholder projects in support of TRCA’s strategic objectives.
• Facilitates the building of new or strengthening existing network of long-term research partnerships with leading universities, government agencies and non-government organizations in accordance with the corporate research partnership development process.
• Leads the acquisition of grant applications that enhance programs and initiatives.
• Attends and presents at conferences, scientific roundtable gatherings or public events to broadly enable knowledge transfer or exchange, and build/strengthen networks.
• Monitors budget and timeline and develops strategies to mitigate any variances to the project plan.
• Leads a team of staff and ensures that team members understand expectations; communicates schedule, tasks and discusses priorities of items.
• Supports onboarding and provides on the job training and support as needed for individuals; also identifies any gaps in or potential improvement areas for training, development, process, resources, or procedures.
• In collaboration with Human Resources:
  • Manages team recruitment, selection and hiring of talent
  • Manages individual employee development and individual development plans, considering high performing staff and managing underperforming staff
  • Recommends compensation performance adjustments
  • Recommends individuals for promotions/transfers
• Leads and develops talent, acting as a role model in demonstrating accountability; supports a culture of workplace equity and inclusion that celebrates diversity.

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)

• University degree in Ecology, Environmental Sciences or a related field
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver's license

Experience 

• 5+ years of progressive experience in environmental or green infrastructure research or a related field
• 2+ years of progressive managerial, supervisory or project management experience
• 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
• Experience leading scientific research programs through the development of budgets, workplans, and deliverables

Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies

• Demonstrated acquisition of state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and practices in their areas of expertise
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member to coach staff and work with stakeholders (internally and externally) and negotiate project variance/timelines; ability to deal tactfully and courteously with stakeholders, public officials
• Ability to use critical thinking to evaluate problems, gather information, understand causes, and identify best possible solutions
• Ability to identify and implement best practices and solutions to improve customer service
• Influential communicator able to facilitate discussions between parties with different perspectives of competing interests and resolve conflicts
• Able to comprehend documentation that is technical or scientific in nature, skilled in writing technical reports or manuals

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.