Senior Research Scientist – Green Infrastructure

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.