Invasive Species Summer Technician

Job Title: Invasive Species Summer Technician
Application Deadline: March 23, 2025 at 11:59 pm
**Please Note: All positions are dependent upon external funding, yet to be received by the OFAH **
Potential Start Date: May 2025, but specific date to be determined (pending funding approval)
Duration: Between 8-16 weeks, but specific duration to be determined (pending funding approval)
Hours: Usually 35 hours per week, but specific hours to be determined (pending funding approval)
Rate of Pay: $17.20 – $21.56 per hour + 4% vacation pay
Number of Positions: 36

Applicants must be youth between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period, as per the requirements of the Government of Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs Program.

The Invasive Species Summer Technician is an exciting opportunity to work with OFAH Foundation’s Invading Species Awareness Program, and partner organizations (listed below) across Ontario.

*Please indicate the location to which you are applying in your OFAH Invasive Species Summer Technician Application Form, cover letter and résumé:

Key Responsibilities:

• Become familiar with the biology and impacts of priority invasive species affecting local environments;
• Assist with the implementation of invasive species management projects in conservation areas, public, and/or private lands, including invasive species control and stewardship outreach initiatives;
• Attend and answer inquiries from the public regarding invasive species at community events, such as Family Fishing Day, Children’s Water Festivals, fishing derbies, community fairs, regattas, lake association meetings, etc.;
• Conduct presentations and/or training sessions virtually or in-person to various community organizations and volunteers;
• Participate in and coordinate community groups in stewardship and monitoring activities (e.g., phragmites, water soldier and European water chestnut monitoring);
• Inventory, monitoring, and/or removal of invasive species, and enter data collected into the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS);
• Become familiar with the principles of field work (e.g., accurate data recording, use of technical equipment, record keeping, etc.); and
• Develop computer skills utilizing tools such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, EDDMapS, and Google Drive.

Education and Qualifications:

• Minimum of one year of college or university education in biology, environmental science, or a related resource management program;
• Minimum of one year of education and/or experience in the following areas: monitoring local waters and natural areas for invasive species, public education and awareness, plant, fish and invertebrate identification, field work, and data collection;
• Between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period;
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of employment; and
• Valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of invasive species affecting local environments;
• Plant, fish, and invertebrate identification skills;
• Knowledge and skills relating to monitoring local waters and natural areas for invasive species;
• Experience networking with resource professionals/agencies and engaging volunteers/public in invading species awareness and stewardship projects;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience conveying information to the public (e.g., presentations to community/contributing articles to newspapers/newsletters);
• Familiar with computer and database management skills (e.g., MS Office, MS Outlook, MS Teams, Internet);
• Knowledge of the principles of field work, such as accurate data recording, use of technical equipment, and record keeping;
• Ability to work flexible hours and perform occasional field work; and
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license (class G);
• Valid pleasure craft operators card (for positions required to operate watercraft);
• Valid OFAH membership (required at time of hire); and
• OFAH employees are required to complete a criminal record check every three years.

Assets:

• Valid emergency first aid with level A CPR and AED certification (as a minimum); and
• Valid fishing license.

Please submit in one document an OFAH Invasive Species Summer Technician Application Form, cover letter and résumé clearly identifying the location(s) to which you are applying to, and how your skills and qualifications meet each of the requirements listed above to:

Attention: Emma Rupprecht, ISAP Administrator
Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters
P.O. Box 2800
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8L5
E-mail: isap@ofah.org

The deadline for applications is March 23, 2025 at 11:59 pm

NO TELEPHONE CALLS OR EMAIL INQUIRIES PLEASE

Only candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.

The OFAH Foundation stays informed in regards to the current public and workplace health and safety measures surrounding infectious diseases from federal, provincial and municipal levels of government, and provides regular updates to our staff. We have a workplace safety plan and training in place for our staff and update our plan and training when workplace health and safety measures are implemented or revised by government and public health officials.

The OFAH Foundation is an equal opportunity and accessible employers. We are committed to providing accessible opportunities for all qualified job applicants. Should you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at aodafeedback@ofah.org.