HABITAT TECHNICIAN

Seasonal Contract Position

Position Details

Number of Vacancies: 5

Rate of Pay: $18.50

Employment Type: Seasonal

Duration of Contract: May 5, 2025 - August 22, 2025 (possibility of extension based on funding and performance)

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week

Work Location: Based out of Aurora, Ontario

Ontario Streams is looking for energetic, enthusiastic, and reliable individuals to contribute to our mission of restoring and protecting aquatic habitats within the Greater Toronto Area. We lead restoration projects in a variety of habitats including rivers and wetlands to improve ecosystems for sensitive species such as Redside Dace, Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, and Jefferson Salamanders.

Why join our team?

• You will gain experience in a wide variety of environmental restoration techniques.
• You will get to work outdoors and see some of the GTA's hidden gems.
• You will contribute to meaningful conservation action with other like-minded individuals.
• You will work with an organization that is committed to building skills and knowledge across the team including aquatic monitoring techniques, outreach and communications, and offering networking opportunities with other environmental organizations.
• Ontario Streams provides Backpack Electrofishing Crew Lead Training for Habitat Technicians.
• Ontario Streams provides two paid sick days for Habitat Technicians.

Summary of Position

Habitat Technicians will assist in the implementation of wetland and stream rehabilitation projects under the supervision of Project Biologists. Duties include but are not limited to: building in-stream erosion control and aquatic habitat structures, planting native trees and shrubs, removing detrimental in-stream blockages, collecting in-stream and riparian litter, ecological monitoring, and assisting with stewardship programs.

Summary of Major Tasks:

• Implement basic construction techniques to install in-stream habitat structures. Construction will generally involve the use of a wide variety of hand tools and other specialized field equipment.
• Perform in-stream and riparian debris removal, including the removal of litter and excess large woody material.
• Riparian tree and shrub planting and mulching.
• Remove invasive species including European Buckthorn and Japanese Knotweed
• Possibility of some aquatic monitoring including identifying and recording aquatic species (fish, amphibians, and benthic macroinvertebrates).
• Work cooperatively with volunteers and local community groups in a wide variety of events.
• Follow health and safety practices and participate in the maintenance of a safe work environment through the application of Ontario Streams’ Health and Safety policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Will Need to Succeed:

• Ontario Streams is seeking self-motivated, dynamic individuals with an interest in stream and wetland rehabilitation and monitoring. 
• Must have a minimum of one-year post-secondary education in biology, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Physical work is required in this position. A successful applicant must be able to lift and carry objects that weigh up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse environmental conditions.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team setting.
• Familiarity with aquatic environments and restoration techniques is considered an asset.

Forward cover letter, resume, and two references as a single PDF document with subject title “Habitat Technician” by February 23rd, 2025 to:

Doug Forder (General Manager) 

E-mail: info@ontariostreams.on.ca 

Candidates will be expected to work occasional weekends and evenings. Ontario Streams will provide all safety and field equipment as required, but employees must provide and wear their own pair of CSA approved footwear.

Ontario Streams 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 Ontario Streams Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Although Ontario Streams appreciates the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.