Research Analyst

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority; Toronto; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is seeking a Research Analyst to provide technical knowledge on ecosystem, green infrastructure and climate science data collection and analysis to inform land use, sustainability, infrastructure, restoration, natural heritage planning, climate adaptation, watershed planning and reporting.

You will organize databases, conduct GIS analyses, develop data visualizations, support stakeholder presentations, and assist with preparing reports and case

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in environmental or engineering research and/or statistical analysis.
• Experience managing data and implementing quality assurance quality control processes.
• Experience evaluating scientific results and communicating and providing science-based recommendations based on findings.

Responsibilities

• Organizes, manages databases, and conducts quality control checks on monitoring or assessment data.
• Conducts geo-spatial assessments, compiling, analyzing, and reporting on a variety of data sets as required using ArcGIS or equivalent software
• Reviews existing standard operating procedures and internal processes to suggest improvements to procedures and reporting processes.
• Prepares data summaries, including GIS, statistical or trend analysis and interprets data.
• Assists with evaluation of survey and geoscience needs for projects.
• Supports the implementation of the latest statistical scientific methods using relevant software (e.g., R Software, Python, Julia, etc.)
• 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
• 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
• Coordinates several projects and presents findings at relevant workshops, conferences, and meetings to interested stakeholders
• Builds, runs, and interprets hydrological models to evaluate scenarios at the watershed and site scales, and communicates results to internal teams, municipal partners, and clients

Skills

Geospatial analysis

Data visualization

Statistics

Scientific writing

MS Office proficiency

Stakeholder communication

Understanding of research process

Education

University degree in Biology, Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Physical Sciences, Water Resources, or a related field

Ontario Class G2 driver's license

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

R

Python

Job description

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Research Analyst is responsible for providing technical knowledge regarding ecosystem, green infrastructure, and climate science 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:

• Organizes, manages databases, and conducts quality control checks on monitoring or assessment data
• Conducts geo-spatial assessments, compiling, analyzing, and reporting on a variety of data sets as required using ArcGIS or equivalent software
• Reviews existing standard operating procedures and internal processes to suggest improvements to procedures and reporting processes
• Prepares data summaries, including GIS, statistical or trend analysis and interprets data
• Assists with evaluation of survey and geoscience needs for projects
• Supports the implementation of the latest statistical scientific methods using relevant software (e.g., R Software, Python, Julia, etc.)
• 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
• 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
• Coordinates several projects and presents findings at relevant workshops, conferences, and meetings to interested stakeholders
• Builds, runs, and interprets hydrological models to evaluate scenarios at the watershed and site scales, and communicates results to internal teams, municipal partners, and clients

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)

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

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in environmental or engineering research and/or statistical analysis
• 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 and implementing spatial analysis (e.g., landscape metrics, spatial and temporal analysis)
• 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 others
• 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.)