Research Scientist

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA); Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is seeking a Research Scientist to develop wildlife connectivity models and apply AI approaches to camera trap data. The role emphasizes statistical analysis, land-cover classification, and collaboration with partners in the Greater Toronto Area.

Responsibilities include data collection, quality control, reporting, and supporting funding efforts. Strong communication with stakeholders and ability to work with policy frameworks are valued.

Qualifications

• University degree in Biology, Geography, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Engineering, Physics, Renewable Energy or a related field.
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver’s license.
• 4+ years of experience related to the major responsibilities of the role.
• Experience with the full research lifecycle including defining knowledge gaps, seeking funding, experimental design, spatial and temporal analysis, and publishing findings.
• Experience managing data and implementing quality assurance/quality control processes.
• Experience communicating science-based findings to scientists, managers, or non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Supports supervisor in pursuing funding opportunities to enhance existing program areas and other research.
• Prepares reports and proposals for internal/external stakeholders and experts.
• Reviews and provides input on draft reports; ensures final reports are accurate.
• Designs and carries out detailed technical analyses, including statistical or trend analysis, modelling, and literature reviews.
• Collects data per standardized protocols and ensures data are scientifically defensible.
• Manages databases and performs quality control checks on monitoring data using SQL and GIS ArcMap.
• Creates graphics, tables, maps, and other tools to present analyzed information.
• Provides subject matter expert advice to stakeholders and partners.
• Contributes to industry best practices and adoption of new technology.
• Identifies improvements and collaborates to plan initiatives across projects.

Skills

Data analysis

GIS

SQL

Report writing

Stakeholder communication

Policy awareness

Education

University degree

Ontario G2 driver’s license

Tools

ArcMap

MS Office

SharePoint

WebEx

Teams

Job description

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Research Scientist position requires a proven track record in developing and implementing wildlife connectivity models, artificial intelligence applications for camera traps or autonomous recording units, and understands the development of land-cover classification models. Experience conducting wildlife connectivity analyses in the Greater Toronto Area would be considered a strong asset.

Major Responsibilities:

• Supports supervisor in pursuing funding opportunities to enhance existing program areas and other research
• Works with teams to create, format and prepare reports (case studies, discussion papers, technical strategies, planning documents, technical reports, and proposals) for review and circulation to internal/external stakeholders and external experts for various purposes
• Reviews and provides written input or feedback on draft reports or interim analysis completed by other project team members; ensures the final report is complete, accurate and incorporates or addresses comments
• Designs and carries out detailed technical analyses or assessments in association with other staff, including but not limited to statistical or trend analysis, modelling, risk or scenario analysis, literature review or other qualitative assessment approaches
• Collects data according to standardized protocols and ensures that data are scientifically defensible to guarantee the provision of high-quality information to TRCA and its partners
• Organizes, manages databases, and conducts quality control checks on monitoring or assessment data, ensuring quality control and assurance measures are always followed during data collection and analysis processes. Updates and maintains corporate databases using SQL and GIS ArcMap
• Creates, modifies and stores appropriate graphics, tables, maps, databases or other tools to view, access or present the analyzed information, including for use in final reporting
• Provides subject matter expert advice to stakeholders and partners within area of work
• Contributes to the development and implementation of industry best practices, more efficient processes and procedures and the innovative use of new technology
• Identifies area of improvement or concern that should be addressed and collaborates with others to develop a plan that maximizes the value of a project; considering alignment with other areas, availability of resources and ability to leverage other projects/this project for other future projects

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)

• University degree in Biology, Geography, Hydrology, Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Engineering, Physics, Renewable Energy or a related field.
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver's license.

Experience

• 4+ years of experience related to the major responsibilities of the role
• 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

Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies

• Sound working knowledge of science policy and practices surrounding land use, climate change adaptation and/or mitigation as they pertain to ecosystem management, sustainable technologies and/or watershed hydrology
• Proficiency in MS Office suite including online software, such as MS teams, WebEx, and SharePoint
• Able to comprehend documentation that is technical or scientific in nature, skilled in writing technical reports or manuals
• Ability to overcome objections by reasoning persuasively
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify problems in a timely manner, seeking the appropriate level of support to solve issues
• Demonstrated ability to prepare consultant terms of reference and procurement documents