Freshwater Conservation Scientist

Job title: Freshwater Conservation Scientist Position type: Full time Position location: Thunder Bay, Ontario (negotiable) Supervised by: Ontario’s Northern Boreal Landscape Lead Anticipated start date: January 2015 Application closing date: 31 October 2014 Salary range: $60,000 to $67,000 based on experience. Includes benefits.

Position Summary: The Freshwater Conservation Scientist is responsible for leading WCS Canada’s Freshwater Conservation Program within WCS Canada’s Ontario Northern Boreal (ONB) Landscape program. The ONB Landscape program is focused geographically on Ontario’s Far North developing applied and field-based research on terrestrial and aquatic socio-ecological systems to address conservation needs in this large, intact landscape. Information generated by the program is used to address and improve land-use planning processes, environmental assessment, and conservation in Ontario’s Far North with decision- makers in Government, First Nations and other stakeholders. The Freshwater Conservation Scientist is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies for conserving freshwater wildlife and their habitats in ONB, including freshwater fish, wetlands and peatlands. The design and implementation of applied and field-based research and tools are a significant aspect of this position.

Position Objectives: 1) Develop and implement a Freshwater Conservation Strategy for the ONB that supports the conservation goals and objectives of the ONB Landscape Program. 2) Design and implement an applied and field-based freshwater research program focused on freshwater conservation targets identified in the Freshwater Conservation Strategy and ONB Strategic Plan. 3) Develop and apply freshwater conservation planning tools in support of local and regional land-use planning in the ONB. 4) Lead WCS Canada input and commentary on environmental planning processes (e.g., policy, legislation, best practices) that affect freshwater resources in ONB to influence provincial and national policy on freshwater conservation. 5) Collaborate and share knowledge with partner organizations, other WCS Canada and North America programs, and WCS Global Conservation programs on freshwater conservation and research to achieve conservation outcomes for freshwater resources. 6) Actively contribute to the field of freshwater conservation by developing conservation partnerships (e.g., government agencies, First Nations, academia, NGO’s), and by writing publications for peer-reviewed journals and giving presentations at meetings and conferences. 7) Inspire others to care about freshwater conservation by communicating (e.g., non-scientific publications, media) about freshwater issues and conservation in ONB, Canada, and internationally where relevant.

Principal Responsibilities: Programmatic: 1) Develop and implement a Freshwater Conservation Strategy focused on threats to freshwater in the ONB including: a) Addressing direct and cumulative impacts of land-use (mining, hydroelectric development, infrastructure) on freshwater systems to create and/or improve current environmental planning processes (land-use, environmental assessment), policy, legislation, and best practices by government, First Nations, and industry to promote freshwater conservation in ONB.

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b) Addressing impacts of climate change on freshwater to create and/or improve provincial and national adaptation and mitigation policy, legislation, and best practices by government, First Nations, and industry. 2) Design and implement an applied and field-based freshwater research program focused on freshwater conservation targets including: a) Working with the ONB team to create a monitoring program for freshwater fish and aquatic systems in the Ring of Fire sub-region. b) Working with partners (e.g., government, non-government, academia, First Nations) and practitioners to gather, analyze and apply data on the waters, wetlands, peatlands, and the distribution and status of freshwater fish in the region that lead directly to aquatic conservation planning, communication and monitoring in the ONB. 3) Develop and apply freshwater conservation planning tools in support of local and regional land-use planning including: a) Implications of increased access and large-scale infrastructure on fisheries resources and freshwater systems with an initial focus on the infrastructure proposals for the Ring of Fire sub-region. b) Cumulative impacts of development and climate change on freshwater systems and design of conservation networks for freshwater resources. c) Development of community-based monitoring programs for fisheries resources (e.g., harvest, wildlife health assessment). d) Working with partners and practitioners, develop a framework for the conservation of wetlands and peatlands. 4) Lead WCS Canada input and commentary on environmental planning processes such as policy, legislation, best practices that affect freshwater conservation in ONB and Canada where applicable. 5) Within WCS, collaborate and share knowledge of freshwater resources to support program priorities, strategic plans, and approaches; provide technical and professional advice to other projects and programs when necessary; and, facilitate communication and coordination among projects within the WCS family, and between WCS Canada and other institutions. 6) Outside of WCS, actively develop conservation partnerships and share this knowledge with organizations who can apply this information to achieve conservation outcomes for freshwater resources. 7) Actively contribute to the field of freshwater conservation by communicating the results of research and conservation through published papers, reports, books, technical papers, presentations, and popular media. 8) Promote the conservation of wildlife and wild lands in Canada within the conservation community, donors, governmental agencies and other non-governmental organizations through meetings, speaking engagements, media interviews, scientific and non-scientific publications, conferences, strategic meetings, and general communications. 9) Represent WCS Canada at provincial, national and international conservation meetings.

Operations: 1) Develop and manage an annual program budget and work plan within the ONB Landscape Program. 2) Manage the recruitment and supervision of ONB Freshwater Conservation Program personnel, including field staff, students, Interns and volunteers. Ensure compliance with WCS Canada policies, safety and permitting requirements, animal welfare and research ethics. In addition, ensure that personnel receive the training needed to perform their jobs safely. 3) Take an active role in program fundraising, including proposal writing and grant reporting, as well as identifying government funding opportunities. 4) Contribute to the development of WCS communications materials related to freshwater conservation, including press releases, newsletters, social media, blog posts, and the annual reports. 5) Participate in the annual applicant selection process for the WCS Canada W. Garfield Weston Fellowship program, specifically for research proposed in the ONB Landscape.

Additional Expectations: • WCS Canada in committed to contributing to the field of conservation science and to the professional development of its employees. Employees are encouraged to participate in professional societies, present their research at conference and meetings, as well as participate in relevant workshops and training opportunities. • WCS Canada is committed to developing the next generation of conservation biologist. Employees are encouraged to mentor graduate students, participate in relevant graduate student committees, and pursue adjunct status with universities as appropriate.

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Required Qualifications: • Ph.D. with demonstrated experience in designing and implementing field-based and applied research in freshwater ecology, fisheries ecology, or aquatic conservation. • Demonstrated working knowledge of, and experience with, freshwater conservation issues in North America, preferably within boreal and sub-arctic ecosystems. • Demonstrated ability to manage safe and effective field-based research projects, including associated logistics and personnel. • Demonstrate ability to successfully gain funding support for research projects. Must have grant proposal and report writing experience. • Excellent oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences, including the ability to write, articulate, synthesize, and present information. • Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary work environment. • Self-motivated and capable of working remotely when required. • Strong problem-solving skills, detail oriented, and resourceful. • Positive and flexible with the willingness and desire to work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team. • Training and necessary certification, or ability to obtain, as needed for field-related research in Ontario e.g., boat operators license. • Ability to travel to remote areas on Northern Ontario for time periods of multiple weeks.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Freshwater and fisheries research program design and management. • Environmental planning in freshwater, including impact assessment, cumulative effects, and land use planning. • Laboratory and field-based freshwater research techniques. • Data analysis, advanced statistical and modeling knowledge. • Spatial planning experience and GIS skills are desirable. • Management, supervision and mentoring of staff and personnel. • Experience working in remote locations and with local communities is desirable.

To Apply: Please send cover letter, resume and a brief and relevant example of your written work to WCS Canada by email or mail:

By email: [email protected] with the subject “Freshwater Conservation Scientist” By mail: Human Resources Wildlife Conservation Society Canada 344 Bloor Street West, Suite #204 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3A7

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

About WCS Canada WCS Canada was established as a Canadian conservation organization in July 2004. Our mission is to conserve wildlife and wildlands by improving our understanding of and seeking solutions to critical problems that threaten key species and large wild ecosystems throughout Canada. We implement and support comprehensive field studies that gather information on wildlife needs and then seek to resolve key conservation problems by working with a broad array of stakeholders. We also provide technical assistance and biological expertise to local groups and agencies that lack the resources to tackle conservation concerns. WCS Canada is independently registered and managed, while retaining a strong collaborative working relationship with sister WCS programs in more than 55 nations, including an integrated North America Program. The Wildlife Conservation Society (www.wcs.org) is a recognized global leader in conservation and for more than a century has worked in North America promoting actions such as bison reintroduction, pioneering field studies, parks creation, and legislation to protect endangered wildlife.

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