Crew Leader, Research & Monitoring

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) • Vaughan, ON

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Crew Leader, Research & Monitoring is responsible for overseeing and carrying out daily environmental inventory and monitoring fieldwork activities in support of TRCA’s research and monitoring programs and projects. TRCA is considered the provincial leader in conserving, restoring, and managing natural resources to advance safe and sustainable development. TRCA was recently recognized as a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2026 and a Canada’s Greenest Employer for 2026.

Requirements

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Resource Management, Environmental or Science, Urban Forestry, Biology or a related field
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver's license
• 2+ years of experience in environmental, ecosystem, water resource, or urban forestry research or monitoring
• Experience working with various monitoring equipment used in environmental sciences
• The ability to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills in a field environment
• Able to comprehend written documentation and procedural guidelines; skilled in writing clear correspondence (concise, logical, grammatically correct)
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member to coach staff
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
• Proficiency in MS Office suite including online software such as MS teams, WebEx, and SharePoint, coupled with a basic knowledge of GIS software (ArcGIS)
• Able to self-manage workload and prioritize tasks as an ongoing challenge in a frequently fluctuating workload and multiple deadlines

Responsibilities

• Conducts ecological, and/or water resource inventories and monitors fieldwork following standardized protocols, liaising with the supervisor and other team members to coordinate field work.
• Coordinates staff fieldwork, timeline requirements, site visits, and priorities; providing crew lead level work and health and safety direction.
• Prepares daily equipment and vehicles for use, ensures all are in a good state for safe operation.
• Prepares site following proper protocols, documents (including safety, cost ledgers, and other records) and identifies hazards and conducts safety meetings.
• Installs and maintains equipment.
• Collects, manages, and analyzes data; ensuring records are complete.
• Maintains sampling instruments and equipment (calibration, storage & tracking, minor repairs).
• Completes quality control checks / tests; maintains records.
• Performs data entry into internal and external databases.
• Contributes to environmental monitoring reports and/or data/results summaries.
• Ensures the required site activities are completed as per work scope; ensuring health and safety protocols are followed by crews.
• Participates in and/or leads daily safety meetings including tailgate meetings, hazard identification and emergency planning.
• Surveys of aquatic habitats & species, overseeing and implementing wildlife management activities in the field
• Collects biological data according to standardized protocols and performs taxonomic identification of specimens to the family and/or species level. Fish and benthic invertebrates sampling, water quality data collection (e.g., collecting water samples from various streams), sediment samples collection and other aquatic habitat data collection using standardized protocols (e.g., Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol)
• Guides project activities involving the installation, operation and maintenance of environmental monitoring equipment and sampling gear.
• Operates various types of monitoring equipment including boats (electrofishing boats); GPS units; water quality instruments (e.g., turbidity meter); water level, flow and temperature loggers/meters; and biological sampling equipment such as electrofishing units (backpack) and various types of nets.
• Assist in wildlife management activities such as fish rescues, goose counts, goose/swan egg oiling and goose round-up for relocation.
• Through consultation with supervisors, has authority to make decisions on safety of crew during field operations during use of marine vessels.
• Working knowledge of the Lake Ontario nearshore environment including harbours, embayment’s, currents, and weather patterns related sampling operations.
• Ability to operate watercraft and to train through TRCA’s marine vessel apprentice program.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP)
• Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program
• Unique TRCA Perks
• Potential for career growth and advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree