University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus

Career Services www.ridgetownc.com/current/careers/jobs/ RC Job #7515

Aquatic Biology Technical Assistant

Description

DEPARTMENT: Species at Risk, Conservation Lands and Services
REPORTING TO: Vicki McKay, Species at Risk Biologist
DATE POSTED: May 11, 2026
CLOSING DATE: May 24, 2026
ANTICIPATED START DATE: July 6, 2026
ANTICIPATED DURATION: 8 WEEKS

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Aquatic Biology Technical Assistant will assist the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority in determining the distribution of freshwater mussel species and the habitat conditions in which they live in the lower Thames River and/or Rondeau Bay and its tributaries.

The Aquatic Biology Technical Assistant will actively participate as part of a team in field surveys related to aquatic species at risk (SAR), in particular surveys of mussel middens (caches of shells) left by mammalian predators. This position will report to the Species at Risk (SAR) Biologist.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation or participation in a university or college-level program in a related discipline (e.g. Environmental Science/Studies, Fish & Wildlife, Biology, Ecology).
• The ability to work in an outdoor environment over uneven terrain (river and streambeds, forested habitats and agricultural fields) and in variable weather and working conditions.
• Courteous, effective listener with good comprehension skills, the ability to work co-operatively with others and a desire to assist other staff.
• Demonstrated responsibility to independently complete tasks assigned and take the initiative to make suggestions and improvements.
• Honest, enthusiastic and punctual.
• Computer skills are required.
• Data management skills are an asset.
• GIS skills are an asset.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license an asset.

To be eligible, youth must:
• be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period;
• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment and
• have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
Note: International students are not eligible participants as per Canada Summer Jobs rules. International students include anyone who is temporarily in Canada for studies and who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada. Youth awaiting a refugee status ruling, as well as those who hold a temporary visitor visa, youth visa or work visa are also ineligible.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Aquatic Biology Technical Assistant will actively participate as part of a team in field surveys related to aquatic species at risk (SAR), in particular surveys of mussel middens (caches of shells) left by mammalian predators and assessing habitat conditions that these species live in. As part of this work, they will:
• complete tasks necessary to properly prepare for fieldwork activities;
• follow the conditions of all permits (Species at Risk Act, License to Collect Fish for Scientific Purposes) and permit registrations (Species Protection or Recovery Activities under s.23.17 of the Endangered Species Act);
• work in an outdoor environment over uneven terrain (river and streambeds, forested habitats and agricultural fields) and in variable weather and working conditions;
• work in a safe and responsible manner to ensure personal and team safety;
• use clear verbal communications in a team environment;
• learn to identify mussel species (SAR and non-SAR);
• collect and document survey information through the preparation of neat, concise and complete field notes and field sheets with the possibility to work with digital field survey forms;
• take GPS coordinates of locations, species etc.;
• take and label photos to document project activities, SAR, threats to SAR and survey locations;
• report species sightings through appropriate citizen science apps and/or reporting forms;
• identify, document and map various on-site threats to SAR;
• digitally document, report and present data (using Word, Excel, database, GIS mapping, PowerPoint and/or other programs), including completion of activity reports, permit reports and final reports to funders;
• keep track of supplies and report when new supplies need to be ordered to the SAR Biologist;
• complete tasks necessary to wrap up after a day’s and a season’s fieldwork;
• assist with processing of water quality monitoring data and/or maintenance of data loggers if needed;
• distribute communications materials;
• complete health and safety and other training provided;
• participate in team and staff meetings;
• assist stewardship and other LTVCA staff and
• other duties as assigned.

COMPENSATION & HOURS:
Salary: $17.60/hour
Hours/ Week: 35
Classification: Contract

Please send a resume and cover letter by May 24, 2026 noting this position to:
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
100 Thames Street
Chatham, ON. N7L 2Y8 or
Fax: 519-352-3435 or
Email: careers@ltvca.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

LTVCA is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code. LTVCA is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require disability related accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Personal information provided is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Hours: 35

Deadline: May 24,2026

Posted: May 13, 2026

University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus

Aquatic Biology Technical Assistant

Company Information

Description