Job Description
Summer jobs, Student jobs
Position:
TERRESTRIAL MONITORING ASSISTANT
Type:
age 30 & under / summer
Organization:
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
Location:
Oshawa, GTA / Durham Region, Ontario
Dates:
April 27th, 2026, to August 28th, Weeks)
Summary
The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) is seeking to fill the position of Terrestrial Monitoring Assistant. The terrestrial monitoring assistant will work primarily with the Terrestrial Biologist in conducting natural heritage inventories and other related activities. This role involves a range of responsibilities, including terrestrial monitoring, Ecological Land Classification (ELC), invasive species management, community outreach, and habitat restoration.
Wage Rate per Hour
: $18.80 per hour
Hours per Week:
35
There is a possibility of occasional evening/weekend work.
Responsibilities
As part of CLOCA's Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program, the Terrestrial Monitoring Assistant will conduct forest health surveys using Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) protocols to assess tree health, dead wood, regeneration, and ground vegetation. The assistant will also perform Ecological Land Classification (ELC) on public lands, requiring experience in identifying tree and plant species, and soil classifications. Additionally, the assistant will implement CLOCA's Invasive Species Management Strategy by inventorying, mapping, and monitoring invasive species within Conservation Areas and participating in their management through mechanical and chemical controls.
The role involves supporting the delivery of community outreach programs to residents, liaising with community groups by giving presentations to the public, and occasionally assisting with arranging volunteer events. The terrestrial monitoring assistant will also on occasion support the Restoration Coordinator with the delivery of CLOCA's Private Land Stewardship program and Conservation Land Restoration projects. This work will include assisting with planting projects, tree survival assessments, landowner engagement, data management, and general project support.
The work will be primarily in the field (approximately 70%) with the remaining time spent on various duties in the office (e.g., data entry). Fieldwork will involve some physically demanding tasks, such as hiking with field gear, working near water, in inclement weather, extreme temperatures and around insects. The terrestrial monitoring assistant will be comfortable occasionally working alone in the field. Office work will consist of data entry using ArcGIS products (i.e. Survey123, ArcGIS Field Maps, and ArcMap), and the use of Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel and PowerPoint). The employee must comply with CLOCA's Health and Safety Policy.
Qualifications
The successful candidate should have the following:
- University or college experience in biology/natural resources
- Valid Ontario driver's license, in good standing
- Experience completing fieldwork and using field equipment (i.e. DBH tape, forestry prism, handheld GPS, etc.)
- Flora identification skills
- Invasive species identification skills
- Familiar with Ecological Land Classification
- Familiar with the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network
- Ability to complete a variety of monitoring tasks with minimal supervision
- Comfort with public speaking to large audiences
- Computer skills (ArcMap knowledge is an asset)
- Student must provide and wear green patch safety boots. Other required safety equipment as prescribed in the Health & Safety Manual is provided by the employer
The Following Are Desirable, But Not Mandatory
- Current first aid/CPR certification
- Experience in herbicide application
- ArcMap or GIS experience
Send resume and cover letter, no later than February 27th, 2026:
Erin Kerr, Terrestrial Biologist
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
100 Whiting Avenue, Oshawa, ON L1H 3T3
Email:
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NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Central Lake Ontario Conservation is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code. CLOCA will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. Personal information provided is collected under the authority of The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.