Careers

Number of positions: 1 
Deadline: March 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM  
Anticipated Start Date: May 2025 specific date to be determined (Pending funding)  
Contract Term:  8-12 weeks (Pending funding)  
End: August 22 2025 
Rate of Pay: $20.00/ hour  
Location: Welland, ON.  

The Invasive Species Centre connects stakeholders, knowledge, and technology to prevent the spread of invasive species to protect Canada’s environment, economy, and society. Incorporated as a not-for-profit in 2011, as a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing, we have grown into a respected collaborator and leader in invasive species knowledge and action. We rely on values of sustainability, collaboration, credibility, professionalism, and efficiency to achieve our vision of a Canada where land and water are protected from invasive species.  

 

Job Summary: 

The successful candidates will be members of the OFAH Hit Squad program, which is funded in part by Canada Summer Jobs. As part of the Hit Squad program, you will assist both the ISC and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority in the implementation of invasive species management projects on priority invasive species affecting the local Great Lakes environment in the Niagara Region. 

The Crew Lead will: 

• Provide on-site leadership, supervision and actively participate in invasive species management  

• Lead daily field meetings including safety, hazard identification, emergency planning, and daily tasks  

• Operate and maintain vehicles and watercraft equipment including daily inspections to ensure safe operation  

• Implement and lead rapid response control program to remove a population of European water chestnut (Trapas natans) in the Welland River using manual control techniques  

• Ensure required site activities are completed as per work scope  

• Complete daily work reports, and project information records as assigned 

• Participate in all required training and follow strict health and safety protocols 

• Lead community outreach and engagement activities 

• Work out of Chippewa Creek Conservation Area in Niagara Ontario 

• Use Field Maps App and Survey 123 to report progress and create maps of species occurrence and stewardship activities  

• Check-in with supervisors daily  

• Check-in with Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) property managers as requested or required 

Key duties of the Crew Lead: 

• Input mapping data using Arc GIS Field Maps App in the field 

• Lead field team to operate canoes, truck and trailer  

• Paddle long distances daily  

• Follow all applicable permit guidelines including proper transportation and disposal plans  

• Follow all health and safety procedures and protocols  

• Complete daily progress reports to ensure targets are being met  

• Lead paddling tours and other outreach and community engagement activities  

• Maintain clean and operational equipment and ensure safe and secure storage 

• Other duties as assigned by ISC or the NPCA 

Preferred Competencies and Qualifications: 

Required 

• The candidate should be a graduate or enrolled in a post-secondary academic study of a relevant field of study (e.g., ecosystem management, environmental management, fish and wildlife management, etc.) 

• Experience paddling in canoes/kayak for long distances  

• Must be willing to conduct manual labor outside daily, potentially through uncomfortable elements (e.g., high temperatures, insects, rainy weather)  

• Demonstrated high standard for health and safety, following protocols and wearing personal protective equipment 

• Strong swimming skills and comfort around water required 

• Previous experience with how to safely use boats and waders, trailer, and work on/around shallow and deep water 

• First Aid Certification considered an asset 

• Class G license, access to a personal vehicle 

• Pleasure Craft Operator Card is an asset  

Preferred 

We are looking for individuals who possess all or specialize in the following: 

• Experience with Arc GIS and Field Maps Application in the field considered an asset 

• Work or volunteer experience working on invasive species removal programs in the field considered an asset 

• Knowledgeable in Species at Risk legislation and stewardship considered an asset 

• Have 2-3 years of experience in invasive species control projects 

• Experience and comfort with working around water  

• Experiences and/or certifications for truck and trailer operation, towing and launching small watercrafts, equipment tie-down, defensive driving, two-way radio use) considered an asset 

• Experience and/or certifications related to working on water (e.g., lifeguard, Restricted Operator Certificate Maritime (ROC-M) radio training, canoeing/kayaking skills) considered an asset 

• Work or volunteer experience working on invasive species removal programs in the field considered an asset 

Other requirements: 

• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of employment  

• 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  

*the candidate must be 15 years of age at the beginning of the employment period. The candidate may be more than 30 years of age at the end of the employment period as long as the candidate was 30 at the beginning of the employment period.  

*Please Note: Position is dependent upon external funding, yet to be received by the ISC  

Please submit one PDF document with a cover letter and resume (which includes your education and work experience) to:  

Katie Church   
Invasive Species Centre, 1219 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie ON. P6A 1E5 
email: info@invasivespeciescentre.ca  

No telephone calls, please. Only candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted. 

The Invasive Species Centre is an equal opportunity and accessible employer and encourages youth with disabilities, Indigenous youth, and visible minority youth to apply. The Invasive Species Centre will provide accommodation for candidates with disabilities during the recruitment process, upon request.