Overview
HIGHLIGHTS:Work within the natural and unique beauty of the Ganaraska Watershed!
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) is accepting applications for a Watershed Biologist to support the protection of natural heritage and fisheries features within the Ganaraska Watershed.
This position is based out of the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Administrative Office in Port Hope, located on the corner of Highways 28 and 401, and reports to the Watershed Services Coordinator.
Normal hours are Monday to Friday, with some weekend fieldwork (March-July) for fisheries programs.
Qualifications:
Education: Degree or diploma in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience: Minimum three (3) years of progressive experience in watershed management, natural heritage assessment, or environmental science.
Certifications:
- Backpack Electrofishing (highly recommended)
- Ecological Land Classification (ELC) (highly recommended)
- First Aid (required)
- Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network certification (required)
- Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) (asset)
Field & Technical Skills:
- Strong identification skills for fish, vegetation, birds, and amphibians.
- Experience with Marsh Monitoring Program (MMP), benthic and fisheries sampling, and invasive species surveys.
- Competency in technical report writing, data analysis, and ELC interpretation.
Policy Knowledge: Understanding of the Conservation Authorities Act, Provincial Planning Statement (2024), and Provincial Plans
Professional Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, project management, and ability to work independently or in a team.
Other: Valid Ontario Class G driver’s licence; comfortable working outdoors in variable conditions.
Duties:
- Conduct ELC, fisheries, benthic, invasive species, and Marsh Monitoring surveys following established protocols.
- Provide technical review and advice on development proposals, Environmental Impact Studies, and submissions related to wetlands and other natural hazards.
- Support plan review and regulatory functions under the Conservation Authorities Act.
- Assist with watershed health monitoring programs, data management, and preparation of technical reports.
- Collaborate and communicate with municipalities, developers, the public, and other Conservation Authorities on watershed and restoration initiatives.
Salary: $65,000 – $71,000 per annum
Duration of the Contract: March 2026 to December 2026
Apply in writing by December 17, 2025:
Ms. Linda J. Laliberte, CPA, CGA, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer
Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
2216 County Road 28, Port Hope, Ontario L1A 3V8
E-mail: llaliberte@grca.on.ca Fax: 905-885-9824
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews to be set the week of January 5, 2026.
The Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the Authority will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you are contacted regarding this competition and you require disability related accommodations, please inform Human Resources.
About Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority’s overall goal is the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources on a watershed basis, while providing for the public enjoyment of the lands it oversees.
