Located at the head of Lake Ontario and within the municipalities of Burlington and Hamilton, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada and one of the nation’s earliest nature sanctuaries. Comprising some 2700 acres of protected wetlands, botanical collections, parkland and display gardens, and within easy access of millions of nature-starved urban citizens, RBG dedicates its expertise in horticulture, conservation, science and education to connect people, plants and place for the purpose of nurturing and preserving healthy growing life on our planet. RBG directs its efforts, and seeks the support of individuals and organizations, to realize its vision of a world in which everyone is awake to the beauty, diversity and necessity of plants, and from that consciousness more actively works together to protect and preserve plant species and habitats and, by extension, our planet.

The position is responsible for assisting natural lands staff in implementing monitoring, maintenance, and plant community restoration programs. The position will involve activities in the wetland and marsh areas of the nature sanctuaries. The individual will be focused on removal of Phragmites (Common Reed), European Manna Grass, and Common Carp from the wetlands of RBG as part of Royal Botanical Gardens’ Invasive Species Management Program. Activities include both indoor and outdoor work in most weather conditions and environments.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assisting with herbicide application
• Netting and electrofishing of Common Carp
• Maintaining carp exclusion infrastructure – particularly acquiring and moving evergreen trees
• Communication with a variety of agency stakeholders and the general public
• Working with and coordinating interns and volunteers

Qualifications

The individual should have the minimum qualifications and skills:

• Post-secondary degree in the Environmental field
• Knowledge & Skill with Microsoft Excel, Word and Access, and GIS software
• University or College Degree (with related experience preferred) in relevant biological science.
• Class G driver’s license and First Aid.
• Field skills in plant and wildlife identification native to Southern Ontario.
• Familiar with issues associated with invasive species and various control measures used.
• Electrofishing Certificate and Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate preferred
• Familiar with relevant environmental protection legislation, pesticide applicators license preferred.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires working a minimum 35 hour work week. Flexibility is required as selected projects are influenced by weather conditions.
• Both indoor and outdoor work in most weather conditions and environments.

Eligibility:

In order to be eligible for the position the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Possess a valid class G driver’s license
• Legally entitled to work in Canada; this includes Permanent Residents and persons granted refugee status in Canada
• Possess a valid class G Driver’s License and a clear Statement of Driving Record
• Be able to start work in May 2023

RBG has committed to becoming a fully sustainable and ecologically restorative organization. This is an integral part of our culture and we require all our employees to assist us with this goal by committing to make the best ecological decisions possible in the execution of their responsibilities, keeping in mind the possible effects these decisions may have on both the human and natural environments both now, and into the future.

RBG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians Act.

We thank all those applicants however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.