The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has an international reputation for excellence in managing the natural resources of the largest inland river system in southern Ontario. Encompassing approximately 6,800 square kilometers, the Grand River watershed has a population of almost one million people in 39 municipalities and two First Nations. Designated as a Canadian Heritage River, the Grand River and its major tributaries boast many outstanding human heritage features and excellent recreational opportunities. The GRCA is committed to environmental protection by delivering services that ensure the well-being of the environment and its inhabitants.
General Accountabilities
The Water Resource Analyst reports to the Subwatershed Planning Coordinator and will work closely with the subwatershed planning, water quality and hydrology teams. The primary responsibilities of the position are to document, organize, synthesize, analyze, and report on water quality and hydrology data for the Subwatershed Planning Program (focusing on Blair Creek, City of Kitchener). Skills in the organization and analysis of stream flow, chemical and physical water quality data are required. This position will use statistical methods to compare pre- and post-development monitoring data at multiple scales, and to establish predictive relationships between water parameters and watershed stressors.
Knowledge and experience in spreadsheets, relational databases (MS Access), and statistical software packages are required. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems and analysis of land cover information is an asset. Specific knowledge and experience in the design and implementation of cumulative effects monitoring programs, managing and manipulating data in WISKI, and analysis of biological (e.g. benthic macroinvertebrate) water quality data are assets.
Specific Accountabilities
- Research: Scoped literature review and reporting on topics including cumulative effects assessment and review of multi-scale monitoring programs.
- Data management: Work with Information Systems, Water Quality and Hydrology staff to compile and organize water quality and hydrology data into databases and data management platforms (e.g., WISKI).
- Water resource monitoring data documentation, organization, analysis and synthesis: Document multi-agency monitoring programs. Organize, analyze and synthesize water quantity and quality (chemical and physical) data using database, statistical, graphing and mapping tools for assessment and reporting purposes. Knowledgeable of parametric and nonparametric statistical methods for water resources data, including multi-variate analysis (e.g. principle components). Assess spatial (site, reach, subwatershed) and temporal (seasonal, annual) trends. Analyze water flow and quality and watershed-based data and information to investigate land-use – water parameter relationships (e.g., multivariate statistics and models).
- Reporting and presentation of findings: Document research and analytical findings in technical reports, plain-language case study summaries, and presentations. Verbal and written status updates to multi-agency project committees.
- Secondary duties: Other duties as assigned by the Subwatershed Planning Coordinator.
Technical Accountabilities
- Master’s degree specializing in environmental chemistry, environmental sciences, ecology, engineering, limnology or related field.
- Three to six years working experience related to water resources analysis or equivalent experience and education.
- Knowledge of and experience in the application of statistical tools and methods used in hydrologic, chemical and physical water resources analyses.
- Experience in managing, querying and manipulating data in large relational databases using WISKI and Access.
- Knowledge of hydrology, surface water quality and stormwater management issues, and water quality monitoring networks.
- General understanding of the natural processes in freshwater ecosystems (e.g. rivers and lakes) and inter-relationships between water quality, stream flow, biota and geomorphology, and land use/land management practices.
- Excellent technical and plain-language communication skills, both oral and written.
- Understanding of provincial and federal water quality standards, guidelines and objectives; knowledge of basin-specific guidelines.
- Proficient in MS Office environment (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) and statistical software packages (e.g., Sigma Plot, Systat); experience with ArcGIS an asset.
- Valid driver’s license.
The pay range for this position is Job Level 5 $24.76 to $30.94 per hour, working 35 hours per week
Approximate Start Date: March 2017
Term of Employment: March 6, 2017 to November 10, 2017
To Apply: Please send a resume and covering letter to careers@grandriver.ca in MS Word or PDF format and quote “Water Resource Analyst” in the subject line.
Deadline for Applications: 4:00pm January 31, 2017
We thank you for your interest, however only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
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