Aquatic Toxicology Scientist

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks' Aquatic Toxicology Unit within Laboratory Services Branch seeks a professional to provide scientific services for the assessment of effects of contaminants in sediment and industrial effluents on aquatic organisms.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
• work within one or more complex scientific disciplines (i.e. environmental aquatic toxicology).
• perform complex/ specialized sample preparation and analysis tasks and/or to provide back-up for a number of complex/ specialized workstations.
• lead or participate in R&D, method development and method improvement activities and to interact with stakeholders.
• provide expertise in several technologies and common analytical procedures, statistics, data analysis and interpretation, and instrument operations.
• operate, maintain and modify complex, automated, computerized analytical systems.
• provide technical group leadership, guidance and training to technologists and scientists.

Please Note: The laboratory is in operation 7 days per week. Weekend work should be expected on occasion.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• Job requires a scientific degree in aquatic toxicology, aquatic biology.

Technical Knowledge

You have:
• knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of aquatic and sediment toxicology including culturing commonly used aquatic organisms
• knowledge of aquatic toxicity testing according to standardized methods
• practical knowledge of instruments and equipment commonly used in an aquatic toxicity laboratory
• knowledge of aquatic and sediment sample preparation techniques
• knowledge organic and inorganic chemistry and the impact of environmental toxicants on aquatic organisms
• knowledge of toxicology related calculations and statistics

Legislative Knowledge

You have:
• knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations (e.g. Safe Drinking Water Act, Environmental Protection Act, fisheries Act and Animals for Research Act)
• knowledge of how to work safely in a laboratory including applicable occupational health and safety legislation and current practices, roles and responsibilities, e.g., WHMIS and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Computer Skills

• You have knowledge of computer software applications, e.g. spreadsheets and word processing applications, LIMS, and specialized instrument software to enter, retrieve, manipulate data and prepare draft reports on tests conducted; to perform complex data manipulations; and to document and verify any data manipulation programs within the group.

Analytical and Reasoning Skills

You have:
• analytical skills to perform data verification and control procedures to ensure reliability of results
• analytical and problem-solving skills to develop scientific based solutions to solve environmental problems and attain objectives and goals
• reasoning and evaluating ability to diagnose and perform minor repairs and upkeep of complex equipment, circuit boards and any appropriate add-ons
• reasoning skills to organize scientific findings in logical sequence for interpretation and application in support of environmental programs and policies, and to prepare scientific evidence for judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings (e.g. analytical methodologies, results of chemical analyses)

Oral, Written and Interpersonal Skills

You have:
• written communications skills to prepare scientific/technical papers, presentations, memos and reports
• oral communications skills to report detailed test findings to peers or to judicial proceedings
• interpersonal skills to provide technical guidance and training to technologists and junior scientists; and to work collaboratively with peers, clients, and legal staff
• interpersonal skills to work in a team environment including taking on rotational duties in the laboratory
• oral and written communications skills to develop logical arguments to defend analytical approaches and study findings to LaSB customers, ensuring that communication is targeted to the appropriate audience