Aquatic Toxicology Scientist

at  Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks

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.

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

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.