IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is one of the worlds most influential freshwater research facilities. It features a collection of 58 small lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada. For over 50 years, scientists at IISD-ELA have conducted whole-ecosystem experiments and made significant scientific discoveries related to issues such as acid rain, mercury from air pollution, algal blooms, and pharmaceutical chemicals in water.The facility is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Developmentan independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional land of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Mtis Nation.

IISD-ELA acknowledges that its research facility is located on Treaty 3 lands, and the care of these lands during experimentation and restoration to their original state is implicit in its mission. Many regional schools come to the facility to learn more about the science of aquatic ecosystems.
Overview

The incumbent will help lead and/or coordinate research at and/or with IISD-ELA on plastics (i.e., presently the pELAstic project, preliminary work in Africa) and applied research and/or education activities that inform policy relevant to plastic pollution. Tasks will include managing the day-to-day field and analytical activities of the pELAstics whole-ecosystem project at the IISD-ELA research station. Program activities will include the management of human and financial resources, scientific equipment, and the collection, quality assurance/control, maintenance, and analysis of scientific data. A significant portion of the Biologists duties will occur at the IISD-ELA research station, which is located in northwestern Ontario. The incumbent will live and work at the IISD-ELA for extended periods (mid-April through October); operating trucks, all-terrain vehicles, small boats, and snowmobiles; and work well in a team environment. During the remainder of the year, the Biologist will primarily work from the head office in Winnipeg, or a hybrid environment between the head office and home, undertaking a variety of activities, including data analysis and management, web site updates, coordinating sample analyses with external contractors, , ordering and maintaining equipment/supplies, and managing research budgets. The Biologist may also lead and/or coordinate projects in Winnipeg relevant to education, community outreach, and/or solutions-based research with the aim of increasing waste literacy and reducing plastic pollution. The Biologist may also make occasional trips to the IISD-ELA research facility in the offseason (NovemberApril) to assist with winter surveys or other research activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Organize and lead field and analytical programs for the pELAstics Project at the remote IISD-ELA research station in Northwestern Ontario.
• Manage and supervise seasonal research assistants.
• Collaborate with the IISD policy team and the U of T Trash Team on joint projects and research.
• Prepare and review manuscripts and support communications and education programming.

Detailed responsibilities include:

Field Work (40%)

• Lead plastic related research at IISD-ELA (including recovery of L378 + other potential projects)
• Fieldwork around Winnipeg/Manitoba/Kenora (e.g. Interviews related to plastic pollution, trash traps, etc.)
• Travel to other places for field work (e.g. Rwanda)

Science to Policy (30%)

• Science communication (e.g. policy briefs)
• Collaborate with the IISD policy team and U of T Trash Team
• Plastic emissions reduction projects (e.g. Foodware project, trash traps)

Data analysis and writing (20%)

• Prepare and review manuscripts
• Data visualization and analysis
• Present data at conferences and workshops

Outreach (10%)

• Provide presentations to student groups, communities and stakeholders
• Mentor students in collaboration with the Educations and Relations team
• Speak to the media about research going on at IISD-ELA surrounding plastic pollution and policy

Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Working Conditions

• Based at the IISD-ELA research station during the field season from April to October and office-based, hybrid or remote from November to April. IISD-ELA provides on-site living accommodations and food.
• Regularly transitioning between office, lab, and field environments.
• Depending on workload and deadlines, may require flexibility in working hours.
• Potential for periods of high workload, requiring efficient time management and adaptability.

Physical Demands

• Time at the IISD-ELA research station includes fieldwork involving manual labour, such as hiking, lifting heavy objects (up to 20 kgs), etc.
• Exposure to work outdoors in various weather conditions, involving exposure to sun, rain, snow, and cold temperatures.

Requirements

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in research and an MSc degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a discipline related to freshwater ecology or other related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience managing field research projects in freshwater ecology, including project planning, assisting in hiring and supervision of research assistants, and data management
• Experience with the collection and/or analysis of samples for water quality, phytoplankton and invertebrates
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written
• Experience operating watercraft and field vehicles, including small boats and motors, light trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles
• Proficiency with standard computer programs for the storage and analysis of scientific data including Microsoft Excel, Word and Access or other database software
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid:
  • First Aid/CPR certificate
  • Pleasure Craft Operators card
  • Drivers license
  • ATV certification
  • Valid criminal record check and vulnerable sector verification
• Ability to speak French and/or Ojibwe or other Indigenous languages is considered an asset.

Term:1-year term from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 with an opportunity for possible extension.

Compensation:CAD 63,000 - CAD 75,000, depending on experience and education.

Application deadline:Monday, March 17, 2025 @ 1600 CST

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR.Please include the following:

• A CV (required; no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter (required; one page)
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire(optional; right click to download)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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