Fisheries biology, Aquatic sciences

Position: Fish Spawning Habitat Enhancement (FiSHE) Project Coordinator (Contract)
Organization: Severn Sound Environmental Association
Location: Port McNicoll, Severn Sound Watershed (Simcoe County), Ontario

SSEA Overview: The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) is a community success story. As a delisted Great Lakes Area of Concern, the SSEA is committed to leading and galvanizing action to protect the lands and waters of the Severn Sound area through sound science, collaboration, and partnerships. The SSEA is a Joint Municipal Service Board under the Municipal Act that proudly serves eight municipalities in the Severn Sound watershed area (http://www.severnsound.ca).

Why join the SSEA: As part of the SSEA Team you will have the opportunity to work in this beautiful watershed and play a key role in shaping a fish habitat enhancement project in the Port Severn area. You will be part of a passionate team that is committed to keeping Severn Sound healthy for the next generation and beyond.

What SSEA offers you: The SSEA is proud to be an OMERS employer and is committed to being a diverse inclusive organization. This position is based 5 minutes from Georgian Bay in Port McNicoll Ontario within the heart of cottage country with amazing 4 season recreation opportunities. Apply to learn more!

Position Overview:

The SSEA is seeking an eager, motivated individual for one (1) Fish Spawning Habitat Enhancement (FiSHE) Project Coordinator. As the FiSHE Project Coordinator, you will lead a project to identify and assess opportunities to improve fish spawning habitat in the Port Severn area. The project area is approximately 9.3 hectares, and includes the Severn River and Severn Sound downstream of Lock 45/ Bayview Dam to the Highway 400 overpass, with emphasis on the existing spawning shoal and adjacent aquatic habitats.

Reporting to the Manager of Watershed Resilience and Executive Director, you'll be responsible for project coordination and management of Phase 1 of the Port Severn Fish Habitat Enhancement Project, which involves collaborating with a variety of partners, technical experts and stakeholders, collecting and analyzing technical data, communications and outreach, identifying opportunities to enhance habitat, and completion of a feasibility assessment and preliminary design plans to support future restoration/ enhancement efforts. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to improving reproductive habitat for walleye, lake sturgeon, and other native Great Lakes fish species.

Start Date: As soon as possible
End Date: December 31, 2026
Wage Range: $33.80 to $41.12/hr

Employment Type: Contract
Hours of Work: 35-hours/week (occasional weekends/evenings required)
Work Location: 489 Finlayson St., Port McNicoll, Ontario

Main Responsibilities:

• Project Coordination & Management: Oversee project activities for Phase 1 of the Port Severn Fish Habitat Enhancement Project, subcontracting components as needed, and ensure timely delivery of outputs. Note: Great Lakes Fishery Commission will separately contract out hydrodynamic/habitat modeling (e.g., River2D or HEC-RAS 2D) and preliminary (30%) design/engineering elements of the project.
• Habitat Assessment: gather information, collect and generate technical data to support habitat suitability and hydrodynamic modeling, including liaising and working with partners and technical experts that have agreed in principle to provide data and technical support within their respective mandates. This will include:
  • Thermal assessment - Deploy water temperature loggers in the Severn River/Severn Sound within the project area post ice-out (late winter/early spring 2026).
  • Topographic/Substrate Assessment - Compile and analyze elevation/bathymetric and substrate data, including historical data and available Lidar datasets, to support hydrodynamic modeling.
  • Substrate/Bathymetric and Flow Velocity Assessments (Parks Canada) - Survey using side scan sonar; deploy equipment (e.g., Sontek River Surveyor) in spring 2026 to characterize flow velocity and validate hydrodynamic models.
  • Biological Assessment (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) - Survey fish community composition, spawning activity, and larval presence.
• Habitat Suitability & Hydrodynamic Modeling – Compile and organize historic information and model code from 2006 SSEA assessment and River2D modeling of Bayview Dam and spawning channel; collaborate with funding agencies, contractors and partners to evaluate updated modeling results to simulate habitat suitability for walleye and lake sturgeon under various flow and lake level scenarios; identify and assess opportunities to enhance reproductive habitat for fish, e.g., through habitat enhancements and flow management strategies.
• Research current techniques to restore or improve fish habitat, and applicable policy and permits required, to inform habitat enhancement planning.
• Reporting – Draft a feasibility study with integrated assessments, hydrodynamic model outputs, habitat suitability maps, and preliminary design plans to enhance walleye and lake sturgeon spawning habitat. Report project results to partners, stakeholders and funders.
• Communications and Outreach including:
  • Develop clear, compelling broad project communications/engagement materials (e.g., fact sheets, website and social media content, presentations, articles).
  • Engagement and outreach (E&O) of partners and stakeholders, e.g., government agencies, Indigenous communities, local groups/organizations, etc. E&O to include attending/hosting events and direct engagement to solicit input, gather traditional ecological knowledge and cultural perspectives.
  • Establish a project Steering Committee, with representation from partner organizations, Indigenous communities and key stakeholders. Coordinate quarterly partner/Steering Committee meetings to provide updates, and gather input and feedback to guide decision making.
  • Report project results to funders, partners, Steering Committee and stakeholders.
• Fundraising/Financial- Identify and research funding opportunities to support current and future phases of the project; prepare grant proposals/funding applications; manage and track project budgets, timelines, deliverables, and reporting.
• General Administration - Prepare briefing notes, reports and presentations for the SSEA Board and council meetings; input into SSEA Annual and Strategic Plan reports and other documents summarizing project activities and accomplishments; participate in weekly Team meetings; and perform other duties as required to support SSEA operations.

Qualifications and Key Skills:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in fisheries biology, aquatic sciences, natural resources management, environmental science, ecosystem restoration, ecology, or related field of study, or an equivalent combination of education, skills and several years of practical experience in aquatic habitat assessment and aquatic ecosystem restoration.

• Experience in project management, including coordinating contractors and agencies, managing project budgets, and reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to communicate effectively and present information to various audiences (e.g., technical experts, stakeholders, media, public).
• Effective stakeholder outreach and engagement skills, including experience with note taking, facilitation, conflict-resolution and integrating multiple perspectives into decision-making
• Familiarity and experience with Indigenous community engagement and cultural awareness is an asset.
• Experience working for or closely with a natural resource management agency is an asset.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and sound judgment and decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively, build and maintain strong working relationships and contribute positively to team dynamics.
• Adaptable, with strong organizational, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong data collection, management, compilation and synthesis skills.
• Proficient in computer and software programs and communication tools such as Microsoft 365, GIS, social media, and conferencing platforms.
• Experience with preparing successful funding/grant applications and associated reporting.
• Working knowledge of federal, provincial and local environmental legislation and permitting/licencing relevant to a fish habitat assessment and restoration/enhancement project
• Experience with hydrodynamic and/or fish habitat modeling (e.g., River2D or HEC-RAS 2D) is an asset.
• Reliable and willing to work a flexible schedule (overtime, evenings, and weekends).
• Ability to comfortably work outdoors in a variety of conditions.
• Valid Class G Ontario Driver’s Licence with a clean driver’s abstract.
• Experience operating motorized and non-motorized watercraft (e.g., canoe).
• Fish identification and electrofishing training/certification is an asset.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification is an asset.

*Note: Please be advised that the successful incumbent will be required to undergo a vulnerable sector and driver’s abstract check. SSEA offers comprehensive health and safety training.

Submission Information:

Application deadline: Applications requested by December 14, 2025. Position will remain open until filled.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest and demonstrating how you meet the position requirements. Resumes and cover letters submitted via email must be in PDF format and include “Fish Habitat Enhancement Project Coordinator” in the subject line.

Resumes and cover letters should be submitted, preferably electronically, and be clearly marked to:

Human Resources
Severn Sound Environmental Association
489 Finlayson St
PO Box 460
Port McNicoll ON L0K 1R0

Email: sseainfo@severnsound.ca

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We thank all applicants for your interest in the Severn Sound Environmental Association. O nly those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about our organization please visit http://www.severnsound.ca

The Severn Sound Environmental Association is dedicated to recognizing the dignity and worth of every person and to provide equal rights and opportunities without discrimination. We see diversity and inclusion as integral to our mission and key to ensuring the well-being of our employees and the clients that we serve.

The Severn Sound Environmental Association is committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Please inform us should an accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process. Information received relating to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed co nfidentially. Personal information collected will only be used for candidate selection, in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act R.S.O., 1990, c.M.56.