TWO POSITIONS AVAILABLE – 2026 RESEARCH FIELD TEAM
Positions: Research Team Leader & Research Team Member
Location: Quetico Provincial Park, Hwy 11, Atikokan, Ontario
108 Saturn Ave, Atikokan, Ontario, P0T 1C0
Length of Employment: 16 weeks; May 4 – August 23, 2026
Application Deadline: March 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
(Send your cover letter and resume to jared.stachiw@ontario.ca)
Compensation: Team Leader: $24.00/hour – 40 hours/week
Team Member: $21.00/hour – 40h hours/week
Position Description:
This summer employment opportunity is funded by the Quetico Foundation through the Margery J. Warren bequest. The purpose of this position is to provide a student in the field sciences or related post-secondary program the opportunity to gain valuable experience. The Research Field Team is a two-person inventory, monitoring, and research team primarily responsible for collecting data in the remote wilderness of Quetico Provincial Park under the direction of the Park Biologist. When in the office, responsibilities will include data entry, analysis, and report writing.
Field work will be in support of the long-term monitoring of Quetico’s ecological integrity and may include deploying remote data collection devices (e.g., audio recorders, cameras, and temperature loggers), fish population and aquatic ecosystem assessment, vegetation community monitoring, and fire effects and history data collection. Additional work may include the collection of habitat data, invasive species surveys, and bathymetric surveys. Office work will depend on the experience of the individual and may include backcountry trip planning, species identification, data entry, report writing, and various administrative tasks.
Responsibilities as Research Team Leader include backcountry canoe trip planning, following field safety and communications protocols, backcountry navigation, and work planning/safety decisions in the field. The Team Leader is also responsible for promoting an inclusive and positive team environment while providing direction and learning opportunities for the Research Team Member.
Accommodation is available at the Quetico Provincial Park Staff House at the Dawson Trail Campground. Camping gear, food, and supplies are provided only while in the backcountry.
Skill and Knowledge Requirements:
Must be currently pursuing graduate or undergraduate studies in a field sciences or natural resource program (I.e., biology, environmental studies, geography, forestry, ecology, resource management, etc.).
Multi-day backcountry trip experience required, with canoe tripping experience being an asset.
Experience organizing or leading multi-day backcountry trips.
Extensive outdoor skills and experience, including camping, canoeing, bushcraft, swimming, and
orienteering. Associated certifications are an asset.
Experience with aquatic ecosystems or fisheries assessments is an asset.
A passion for field work is an asset.
Strong leadership skills.
Ability to work outdoors comfortably and safely in all weather conditions.
Knowledge of field sampling techniques and research methods.
Knowledge of the flora and fauna of northwestern Ontario.
Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programs.
Knowledge and experience with Geographic Information Systems.
First Aid/CPR certifications needed – Wilderness First Aid or higher is an asset.
Driver’s License. A personal vehicle is an asset.
Please send your cover letter and resume to the Quetico Provincial Park Biologist, Jared Stachiw, at jared.stachiw@ontario.ca prior to the application deadline. You may indicate which Research Field Team position you are applying for; however, based on screening and