Ashley Smith Email & Phone Number

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Aquatic-focused Biologist skilled in Ontario fish and freshwater mussel identification, species-at-risk habitat mapping, and water quality monitoring. I support and coordinate aquatic field programs focused primarily on species at risk. Additional areas of focus include bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects, environmental DNA sampling and data analysis.Detailed experience includes; aquatic habitat assessments, aquatic species at risk habitat mapping and assessment, eDNA sample… Show more Aquatic-focused Biologist skilled in Ontario fish and freshwater mussel identification, species-at-risk habitat mapping, and water quality monitoring. I support and coordinate aquatic field programs focused primarily on species at risk. Additional areas of focus include bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects, environmental DNA sampling and data analysis.Detailed experience includes; aquatic habitat assessments, aquatic species at risk habitat mapping and assessment, eDNA sample collection and data analysis, fisheries assessments, water quality monitoring, freshwater mussel relocation and identification, headwater drainage feature assessment (HDF), least bittern and breeding bird surveys, herptile surveys, and associated permitting and technical report writing. Show less

Lindsay, Ontario, Canada

Instructor of the second-year Aquatic Biology course within the Environmental Technician diploma program offered at Fleming College. Curriculum includes aquatic habitat bioassessment, river and stream biology, limnology, benthic macroinvertebrate identification and biomonitoring, fish morphometry, zooplankton and algae biology and associated sampling techniques, primary production, and archaelimnology.Instructor of the Biodiversity Conservation Management Course within the Conservation… Show more Instructor of the second-year Aquatic Biology course within the Environmental Technician diploma program offered at Fleming College. Curriculum includes aquatic habitat bioassessment, river and stream biology, limnology, benthic macroinvertebrate identification and biomonitoring, fish morphometry, zooplankton and algae biology and associated sampling techniques, primary production, and archaelimnology.Instructor of the Biodiversity Conservation Management Course within the Conservation Biology Program, where students explore species at risk policy, conservation of biodiversity in Canada, species recovery methods and evaluating success, and threats to species. (Current)Facilitator of the Urban Forestry micro-credential course for Stormwater and Watershed Management. Show less

Responsible for the planning and coordination of river, stream, wetland, and fish habitat enhancement projects throughout the Greater Toronto Area. I oversee projects on the Credit River, Rouge River, West Humber River and Lynde Creek watersheds.- Developing and implementing riverine restoration projects; management and staffing, project design, habitat assessments and mapping, site history research, liaison with municipalities and clients- Preparing proposals and technical… Show more Responsible for the planning and coordination of river, stream, wetland, and fish habitat enhancement projects throughout the Greater Toronto Area. I oversee projects on the Credit River, Rouge River, West Humber River and Lynde Creek watersheds.- Developing and implementing riverine restoration projects; management and staffing, project design, habitat assessments and mapping, site history research, liaison with municipalities and clients- Preparing proposals and technical reports, on time and within budgets- Experienced in using specialized construction equipment during restoration activities while working in Redside dace habitat, i.e. sediment exclusion fencing as per the ESA and SARA- Permit and permission acquisitions- Creating project budgets, preparing funding applications, managing financial ledgers, and working within budgets- Experienced in conducting biomonitoring surveys for water quality, stream habitat health assessments, and using Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, and Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network- Class II Backpack Electrofishing Certification with three years of experience, with strong aquatic species identification skills, and ability to process samples and handle live specimens safely.- Practical experience using and maintaining sampling equipment, conducting backpack electrofishing surveys for fish community and biomass data, conducting salmonid spawning surveys, and amphibian surveys.- Preparing health and safety documents for fieldwork, as well as mitigation plans for working in Species-at-risk habitat. - Skilled in the identification of threats to headwater stream habitat (particularly for Redside dace), as well as sources of water quality degradation, headwater drainage, watershed mapping, and habitat mapping. Show less

Lindsay On

Assisted in hatchery husbandry tasks during my studies at Fleming College for several salmonid species at various life stages. Skills obtained included critical thinking, water quality monitoring, teamwork, communication, data entry, and safe handling practices for live fish at sensitive life stages.

Haliburton, On

Completed a preliminary evaluation of a 30 hectare wetland in Haliburton abiding by the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System. Skills obtained include wetland and upland vegetation identification, ArcMap boundary delineation, soil sampling, vegetation community mapping, species inventory compilation, completion of organized field notes, working with the Natural Heritage Information Centre and sensitive data, and writing technical reports.

Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Assisted in the implementation of stream habitat restoration projects, leading volunteers at community stewardship events, and conducting aquatic biomonitoring surveys in streams and ponds. Skills obtained include fish identification, species at risk habitat enhncement feature construction, use of hand tools and power tools, operating backpack electrofishing units, using OSAP protocol for channel morphology surveys, and using the OBBN for macro invertebrate sampling and idenfitication… Show more Assisted in the implementation of stream habitat restoration projects, leading volunteers at community stewardship events, and conducting aquatic biomonitoring surveys in streams and ponds. Skills obtained include fish identification, species at risk habitat enhncement feature construction, use of hand tools and power tools, operating backpack electrofishing units, using OSAP protocol for channel morphology surveys, and using the OBBN for macro invertebrate sampling and idenfitication. Certifications received: MNRF Class II Backpack Electrofishing Show less

Lakefield, Ontario, Canada

Completed assays of geological samples using wet chemistry and acid digest methods. Skills obtained include time management, safe strong acid handling and use, data entry into LIMS, assessment of digitized results from assayed samples, completing work orders on time while ensuring excellent quality, and liaising with other departments regarding QA/QC protocols.

Obtained over nine years of customer service experience and six years of management experience working in a fast paced environment. Skilled in customer service, leading and training staff, operating online systems, and utilizing Microsoft Office Suite.

Smithers, Bc

Demonstrated my ability to work outdoors in remote environments under adverse weather conditions in northern Alberta and British Columbia. Skills obtained include the ability to work long hours outdoors, dress and pack appropriately for inclement weather, operating heavy trucks on logging roads including the Emergency Transport Vehicle, working safely outdoors with wildlife, land management, risk assessment, and communication.Training: bear encounter training (BearWise), truck operation… Show more Demonstrated my ability to work outdoors in remote environments under adverse weather conditions in northern Alberta and British Columbia. Skills obtained include the ability to work long hours outdoors, dress and pack appropriately for inclement weather, operating heavy trucks on logging roads including the Emergency Transport Vehicle, working safely outdoors with wildlife, land management, risk assessment, and communication.Training: bear encounter training (BearWise), truck operation on logging road training including proper radio use.Member of the camp Health and Safety Committee Show less

Honours Biology, Emphasis On Environmental Science

Activities and Societies: Trent Wildlife Society - Member Intramural sports - Academic focus on aquatic-based curriculum including but not.

Ecosystem Management Technology, Ecosystem Technologist, 3.98/4.0 Gpa

Activities and Societies: Recipient of the Robert Whitney Memorial Award Poster presenter at the NCSE Conference in Washington DC, 2020.