Our client, a leading land development consulting firm, is seeking a Senior Ecologist out of their Markham office. This is a permanent, full-time, hybrid position, with a salary range of 90-130k, depending on experience, including commuter and wellness benefits, meal allowances, full benefits and competitive paid time off. This role will be based in our client's Environmental Group.
The duties will generally consist of coordinating and overseeing natural environment within land development projects. This entails collaborating and building relationships with clients, ecologists, environmental professionals, and engineers. You will lead project execution, mentor junior staff, analyze data, and prepare technical reports while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, facilitating project approvals, and integrating ecological considerations into project planning.
The Senior Ecologist is required to perform a range of duties including, but not limited to:
- Reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments/Studies and reports such as Environmental Implementation Reports (EIR), Sub-watershed Studies, and Master Environmental and Servicing Plans (MESP);
- Liaison with clients to build strong relationships;
- Writing business proposals;
- Take inventory of:
- Wildlife and their habitats;
- Flora and vegetation communities; and
- Species at risk and other species of conservation concern.
- Document and analyze field data;
- Determine the effectiveness of mitigation efforts for species at risk or other sensitive species or features in Ontario during construction projects;
- Assess and evaluate the significance of natural ecology; and
- Recognize ecological constraints in land development, propose mitigation measures, and understand approval requirements at various governmental levels.
What we’re looking for from you:
- Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Studies degree, with a strong background in field biology;
- Minimum of eight (8) years related experience as a terrestrial ecologist or biologist;
- Project management experience, field data collection and analyses and data organization and management;
- Strong working knowledge of standard field protocols for a range of ecological surveys and previous experience working in ecosystems within Ontario are preferred;
- Knowledge of and experience with interpreting environmental policies and legislation (e.g., the Provincial Policy Statement, Endangered Species Act, Species at Risk Act, official plans, etc.);
- Experience in the preparation of regulatory applications and submissions and in planning and executing field programs as part of environmental studies;
- Understanding of the application of Best Management Practices to environmental compliance and effectiveness monitoring programs;
- Understanding and experience conducting terrestrial, wildlife, vegetation, and avian surveys;
- In-depth knowledge of relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines, and regulatory permitting and approval requirements (similar to above);
- Excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking, organizational and interpersonal skills;
- The following are considered assets to this role:
- Ecological Land Classification;
- Arborist certification;
- Butternut Health Assessment (BHA) certification;
- Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) certification;
- Experience in executing wildlife field programs;
- Prior experience in a consulting environment and an interest in growing a team;
- Understanding of the application of Best Management Practices to environmental compliance and effectiveness monitoring programs;
- Must have experience with working with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), previously the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), as an expert witness, preparing expert testimonies and witness statements.
- Commitment to project quality and capability of meeting project deadlines; and
- Must have vehicle and valid driver’s license.
Candidates interested in applying should email their resumes to Claire Stone at cstone@recruitmentbydesign.com with the wording “Job 789 – Senior Ecologist” in the subject line.
