Ecologist

WSP is currently seeking a Consulting Arborist / Intermediate Ecologist with a background / specialization in wildlife / terrestrial ecology to join the Ecology team.

Intermediate Ecologist - GTA

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

WSP is currently seeking an Intermediate Ecologist with a background / specialization in terrestrial ecology (wildlife or vegetation) to join the Ecology team. This position will be located in the GTA and reporting to an Ecology Team Lead for Ontario. We are seeking an individual who has a strong understanding of Ontario legislation and species at risk (SAR), Conservation Authority, and municipal permitting. You will also provide oversight of technical staff and information on projects and provide critical thinking and analysis across disciplines to provide effective management of ecological tasks and projects.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for participating in and leading SAR, wildlife and/or botanical field surveys, writing technical reports, writing proposals and collaborating with team members, and colleagues from other teams and business units. The candidate will have extensive knowledge of and experience applying ecological principles and practices across all ecological disciplines and will have a foundation in terrestrial ecology. They will have an understanding of disciplines outside ecology (e.g. planning), and how they are integrated with ecology for effective project delivery (e.g. for EIS, MTO, municipal EAs, etc.). Experience in managing all aspects of project development and delivery (i.e. proposal through to deliverables, including time and budget management) is an asset.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• You will manage assignments throughout the life-cycle of the project: client contact and relationship management, proposal submission, agency consultation, direction of field staff, project reporting, and management of the financial health of project;
• You'll guide Ecologists, as well as participate in undertaking field investigations, such as: wildlife surveys, tree inventories, botanical inventories, Ecological Land Classification (ELC), targeted SAR surveys and SAR habitat assessments, wetland and other feature delineations;
• You will complete and review more junior staff in proposal writing, study design and implementation, background research and analysis, including consultation with government agencies;
• You will assist with quality control of field data collection, data analysis and management;
• You will lead report preparation (e.g., environmental assessment documentation, environmental impact studies and ecological monitoring reports), including documentation of existing conditions, identification of ecological sensitivities, potential impacts and recommended mitigation measures;
• Attend meetings, workshops, etc. as an ecology representative for WSP;
• Interpretation and critical assessment of policy within project applications (e.g. MBCA, ESA, PPS);
• Higher-level analysis, problem solving, and integration and assessment of other disciplines within the context of ecological work;
• Interpretation and assessment of SAR requirements and implications on projects;
• Identification of permits and authorizations required for projects (e.g., Endangered Species Act, Conservation Authority, other municipal, provincial and federal legislation);
• Deliver high quality reports and other project deliverables on time and within budget, drawing upon technical and scientific knowledge, training and experience of self and other ecology staff;
• Work within a team environment and communicate effectively with all levels of staff;
• WSP offers flexible working environment, home-based and designated office anchor days.
• Some travel is required;
• Overtime may be required to manage deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Studies; and/or other similar field, with a strong background in field biology;
• Experience in developing consulting business;
• Prior experience (5+ years) in a consulting environment and an interest in growing a team;
• Several years of project management experience, as well as experience in the collection and analysis of field data, 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;
• 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.);
• Butternut Health Assessment (BHA) certification an asset;
• To succeed in this position, you must be highly motivated, flexible and a team player committed to providing high quality service.

WSP is one of the world's leading professional services firms. Our purpose is to future proof our cities and environments.

We have over 65,000 team members across the globe. In Canada, our 12,000+ people are involved in everything from environmental remediation to urban planning, from engineering iconic buildings to designing sustainable transportation networks, from finding new ways to extract essential resources to developing renewable power sources for the future.

At WSP:

• We value our people and our reputation
• We are locally dedicated with international scale
• We are future focused and challenge the status quo
• We foster collaboration in everything we do
• We have an empowering culture and hold ourselves accountable

Please Note:

Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations.

Offers of employment for safety-sensitive positions involving fieldwork are contingent upon candidates being able to perform key physical tasks of the job as described in the job posting and interview. This may include the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits).

WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted.

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. For more information please READ THE FULL POLICY.

WSP Canada Inc.

Category

Science