Aquatic Ecologist

Geoscience Ireland; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Aquatic Ecologist to join their dynamic team in Ontario. This role offers the chance to engage in high-profile projects, focusing on aquatic ecosystems and environmental assessments. You will manage projects from proposal to execution, mentor junior staff, and communicate with clients and regulatory agencies. With flexible scheduling and a commitment to professional growth, this position is perfect for those passionate about sustainability and eager to make a significant impact in the environmental consulting field.

Benefits

Competitive compensation plan

Benefits and vacation

RRSP contribution

Wellness initiatives

Flexible scheduling

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Professional experience as an Ecologist with a focus on aquatic ecosystems.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic field protocols and scientific study design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of field programs and analyze data.
• Manage complex technical projects involving client portfolios and deliverables.

Skills

Aquatic Ecology

Project Management

Technical Writing

Data Analysis

Environmental Assessment

Client Liaison

Team Leadership

Field Data Collection

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology

Master’s degree in Ecology

Tools

Database Management

Statistical Data Analysis

Job description

• Experience as an Ecologist in the environmental consulting industry, with an aquatic ecology focus
• Based in any of our Ontario office areas, including Markham, Guelph and Ottawa, with flexible work options available
• Close knit collaborative and engaged “One Team” environment
• High profile project work and full project management opportunities
• Valid driver’s license required for travel to job sites/clients

We are SLR Consulting (Canada), a 550+ team of advisory, environmental/engineering, and regulatory professionals across 18 office locations in Canada. We deliver environmental and sustainability services to our clients through the integration of advisory and over 30 technical environmental and engineering disciplines to help clients address some of their most complex challenges around sustainability, we are Making Sustainability Happen.

As our new Aquatic Ecologist, you will play an important role on a team whose work is essential to achieving this goal.

Job Description

You will take on the full scope of project management responsibilities, including proposal, design, and ongoing coordination. You’ll also take on mentorship and leadership responsibilities with our junior team members, as well as field data collection, report writing, and client communication. Your role will include supporting existing large linear infrastructure projects at SLR as well as leading and developing new opportunities within Ontario for future land development, infrastructure, and construction projects.

We’ll look to you to bring in-depth knowledge and interest in aquatic ecology, with strengths in infrastructure development projects, environmental and compliance assessment and monitoring, environmental permitting, client liaison, and team leadership within municipal, provincial and federal regulatory frameworks.

This is a unique opportunity to work on high-profile projects with a growing team - so if you’re entrepreneurial at heart, excited about growth, and ready to be given the space to really shine at what you’re good at, you’ll excel with us.

Key Responsibilities

You will also:

• Collect and synthesize scientific literature, existing data sets and secondary source material for technical reports, proposals, and meetings
• Lead the design and execution of field programs
• Analyze and interpret data, and prepare technical reports as primary author
• Identify potential impacts to aquatic ecosystems resulting from land use changes, and recommend suitable mitigation to avoid and / or reduce potential impacts
• Develop, manage, and maintain complex technical projects involving client portfolios, schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Provide leadership, support, and training to junior staff
• Identify key clients and maintain positive relationships with regulatory agencies and contractors
• Contribute to SLR’s internal Research and Innovation program

Working @ SLR

With us, there is no doubt you’ll continue to grow your subject-matter expertise and industry knowledge. We care about investing in our employees for the long-run, and if you ask our team, they’ll tell you that’s just one of the many benefits of working here. We want to be a place where you can experience career growth and satisfaction for many years.

Here’s what else you’ll enjoy as part of our team:

• Competitive total compensation plan, including benefits, vacation, RRSP contribution, and a suite of wellness initiatives
• Full-time, permanent role with flexible scheduling available (core hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm)
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

Qualifications

• Professional experience as an Ecologist in the environmental consulting industry, with a focus on aquatic ecosystems
• Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.), in Biology, Ecology or Natural Sciences; a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) is considered an asset
• Ability to work in the field, including remote locations – valid driver’s license required
• Strong knowledge of aquatic field protocols, including scientific study design and implementation
• Experience supporting environmental assessment, monitoring, and oversight of large linear infrastructure projects
• Proficiency in database management, statistical data analysis, and ecological data interpretation
• Excellent technical writing, reporting and research skills, including experience in conducting technical reviews
• Experience navigating permitting and authorization processes related to Canadian federal, provincial, and regional legislation and policies
• Demonstrated project coordination and management skills, including project planning, schedule and budget preparation, project implementation, and the ability to produce deliverables on time
• Certified in backpack electrofishing
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging a range of stakeholders including internal staff, clients, contractors, Indigenous communities, and regulators.

SLR strives to build diverse teams that reflect the communities we work in, and encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented groups including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, veterans, and people with disabilities.