Ecologist, Junior to Intermediate

WSP USA; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm in Mississauga is looking for Junior to Intermediate Ecologists. The role involves leading field programs, conducting ecological assessments, and analyzing data to support environmental projects. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience in ecology and strong communication skills. Join a passionate team that values collaboration and helps shape sustainable development across Ontario.

Qualifications

• 3 to 7 years of experience in environmental consulting or applied ecology.
• Strong field skills in surveys and ecological assessments.
• Familiarity with Ontario’s environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support field programs focused on fish and wildlife.
• Analyze and interpret ecological data for studies and permits.
• Mentor junior staff and engage with clients and communities.

Skills

Field skills in fish community and habitat surveys

Field skills in wildlife surveys

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science

Tools

Data visualization tools

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Overview

The Opportunity:

Are you ready to take the next step in your environmental career? Join a passionate, collaborative team where your work directly contributes to protecting biodiversity and shaping sustainable development across Ontario. We're looking for aquatic and terrestrial Junior to Intermediate Ecologists who thrive in the field, bring curiosity to the office, and want to grow their impact in a supportive, science-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support field programs focused on fish and fish habitat, wildlife, vegetation, wetlands, and Species at Risk (SAR)
• Conduct ecological assessments using protocols like Ecological Land Classification (ELC) and Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES)
• Analyze and interpret ecological data to inform environmental impact studies, permitting, and mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with senior ecologists, planners, and engineers on multi-disciplinary projects
• Prepare clear, compelling reports and contribute to environmental approvals (e.g., DFO Request for Reviews, FAA, ESA, PPS, MBCA)
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to a culture of learning and safety
• Engage with clients, Indigenous communities, and regulatory agencies to support project success
• Overtime may be required to manage deadlines

Qualifications

• 3 to 7 years of experience in environmental consulting or applied ecology
• Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Strong field skills in one or more areas: fish community and habitat surveys, environmental effects assessment (EEM), wildlife surveys (birds, bats, herpetofauna), vegetation mapping, wetland delineation, SAR assessments
• Familiarity with Ontario’s environmental legislation and permitting processes
• Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and visual
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and willingness to travel for fieldwork

Nice-to-Haves

• Local to the Greater Golden Horseshoe, GTA or Kitchener-Waterloo area
• Certifications in electrofishing, ELC, or OWES
• Experience with data visualization, or statistical analysis
• Knowledge of Indigenous engagement practices or northern ecosystems
• ATV and Pleasure Craft Boat Operators training are also an asset

About WSP

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

Equity and Safety

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. (https://www.wsp.com/en-CA/careers/notice-to-staffing-agencies)