Intermediate Spatial Ecologist

WSP in Canada; Greater Sudbury; Hybrid; CAD 59,236 - 88,166; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Intermediate Spatial Ecologist to join our Ecology team, applying geospatial analytics, AI, and remote sensing to support environmental decision‑making. The role emphasizes developing Python and GIS workflows, visualizing results, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams on projects across Canada and beyond.

The position offers hybrid work with potential remote options for the right candidate and requires a Master’s degree with 5–10 years of relevant experience in

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Ecology, Data Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of relevant experience in applied spatial ecology or environmental consulting.
• Strong proficiency in GIS platforms such as ArcGIS Pro or QGIS, including spatial analysis and geoprocessing.
• Strong programming skills in Python for data analysis, automation, and visualization.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze ecological data and interpret results in an applied context.
• Experience preparing technical reports and communicating analytical results to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with large geospatial and ecological datasets, including remote sensing and Earth observation products.

Responsibilities

• Analyze ecological and spatial datasets and interpret results to support projects across multiple sectors.
• Develop, manage, and execute Python and GIS workflows, including spatial modeling, geoprocessing, automation, and map production.
• Develop and apply machine learning, AI, and advanced analytical approaches to ecological modeling, biodiversity assessment, species distribution modeling, habitat mapping, and cumulative effects analysis.
• Create clear and compelling data visualizations using Python and/or R.
• Integrate remote sensing datasets, including satellite imagery, LiDAR, UAV/drone imagery, and Earth observation products, with field-based ecological data to support environmental assessments and monitoring programs.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis and statistical analyses using Python and/or R.
• Prepare technical reports, ensuring transparent documentation of analytical methods and results.
• Contribute to data management, QA/QC processes, and reproducible analytical workflows.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to project coordination and execution.

Skills

Python programming

Geospatial analysis

Machine learning for ecology

Data visualization (Python/R)

Remote sensing

Education

Master's degree in Ecology/Data Science/Environmental Science

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

QGIS

Job description

The Opportunity

WSP is seeking an Intermediate Spatial Ecologist with strong geospatial and analytical expertise to join our Ecology team. The successful candidate will join a team committed to advancing innovative approaches to ecological assessment and environmental planning. In this role, you will help integrate emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, remote sensing, Earth observation, and cloud‑based geospatial analytics— with traditional ecological expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of environmental decision‑making.

At WSP, you'll be part of a growing team of environmental professionals working on complex projects across Canada and beyond, helping clients address today's environmental challenges while preparing for tomorrow's opportunities.

This position is hybrid and can be located in any of our Canadian offices, with the possibility of remote for the right candidate.

Your Impact

• Analyze ecological and spatial datasets and interpret results to support projects across multiple sectors.
• Develop, manage, and execute Python and GIS workflows, including spatial modeling, geoprocessing, automation, and map production.
• Develop and apply machine learning, AI, and advanced analytical approaches to ecological modeling, biodiversity assessment, species distribution modeling, habitat mapping, and cumulative effects analysis.
• Create clear and compelling data visualizations using Python and/or R.
• Integrate remote sensing datasets, including satellite imagery, LiDAR, UAV/drone imagery, and Earth observation products, with field‑based ecological data to support environmental assessments and monitoring programs.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis and statistical analyses using Python and/or R.
• Prepare technical reports, ensuring transparent documentation of analytical methods and results.
• Contribute to data management, QA/QC processes, and reproducible analytical workflows.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to project coordination and execution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Ecology, Data Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of relevant experience in applied spatial ecology or environmental consulting.
• Strong proficiency in GIS platforms such as ArcGIS Pro or QGIS, including spatial analysis and geoprocessing.
• Strong programming skills in Python for data analysis, automation, and visualization.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze ecological data and interpret results in an applied context.
• Experience preparing technical reports and communicating analytical results to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with large geospatial and ecological datasets, including remote sensing and Earth observation products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in R for statistical analysis and ecological modeling.
• Experience with statistical modeling approaches such as resource selection functions, occupancy models, habitat suitability models, or connectivity analyses.
• Experience working with large and diverse ecological datasets, including GPS telemetry, wildlife surveys, and remote sensing data.
• Strong data management, visualization, and reproducibility practices.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with cloud‑based geospatial platforms such as Google Earth Engine, Microsoft Planetary Computer, or equivalent environments.
• Experience developing automated workflows for biodiversity monitoring, habitat mapping, land‑cover classification, change detection, or cumulative effects assessment.
• Experience integrating AI‑assisted approaches for image analysis, acoustic monitoring, camera trap processing, species detection, or ecological forecasting.

Compensation

AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $48.10 – $63.70 per hour

MB & ON: $43.90 – $60.40 per hour

NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $43.40 – $57.70 per hour

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.