Planning Ecologist

Lower Trent Conservation; Kingston, Peterborough, Belleville; Hybrid; CAD 73,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

OMERS pension

Hybrid work

Professional development

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

Lower Trent Conservation is seeking a Planning Ecologist to support the Planning and Regulations program, assist with municipal plan reviews, and conduct ecological assessments. You will prepare GIS maps, interpret planning acts, and provide expert testimony when required to help ensure regulatory compliance.

The role requires post-secondary education in planning or environmental studies plus several years of related experience; a driver’s license and ability to work outdoors are essential.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in planning, ecosystem management, environmental studies or related discipline required.
• Minimum of three years relevant work experience in environmental sciences and land-use planning.
• Experience with provincial land use planning policies and legislation desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality service to meet LTC, municipal, partner, and public expectations.
• Provide clear, concise technical advice to meet delivery standards and regulations.
• Prepare digital maps and edit GIS layers to reflect site assessment results for LTC reviews.
• Respond to information requests from consultants, other agencies, and the public.

Skills

GIS

Environmental planning

Report writing

Public speaking

Education

Environmental studies degree

Tools

GIS software

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Planning Ecologist reports to the Chief Administrative Officer/Secretary-Treasurer and assists with delivery of the Planning and Regulations program by participating in the municipal plan input and review process, conducting ecological and other assessments, assisting with the administration of the Conservation Authorities Act and its regulations, and other relevant duties.

KEY DUTIES

1. Provide high-quality service to meet LTC, municipal, partner, and public expectations.
2. Provide clear, concise technical advice to meet prescribed delivery standards and to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and LTC’s policies.
3. Participate in the Municipal plan input and review process including but not limited to:
   • Review and process Municipal Planning Act application circulations (e.g., consents, minor variances, zoning by-law amendments)
   • Conducting site visits/assessments
   • Review technical reports and provide written comments related to Planning Act applications
   • Provide expert testimony at Ontario Land Tribunal, as required
4. Assist with the administration of the Conservation Authorities Act, including Ontario Regulation 41/24, to carry out tasks including but not limited to:
   • Conduct site visits to identify regulated features such as watercourses and wetlands
   • Review of technical reports related to permit applications
   • Provide written comments to permitting staff
   • Provide expert testimony for violation matters, as assigned
   • Issue permits, as assigned
5. Conduct ecological assessments and provide input to the LTC planning and regulations program including assessments using accepted protocols (e.g., Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, Ecological Land Classification, etc.).
6. Prepare digital maps and edit features layers to reflect site assessment results, using GIS software, to support LTC review of planning and regulations decisions and in response to external requests.
7. Review and research historical information related to planning and regulations applications.
8. Provide input to the development of long-term planning documents for LTC (e.g., natural heritage strategy, sub-watershed plans, etc.).
9. Respond to public and real estate inquiries regarding development proposals and relevant regulations, as required.
10. Respond to information requests from consultants, other agencies, and the public for planning and environmental information, as required.
11. Ensure that the records and filing system (both conventional and digital) for the planning and regulations program are maintained.
12. Participate in education and outreach activities, where appropriate and as assigned.
13. Adhere with all LTC policies, procedures and requirements.
14. Undertake other related duties as required, and as assigned, by the supervisor or CAO.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education in planning, ecosystem management, environmental studies or related discipline required.
• Minimum of three years relevant work experience in environmental sciences and land-use planning including:
  • Reviewing and/or writing technical reports relating to ecosystem sciences, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, landscape ecology and environmental impacts.
  • Site inspections/assessments related to flora/fauna identification and soil classification following standardized procedures and protocols.
  • Reviewing applications and/or providing policy interpretation related to provincial land use planning policies and legislation.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience working in municipal planning and/or Conservation Authority planning and permit review.
• Certification in the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) and experience with Ecological Land Classification are preferred.
• Working knowledge of provincial legislation including but not limited to, the Conservation Authorities Act, Planning Act, Species Conservation Act (Endangered Species Act), Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act and Provincial Planning Statement.
• Knowledge and experience in wetland offsetting (e.g., policy, design, creation, monitoring) is an asset.
• Knowledge of other related provincial or federal legislation is an asset.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, surveys, and air photos is required.
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems software is required.
• Ability to work to deadlines and adjust to multiple job tasks is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment while maintaining scheduled project timelines.
• Good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with the public and other customers in a positive, courteous and respectful manner.
• Computer literacy using various software and administrative systems in a Microsoft Windows environment (e.g., file maintenance, word processing, spreadsheet applications, information input and retrieval, etc.).
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions such as uneven terrain, slopes, heat, cold, rain, wind, while crouching, bending, and lifting objects weighing up to 20 kilograms including but not limited to using a manual soil core sampler.
• Satisfactory police check and driver abstract.
• Valid Ontario “G” Driver’s License in good standing such that the license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and all requirements for driving in Ontario have been met.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• 40 hours/week
• Annual Salary Range $72,757.20 to $84,346.37
• This posting is for a vacant position.

COME WORK WITH US!

• We offer competitive wages, a comprehensive employee benefits program and are members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension fund.
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangement is available for most positions.
• You will work with staff that are creative, talented and solutions-focused.
• We are dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment.
• We are located close to the city centres of Kingston, Peterborough and Belleville; and approximately 2 hours driving distance from the Greater Toronto Area.
• We value the professional development and wellness of our employees.
• You’ll have free access to most of the province’s conservation areas.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Lower Trent Conservation is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Lower Trent Conservation will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Personal information provided is collected under the authority of The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Lower Trent Conservation does not use artificial intelligence to screen or assess candidates