Senior Ecologist

WSP USA; Cambridge; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Ecologist to drive ecological projects and client relationships. The position requires expertise in Ontario's ecology and environmental policies, project management experience, and strong collaboration skills. Ideal candidates will manage field surveys and lead junior ecologists, ensuring quality deliverables within budget and timeline. Benefits include flexible work options and a supportive corporate culture.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Comprehensive employee benefits

Wellness platform and virtual healthcare

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a consulting environment.
• Experience managing clients and ecological projects.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario's ecosystems and environmental policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage project assignments, client relationships, and financials.
• Design and implement ecological assessment programs.
• Oversee ecological surveys and field data quality assurance.

Skills

Field biology expertise

Project management

Ecological principles

Collaboration with Indigenous peoples

Data analysis and management

Education

Degree in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Studies

Tools

Field survey protocols

Environmental legislation interpretation

Job description

Why choose WSP?

• We value and are committed to upholding a culture of inclusion and belonging

• Our Flexible Work Policy – we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize the balance in yours. We will support you on and off the job so you can be fully present in both your work and home lives.

• A Canadian success story - we're proud to wear the red and white of this beautiful country and show the world what Canada has to offer.

• Enhance the world around you - from the environment to the highways, to the buildings and the terrain, WSP is the fabric of Canada.

• Outstanding career opportunities - we’re growing and pushing ourselves every day to be greater than yesterday - we’re open to your ideas and trying new things.

• A phenomenal collaborative culture and a workforce filled with genuinely good people who are doing humbly important work. Come find out for yourself what it’s like to be a part of our journey.

We offer attractive pay, flexible work options, a great corporate culture, comprehensive and employee‑focused benefits including virtual healthcare and a wellness platform as well as great savings programs, and a clear vision for the future.

#WeAreWSP

The Opportunity:

WSP is currently seeking Senior Ecologists with a background in Ontario wildlife, terrestrial or aquatic ecology to join the Ecology team. We are seeking individuals who will focus on the environmental approvals process for a range of industries, including land development, linear infrastructure, mining, and energy/power resources. The individuals will also provide oversight of technical and critical thinking and analyses across disciplines, to provide effective management of ecological tasks and projects. WSP has a strong team of ecologists across Ontario and can offer flexibility by assigning candidates to one of our many office locations throughout the province.

The ideal candidates will be responsible for building and maintaining WSP’s internal and external client relationships and have extensive knowledge of and experience applying ecological principles and practices across all ecological disciplines. They will have a proven understanding of disciplines outside ecology (e.g., planning) and how they are integrated with ecology for effective project delivery (e.g., for Environmental Impact Statements [EIS], municipal class environmental assessments [EAs]). They will demonstrate leadership behaviors through team collaboration, mentorship and health and safety. Experience in managing all aspects of project development and delivery (i.e., proposal through to deliverables, including time and budget management) is required.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Studies; and/or other similar field, with a strong background in field biology
• Prior experience (10+ years) in a consulting environment
• Experience managing projects and clients, as well as experience in the collection and analysis of field data, data organization and management
• Demonstrated collaboration and engagement experience with Indigenous peoples is an asset
• 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, Fisheries Act, Endangered Species Act, Species at Risk Act, official plans) and obtaining permitting under the ESA
• Additional assets include Ecological Land Classification (ELC) training, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) training, arborist certification, Butternut Health Assessor (BHA) certification
• Valid Ontario driver’s licence is required, with access to a personal vehicle.
• To succeed in this position, you must be highly motivated, flexible and a team player committed to providing high quality service

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage assignments throughout the life‑cycle of the project: client contact and relationship management, proposal submission, agency consultation, direction of field staff, reporting, and management of the financial health of project
• Collate information from various sources, including communications with agencies and stakeholders, to design and implement programs to assess Species at Risk (SAR), significant natural heritage features, and other environmental considerations
• Coordinate/Lead ecological surveys with your area of specialization (i.e., wildlife, terrestrial, aquatic)
• Oversee quality assurance and quality control of field data collection, data analysis and management
• Lead proposal and 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
• Oversee junior and intermediate staff in proposal writing, study design and implementation, background research and analyses, including consultation with government agencies
• Complete technical review of proposals and reports
• Interpret and conduct critical assessment of policy within project applications (e.g., MBCA, ESA, PPS)
• Complete higher‑level analysis, problem solving, and integration and assessment of other disciplines within the context of ecological work
• Interpret and assess SAR requirements and implications on projects, as well as prepare technical correspondence, permitting and registrations
• Deliver project deliverables on time and within budget, drawing upon technical and scientific knowledge, training and experience of self and other ecology staff
• Attend meetings, workshops, etc. as an ecology representative for WSP
• Actively mentor junior and intermediate ecologists in Ontario
• Actively work with the Ontario Ecology senior leadership team and help drive the Ecology business plan
• Demonstrate visible felt leadership with regards to Health and Safety
• Work within a team environment and communicate effectively with all levels of staff
• Some travel is required for meetings and site visits
• Overtime may be required to manage deadlines