Senior Ecologist

City of Niagara Falls; Golden Horseshoe; On-site; CAD 91,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Niagara Falls seeks a Senior Ecologist to manage natural heritage resources and provide ecological expertise for development and policy planning aligned with provincial and city legislation. You will conduct ecological assessments and lead in environmental policy development, ensuring accurate guidance across municipal projects.

Responsibilities include leading reviews, preparing terms of reference, coordinating with agencies, and presenting to Council.

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years work experience and progressive work experience.
• Certification in the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) and experience with Ecological Land Classifications.
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation and accreditation by OPPI is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of provincial, regional, and municipal environmental policy frameworks.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation and planning regulations is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ecological assessments for municipal projects using accepted protocols.
• Lead review of planning applications relative to environmental and natural heritage matters (OPA, ZBA, subdivisions, site plans).
• Review Environmental Impact Studies, Environmental Site Assessments, and related plans.

Skills

Environmental policy knowledge

Education

University degree in Environmental Planning

RPP designation (asset)

Tools

OWES certification

Ecological Land Classification

Job description

The City of Niagara Falls is a dynamic and internationally renowned city with a prosperous business community and economic foundation anchored by tourism, manufacturing, retail and knowledge-based sectors. Located at one of the natural wonders of the world and in the heart North America's most affluent consumer markets, we are linked to the world by extensive road, rail, air, water and telecommunication networks. With over 14 million visitors a year and a growing resident population of nearly 100,000, we invite you to discover why Niagara Falls is a premier place to live, work, and play.

Job Type

Permanent

Department

Current Planning

$91,423.00 - $114,279.00

35

Openings

1

Note about Salary Range

The 2027 salary range for this position is under corporate review.

Vacancy Status

This is for a new vacancy.

Job Position

The following description reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the position identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in such classification.

Position Summary

The Senior Ecologist is responsible for managing natural heritage resources within the City through the support of policies, plans, strategies, and initiatives that align with Provincial and City environmental legislation. The Senior Ecologist is responsible for conducting ecological assessments as well as providing expertise on environmental, resource management, and ecological matters associated with a variety of development applications and policy planning projects.

N/A

Responsible For

• Conduct ecological assessments for municipal projects using accepted protocols (eg. Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, Ecological Land Classification, etc.).
• Lead the review of planning applications relative to environmental and natural heritage planning matters (OPA, ZBA, subdivisions, consents, site plan applications, etc.). Review and comment on Environmental Impact Studies, Environmental Site Assessments, Restoration and Monitoring Plans, Subwatershed Studies, and other such studies or plans.
• Conduct site visit and assessments for development and policy initiatives in the City.
• Prepare Terms of Reference for development applications and for long-term planning documents for the City (eg. Subwater shed studies, environmental impact studies, urban forest management etc.).
• Lead and manage environmental and natural heritage planning policy, in coordination with the Long-Range Planning Initiatives and Policy teams, relative to various policy documents and background studies.
• Provide technical guidance for Environmental Assessments including Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, as needed.
• Lead and collaborate on the City's urban forest, tree preservation and compensation, and woodland management policy. Review tree preservation plans, update tree cutting by-law as necessary. Monitor and evaluate compensation plans and areas.
• Lead environmental discussions with applicants, agencies and consultants to ensure proper ecological and policy implementation.
• Collaborate with Conservation Authority, NEC, provincial agencies, and other stakeholders relative to natural heritage and environmental planning matters.
• Undertake research and analysis to develop strategic environmental policies, plans, strategies and guidelines in keeping with Provincial plans and policies.
• Prepare staff reports and make presentations to Council, committees and at public information sessions as required.
• Manage the review and preparation of feedback on Provincial and other government agency policies, plans, strategies and initiatives. Interpret municipal and provincial planning documents and procedures for staff, agencies, developers and public as it relates to Natural Heritage.
• Prepare professional evidence and provide expert testimony before legislative committees, tribunals, commissions as it relates to natural heritage and environmental planning matters as required.
• Perform other duties as required.

Position Requirements

• University degree in Environmental Planning, Environmental Sciences or a closely related field
• Minimum five (5) years work experience and progressive work experience.
• Certification in the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) and experience with Ecological Land Classifications.
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation and accreditation by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of provincial (including PPS 2024), regional, and municipal environmental and natural heritage policy frameworks.
• Working knowledge of environmental legislation, regulations, permits, policies and approvals (e.g., Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, Endangered Species Act, Species Conservation Act, Conservation Authorities Act, etc.).
• Applied, technical knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, applicable planning legislation and regulations, and provincial and regional guidelines and policies, such as the Planning Act is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience in compensation including policy, design and monitoring is an asset.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment and site visits required.
• Hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
• A flexible work schedule may be available for this position, subject to operational requirements and management approval.

Equipment and Tools Used

General office equipment, computer and related software and digital camera.

The City of Niagara Falls is dedicated to creating an accessible and inclusive organization and fostering a workplace culture which reflects the diverse nature of the residents we serve. In accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the City will accommodate the individual needs of candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at [e-mail] or 905-356-7521 ext 4317.

Personal information is collected under the authority of The Municipal Act and will only be used to determine suitability for this position. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those advancing through the selection process will be contacted.