Senior Ecologist

Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls; Niagara Falls; On-site; CAD 91,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Niagara Falls is hiring a Senior Ecologist to manage natural heritage resources and support policies that align with provincial and City environmental legislation. The role involves carrying out ecological assessments and providing expertise on environmental matters for development applications and planning projects.

Key duties include leading environmental reviews of planning applications, coordinating with Conservation Authority and provincial agencies, preparing Terms of Reference

Qualifications

• University degree in Environmental Planning or Environmental Sciences.
• Minimum five years of experience in environmental planning or related field.
• OWES certification and experience with Ecological Land Classification.
• RPP designation is an asset.
• Knowledge of PPS 2024 and provincial policies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ecological assessments for municipal projects using established protocols.
• Lead reviews of planning applications related to environmental matters.
• Review Environmental Impact Studies and related plans.
• Collaborate with agencies and stakeholders on natural heritage policy.
• Prepare staff reports and present to Council as required.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Policy interpretation

Education

University degree in Environmental Planning

University degree in Environmental Sciences

OWES certification

Tools

Ecological Land Classification

OWES framework

Environmental Assessments

Job description

If you are currently employed with the City of Niagara Falls, please apply internally through the Workday Jobs Hub app of your Workday account in order for your application to be processed as an internal applicant. Job Type: Permanent Department: Current Planning Salary: $91,423.00 - $114,279.00 Hours per week: 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Class “G” driver’s licence.

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.

Posting will remain open until position filled.

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. 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.