Senior Ecologist

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

The Jacobs team delivers complex and technically challenging infrastructure projects in the municipal water and transportation market. We are seeking to appoint a Senior Ecologist, based out of our Toronto, Kitchener or Ottawa offices under a hybrid role. You will work primarily from your home office in the GTA; however, Jacobs is now under a hybrid model with an expectation of office visits 1-2 x per week. Fieldwork, client or agency meetings are also considered under this hybrid approach in-lieu of attendance at the office. This position provides a leadership opportunity whereas you will lead the ecological technical components of projects from inception through to substantial completion. You will manage junior and intermediate ecologists/arborists, project budget and delivery. There will be plenty of opportunities to face our clients and the regulators. The Senior Ecologist position opens the door for you to work independently, manage your schedule and advance your career into a Subject Matter Expert (SME)!

The purpose of this role is to provide technical skills and expertise in multi-disciplinary ecological sectors to primarily support infrastructure projects, including linear water, transportation (bridges, culvert, highways), water treatment and wastewater treatment plants at the Environmental Assessment (EA) stage, pre-design, detailed design and construction phases. The following tasks, but not limited to, are a likely requirement of the position:

• Work closely with the Ecology Lead, internal Project Managers (PM’s), design leads, cross business groups, planners, clients and agencies

• Environmental Impact Studies/Natural Heritage Evaluations

• Species at Risk (SAR) assessment and mitigation

• Permitting under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)

• Fisheries Assessment

• Fisheries Act Authorizations (FAA) and Species at Risk Act (SARA) permitting with DFO

• Ecological Land Classification (ELC) and arborist surveys

• Tree Inventory and Preservation/Protection Plans

• Ecosystem compensation plans

• Wildlife surveys including breeding birds, herptiles, Significant Wildlife Habitat (SWH) assessment

• Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and Environmental Construction Specifications

• Environmental design support, mitigation and environmental notes

The Senior Ecologist position responsibilities will primarily include:

• Planning and scoping natural environment projects

• Assisting design leads and managing project risk from an ecological and permitting perspective

• Work closely with the field team leader and ensure budget and schedule is met

• Mentoring junior to intermediate ecologists/arborists

• Technical report writing and permitting as Senior lead

• Drafting proposals and work plans

• Tracking budget and managing ecological projects

• Business development

• Degree in relevant science discipline (ecology, biology, environmental science, natural resource management, ecosystem management, etc.)

• 10-15 years of experience in delivery of infrastructure projects tied to ecology

• Ability to draft technical reports independently and as a senior/expert reviewer

• Experience in securing ESA and DFO permits

• Willingness to undertake travel for fieldwork in Ontario occasionally, including training and managing field staff, site meetings with the agencies and clients

• Proven report writing skills and demonstrated experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite

• Effective leadership skills, ability to manage staff with various technical backgrounds and support requirements

• Proven ability to manage clients, technical staff, and work closely with engineers

• Environmental monitoring program experience for SAR and DFO permits

• Natural planning capabilities and project management skills

• Team player and natural ability to build and foster internal and external relationships

• Leader, driven and motivated to advance career

• Demonstrated experience leading projects including delivery, meeting schedule and budget with quality

• Excellent communication, organizational and time management skills. Including the abilities to prioritize and meet deadlines

• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines

• Current driver’s license and clean driving record. Ability to rent a vehicle or use a personal vehicle for work related travel

Ideally, you’ll also have some or all the following:

• ISA Arborist certification and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

• ELC certification and Butternut Health Assessor (BHA)

• Ontario Wetland Evaluation Systems (OWES) certification

• Class 2 Backpack Crew Leader Electrofishing Certification

• Fish ROM identification courses

• Bat echolocation/acoustic survey training or experience

• Certified Inspector Sediment and Erosion Control (CISEC)

• MTO/DFO/MNR Fisheries Protocol Specialist Training

• RAQS qualified - fisheries assessment/contracts, environmental monitoring at construction and natural sciences

• Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP)

• Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN)

Jacobs’ health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, an RRSP plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $93,800 - $129,000. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across Ontario, Canada locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.