Team Leader - Environmental Planning

WSP; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner to lead a dynamic team in Ontario. This role offers the opportunity to shape environmental planning projects across various sectors, including infrastructure and energy. As a pivotal member of the Environmental Impact Assessment Team, you will oversee project delivery, mentor junior staff, and engage with diverse stakeholders. If you have a passion for environmental sustainability and a strong background in assessment methodologies, this position provides a platform to make a significant impact while working in a hybrid environment. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to excellence in environmental consulting.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of environmental research and analysis experience.
• Proven mentorship and leadership skills in team management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in environmental planning and impact assessments.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders, including Indigenous communities.

Skills

Environmental Research

Team Leadership

Environmental Assessment Methodologies

Client Engagement

Analytical Skills

Education

Graduate Degree in Environmental Sciences

Undergraduate Degree in Related Field

Job description

Description

The Opportunity:

WSP’s Environmental Impact Assessment Team in Ontario is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner or Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist who is looking to advance their professional career by leading a team of experienced environmental planning and approvals specialists.

The team is part of our broader Environmental Planning business unit and collaborates with a diverse group of environmental planning and permitting consultants and technical specialists (e.g., ecologists, hydrogeologists, archaeologists) across the province.

The role involves leading a team that studies the interactions between proposed infrastructure or development projects and the social, natural, and physical environments that may be affected. Projects span various sectors, including municipal and provincial infrastructure (roads, highways, rail) and energy/resource projects (mining, nuclear, transmission). The role requires engagement with clients, government, public, and Indigenous organizations.

As the Team Lead, you could be based at any of our Ontario offices.

Reporting to the Director of Environmental Impact Assessment and Social Science for Ontario, you will lead and develop a team in a hybrid work environment.

What you can expect to do here:

Team Lead Responsibilities:

• Supervise entry to senior-level employees, providing daily guidance on business and operational matters.
• Ensure team adherence to policies, procedures, and promote technical excellence.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, leadership, and management skills, with effective communication to staff and senior management.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Support workload, resource, and succession planning, including recruitment and team structuring.
• Manage human resources, monitor non-billable hours, and oversee timesheets, expenses, and overtime.
• Manage and support achievement of KPIs, such as staff chargeability and revenue targets.
• Mentor staff and support career development, setting goals and opportunities.
• Foster continuous improvement and maintain a positive work environment.
• Conduct performance reviews, clarifying expectations and providing feedback.
• Contribute to business development and marketing of team services.
• Accept tactical guidance to meet goals and priorities.
• Assist in annual budgeting and business planning.
• Ensure health and safety policies are followed, exemplify ethics and principles.
• Work in a hybrid model, in-office at least three days per week.
• Travel for short trips and events as needed.

Technical Consulting Responsibilities:

• Spend approximately 60% of your time on project delivery, technical work, and client engagement.
• Guide baseline research, impact assessments, and environmental monitoring.
• Oversee reporting, data analysis, and project deliverables.
• Assess project impacts using accepted and innovative methodologies.
• Manage junior staff in research and data collection.
• Prepare proposals, support client management, and oversee project quality.
• Provide technical leadership and strategic advice.
• Manage projects, maintaining scope, schedule, and budget control.
• Build client relationships and identify new opportunities.
• Collaborate across disciplines on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Lead interactions with stakeholders, including Indigenous communities.

What you’ll bring to WSP:

• Graduate degree in environmental sciences, studies, or planning; equivalent experience considered with undergraduate degree.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant environmental research and analysis experience.
• At least 5 years as a professional environmental consultant.
• Experience managing or leading teams, with proven mentorship and leadership skills.
• Extensive knowledge of Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, federal Impact Assessment Act, and related legislation.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of environmental assessment methodologies.
• Experience consulting with Indigenous groups in Ontario.
• Excellent communication skills in English; French is an asset.