Vegetation Specialist

Natural Resource Solutions Inc.; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 41,328 - 61,992; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly wage

Career growth opportunities

Healthy work-life balance

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking an experienced vegetation specialist with expertise in field plant identification, botanical inventories, and ecological surveys. The role, based in Waterloo, offers a hybrid work model and requires a diploma in Biology or Environmental Sciences. Responsibilities include conducting vegetation inventories, managing data, and preparing reports. Successful candidates will have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience and must be able to work independently and collaboratively. Competitive hourly rates offered based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years in coordinating vascular plant inventories.
• Proficient in identifying challenging vascular plant families.
• 3 years' experience with vegetation community mapping in Ontario.

Responsibilities

• Lead vegetation inventories and ecological surveys.
• Manage and analyze project data, preparing reports.
• Coordinate field surveys and manage project budgets.

Skills

Field plant identification

Botanical inventories

Wetland delineations

Ecological Land Classification

Data management and analysis

Client communication

Report writing

Attention to detail

Education

Diploma or degree in Biology or Environmental Sciences

Job description

Natural Resource Solutions Inc. (NRSI) is proud to provide high quality and cost-effective natural environment consulting solutions to our clients across Canada. We are a highly respected niche biological consulting firm with offices in Waterloo, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta. Our team of skilled ecologists provide expertise in the identification and management of significant and sensitive natural species and their habitats.

Why Us?

At NRSI we value our people and strive to provide a healthy work-life balance and a safe work environment. We offer a competitive hourly wage, the opportunity to work with other highly experienced staff, and career growth opportunities by promoting from within our organization.

Your Contribution to NRSI

NRSI is looking for an experienced vegetation specialist with primary expertise within-field plant identification, botanical inventories, wetland and other natural feature delineations, and Ecological Land Classification (ELC) surveys to join our growing team.

Field work is expected to primarily be conducted in southern Ontario, but may also be located in northern Ontario or rarely, out of province. The successful applicant will be based out of our Waterloo office and expected to regularly contribute to both field- and office-based tasks. This position can accommodate hybrid work, with a requirement for in-office attendance at least one day per week when not in the field.

Responsibilities

• Leading vegetation inventories and participating in other ecological surveys, as required.
• Completing background reviews of natural heritage features.
• Managing and analyzing data along with preparing and reviewing reports.
• Coordinating terrestrial and wetland field surveys and providing other project management support.
• Preparing proposals and managing and tracking project budgets.
• Communicating with clients and agencies.

Education

• A diploma or degree in Biology or Environmental Sciences. Similar educational experience will also be considered.

Key Job Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in coordinating and conducting vascular plant inventories.
• Technically skilled and proficient in the identification of challenging families of vascular plants, such as Cyperaceae, Juncaceae, and Poaceae.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with vegetation community mapping and the application of Ecological Land Classification in Ontario.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in managing field components of projects including coordinating surveys and tracking project budgets.
• Willing and able to travel for multi-day field surveys, sometimes in remote locations, under inclement weather, in a variety of environmental conditions, and occasionally for long hours.
• Proven ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail, including the upkeep of well-organized and thorough field notes.
• Physically fit, as some field work for this position will be physically demanding.
• Ability to work independently on a regular basis as well as collaboratively in a team.
• Proven proficiency in report writing, data entry and analysis.

Assets

• Certification in OWES and experience applying it in the field.
• Certification in Ecological Land Classification for southern or northern Ontario.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience with non-vascular plant identification.
• Experience completing surveys for wildlife (e.g., insects, herpetofauna, birds, or mammals).

Application Closing Date

April 3, 2026. Interviews will begin as suitable applicants are found.

Application Requirements

A cover letter addressed to Patrick Deacon and Tara Brenton is required with all applications.

Anticipated Start

May, 2026 or an agreed upon start date based on suitable applicant.

Location

Waterloo, Ontario

Salary

$30.00-$45.00 per hour commensurate on experience.

Estimated number of hours per week, including authorized travel

40 hours.

AI Disclosure

NRSI does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select candidates for this role. NRSI is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NRSI is also committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in our recruitment process, employment, services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact our HR Department at 519-807-0592.