Ecologist

The Opportunity:

WSP's Ecology team is growing, and we are looking for our next Senior Terrestrial Ecologist to help support on building and maintaining WSP's internal and external client relationships. The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of and experience applying ecological principles and practices across all ecological disciplines, have a proven understanding of disciplines outside ecology (e.g., planning), and how they are integrated with ecology for effective project delivery (e.g., for Environmental Impact Statements [EIS], municipal class environmental assessments [EAs]), and will demonstrate leadership behaviours through team collaboration, mentorship and health and safety. Experience in managing all aspects of project development and delivery (i.e., proposal through to deliverables, including time and budget management) is required.

Why choose WSP?

• We value and are committed to upholding a culture of inclusion and belonging.
• Our Flexible Work Policy – we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize the balance in yours. We will support you on and off the job so you can be fully present in both your work and home lives.
• A Canadian success story - we're proud to wear the red and white of this beautiful country and show the world what Canada has to offer.
• Enhance the world around you - from the environment to the highways, to the buildings and the terrain, WSP is the fabric of Canada.
• Outstanding career opportunities - we're growing and pushing ourselves every day to be greater than yesterday - we're open to your ideas and trying new things.
• A phenomenal collaborative culture and a workforce filled with genuinely good people who are doing humbly important work. Come find out for yourself what it's like to be a part of our journey.

We offer attractive pay, flexible work options, a great corporate culture, comprehensive and employee-focused benefits including virtual healthcare and a wellness platform as well as great savings programs, and a clear vision for the future.

What you can expect to do here:

• Manage assignments throughout the life-cycle of the project: client contact and relationship management, proposal submission, agency consultation, direction of field staff, reporting, and management of the financial health of project;
• Collate information from various sources, including communications with agencies and stakeholders, to design and implement field programs to assess Species at Risk (SAR), significant natural heritage features, and other environmental considerations;
• Lead wildlife surveys with a focus on amphibians, reptiles, mammals (bats), birds and SAR;
• Lead and/or support vegetation and wetland surveys, including Ecological Land Classification (ELC) mapping, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System surveys, species taxonomy, and rare plant identification;
• Assist with quality assurance and quality control of field data collection, data analysis and management;
• Lead proposal and report preparation (e.g., environmental assessment documentation, environmental impact studies and ecological monitoring reports), including documentation of existing conditions, identification of ecological sensitivities, potential impacts and recommended mitigation measures;
• Oversee junior and intermediate staff in proposal writing, study design and implementation, background research and analyses, including consultation with government agencies;
• Complete technical review of proposals and reports;
• Interpret and conduct critical assessment of policy within project applications (e.g., MBCA, ESA, PPS);
• Complete higher-level analysis, problem solving, and integration and assessment of other disciplines within the context of ecological work;
• Interpret and assess SAR requirements and implications on projects, as well as prepare technical correspondence, Endangered Species Act permitting and registrations;
• Deliver project deliverables on time and within budget, drawing upon technical and scientific knowledge, training and experience of self and other ecology staff;
• Attend meetings, workshops, etc. as an ecology representative for WSP;
• Actively mentor junior and intermediate ecologists in Ontario;
• Work with the Ecology senior leadership team and help drive the Ecology business plan;
• Demonstrate visible felt leadership with regards to Health and Safety;
• Work within a team environment and communicate effectively with all levels of staff;
• Some travel is required;
• Overtime may be required to manage deadlines.

What you’ll bring to WSP:

• University or equivalent education or experience in Ecology, Biology or similar
• Degree in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Studies; and/or other similar field, with a strong background in field biology
• Prior experience (10+ years) in a consulting environment
• Experience managing projects and clients, as well as experience in the collection and analysis of field data, data organization and management
• Strong working knowledge of standard field protocols for a range of ecological surveys and previous experience working in ecosystems within Ontario
• Knowledge of and experience with interpreting environmental policies and legislation and obtaining permitting under the ESA (e.g., the Provincial Policy Statement, Endangered Species Act, Species at Risk Act, official plans)
• Additional assets include Ecological Land Classification (ELC) training, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) training, arborist certification, Butternut Health Assessor (BHA) certification
• Valid Ontario driver’s licence is required
• To succeed in this position, you must be highly motivated, flexible and a team player committed to providing high quality service.