Vegetation and Wetlands Ecologist

The Opportunity:

WSP is currently seeking a Vegetation and Wetlands Ecologist to join our dynamic Vegetation and Wetlands Group in Edmonton or Saskatoon. Reporting to the Group Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful, diverse projects across the prairies and beyond, working alongside a team of dedicated professionals on meaningful and challenging work.

Come see firsthand what makes our culture special and be a part of our journey!

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:

• Plan, oversee, and scope vegetation surveys to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis.
• Conduct field assessments in accordance with industry standards, and prepare detailed reports for projects across various sectors, including mining, transportation, municipal infrastructure, renewable energy, and oil and gas. Support the training and development of junior field staff.
• Travel throughout Canada to conduct fieldwork in diverse and remote environments, with flexibility for varying durations, especially during the summer months.
• Implement corporate and client safety programs, ensuring all field activities adhere to the highest safety standards.
• Identify potential environmental constraints related to proposed developments, including wetlands, vegetation, listed species, and non-native species.
• Collaborate with clients, team members, and regulatory agencies, fostering strong relationships and ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Mentor staff on field work, data collection, quality assurance/quality control, task management and reporting.
• Analyze and interpret ecological data, providing actionable insights and results aligned with project objectives.
• Prepare and review technical reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements and client expectations.
• Contribute to project proposals and budgets, providing technical input and supporting the project management process.

What you’ll bring to WSP:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in Botany, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field, with a focus or experience in wetlands.
• Plant identification experience (2-5 years), ideally within prairie, wetland, and boreal ecosystems.
• Consulting experience (2-5 years) in a consulting role as an Ecologist (vegetation or wetlands), or equivalent experience in an environmental context.
• Basic GIS skills and familiarity with spatial analysis techniques.
• Experience in wetland mapping and classification is essential.
• Proficiency in imagery interpretation for the delineation and classification of wetlands and other vegetation types specific to western Canada.
• Strong understanding of provincial and federal regulatory frameworks, including relevant guidelines, legislation, and regulations pertaining to environmental assessments and wetland management. Knowledge of the Alberta Wetland Policy and related directives is an asset.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary projects, collaborating across various environmental disciplines.
• Eligibility for registration (or active registration) with a professional association (e.g., P.Biol., P.Ag., R.T.Biol.) in Saskatchewan or Alberta is required. Designation or eligibility for designation as an Authenticating Professional for wetlands in Alberta is an asset.
• Exceptional technical writing and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to effectively convey complex ecological information.
• Valid driver’s license (minimum Class 5 with GDL removed).
• A strong desire to thrive in a dynamic, forward-thinking organization with a commitment to growth and innovation.