Terrestrial Ecologist Jobs

What is the role?

LEA is seeking a highly motivated Terrestrial Ecologist to join the team Environmental Team. Successful candidates must be able to work independently and have excellent organizational and communication skills. A university degree in Biology/Ecology or a related field, and a minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience. Key tasks to be undertaken include, completing baseline natural science surveys to inventory vegetation and wildlife species, characterization and assessment of vegetation communities and wildlife habitat, completing specialized surveys for Species at Risk (SAR) and assisting in the production of scientific reports and project deliverables. The successful candidate will also undertake compliance monitoring of environmental mitigation measures on large-scale transportation and infrastructure construction projects. The candidate will be required to work with minimal supervision and travel to various project sites across the province.

Why join LEA?

LEA is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm, with a history of 70 years. We provide engineering consulting services in the areas of Transportation, Civil, Structures, Construction Administration, Electrical and Infrastructure Systems, and Environmental Management.

LEA's Environmental Team was formed in 2019 and has grown steadily since its inception. Growth to date reflects our increase in the market share and the growing number of environmental professionals. Service offerings focus on Environmental Management during design and construction, environmental planning, ecology/biology and compliance oversight monitoring.

At LEA, we strive towards a common goal, which is self-realization and achieving the highest possible results. The company is owned by its employees and every effort counts.

Join LEA and discover your potential, because LEA:

• Is an Employee-owned company and almost half of our employees are shareholders.
• Makes your everyday supercharged with meaning so you can point into the distance and live in the day to reach your goal.
• Provides a collaborative hybrid work environment with flexible hours.
• Has an entrepreneurial spirit, with continuous growth and expansion taking part in meaningful projects.
• Hosts the best overnight holiday party in Muskoka.
• Prioritizes mentorship, training, and rotational assignments for knowledge advancement and career growth.
• Offers a competitive total compensation package of salary, substantial bonuses, benefits and other perks.
• Recruits high-performing motivated individuals who share the desire to succeed.
• Is an organization with a higher purpose, we are committed to achieving our Environmental, Social, & Governance objectives through our various committees.
• Organizes regular social events such as golf day, theatre, baseball/hockey game events, canoeing, camping, skiing, bowling, board games, volleyball and softball leagues, and charitable events.

In this role, your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Correspond with the public, stakeholders and regulatory agencies as required during the project planning phase through to construction.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports/documents as required to support the project, specifically to ensure compliance with the Environmental Assessment process requirements and to facilitate the obtainment of permits/approvals.
• Undertake Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) compliance monitoring during active construction.
• Develop mitigation measures and strategies and construction best management practices to minimize impacts.
• Manage the collection, storage, and digital filing of field data consistent with LEA Quality Control requirements.
• Analyze project designs to determine and quantify potential indirect and direct impacts.
• Managing other related assignments within the scope of the practice area.
• Assist with design planning by providing recommendations to avoid and/or minimize impacts on identified constraints and sensitivities.
• Continuously growing professional skills and knowledge through seminars, workshops, and involvement in professional associations to stay updated on the latest trends, software, and technology.
• Perform other assigned Contract Administration construction inspection duties as required from time to time.
• Assist in the preparation of regulatory permit/approval application submissions.
• Conduct comprehensive terrestrial ecosystem studies/surveys to support a variety of projects and EA studies.
• Liaise as required with other technical team staff and/or sub-consultants.

The qualifications you need:

• University degree in Biology/Ecology or related studies with a minimum of 1-3 years of experience conducting terrestrial ecosystem studies.
• Knowledge of: The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), Species at Risk Act (SARA), Environmental Assessment Act (Ontario), Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), the Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA), and other relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation.
• Strong field skills related to the identification and survey of vascular plants (trees, shrubs, forbs, and graminoids) and vegetation communities, including rare species and SAR.

The assets you may have:

• Strong ability to identify Ontario wildlife including birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
• Experience with GIS assets and field collection methods.
• Previous experience with clients, stakeholders and regulatory agency liaisons.
• Knowledge of tree inventory and tree preservation protocols and planning.
• Certificate and applied knowledge of the Ontario Ecological Land Classification (ELC) system and the Ontario Wetlands Evaluation System (OWES).
• Experience completing environmental compliance and ESC inspection on construction sites.

The work arrangement:

LEA operates in a hybrid environment to ensure flexibility, safety, and the well-being of everyone. This role requires access to a vehicle and a valid Driver’s License.

LEA is Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are incorporated into all levels of strategic planning and operational activities at LEA. We evaluate qualified candidates without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected statuses under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Additionally, we provide an accessible work environment and accommodate the accessibility needs of candidates. For information or assistance, please contact [email protected].

We thank all applicants, and we appreciate your interest, however, only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. Consider applying again once you see an opportunity that matches your experience and career interests. We encourage you to keep in touch and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.