We are looking for an Intermediate Terrestrial Ecologist to join our growing and dynamic team in our Peterborough office for an 8-month contract. This position will involve providing both private and public clients with excellent technical guidance and navigation of the natural environment regulatory framework.
At GHD we work for internal and external clients completing the natural resources component for transportation companies, government agencies, municipalities, energy companies and developers, on a wide variety of projects. Our role is to conduct detailed biological inventories and complete environmental assessments of a proposed development and assess potential impacts on Species at Risk, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife.
General Duties and Requirements:
The terrestrial ecologist will be responsible for the collection, analysis and interpretation of biological survey data collected from project sites. Strong field skills in the identification of woody and herbaceous plants and wildlife (birds, turtles, snakes), vegetation community types, wetland ecosystems are required. This person will work with the senior biologist and other biological staff as a team on projects. Preparation of various types of reports will be required including Environmental Impact Studies, Natural Heritage Evaluations and Environmental Assessments.
The ecologist must have valid driver’s license and must own a vehicle. Working knowledge of GPS use and application required. Candidate must have capable hiking skills and be physically able to conduct biological inventories in remote locations and rough terrain. Although work is mostly restricted to weekdays, candidate must be flexible as to schedule and may be obligated to work evenings and/or early mornings, as well as be willing to travel within Southern Ontario and other areas, including overnight trips.
Responsibilities include:
Provide technical expertise, with a strong field background, in birds, botany, wildlife, bats, natural heritage, ecological land classification, wetland and/or arborist surveys
Work with peers, mentor intermediate and junior staff in all aspects of project work, while fostering an energetic and collaborative environment
Support the development of proposals
Support the development of scope including field work-plans, reporting as well as permitting, authorizations, and approvals (MECP, Conservation Authorities, ESA, SARA, etc.), and author reports
Provide technical input and writing of the natural environment components of Environmental Assessments, as well as preparing Environmental Impact Studies, and Natural Heritage Evaluations
Conducting Species At Risk surveys and assisting with habitat analysis, compensation and permitting applications
Conducting wetland evaluations and boundary delineations
Coordinate technical resources and personnel
Provide data compilation and interpretation/analysis and data entry
Complete detailed literature reviews of projects including official plans, provincial legislation and regulations, consultant reports, GIS sources, scientific literature and natural heritage databases
Lead field investigations as required
Skills, Competencies and Qualifications:
Bachelor degree in science or environmental studies, university or equivalent
Minimum 3-7 years of related work experience required
Previous experience working at an environmental consulting firm, conservation authority, MNRF, CWS or NGO as a biologist
Ideal candidate will have Ontario-based certifications or training (e.g. Ecological Land Classification, Butternut Health Assessment, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, etc.)
Ideal candidate will have experience in the field and in the application of natural environment consulting provincial or federal Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Studies in at least one of these fields: transportation, linear infrastructure, land development or mining
Experience in Ontario conducting botanical and wildlife surveys with thorough understanding of monitoring protocols, including Species At Risk surveys
Proven project and client management skills
Experience with digital data entry in the field and remote data loggers is an asset
Experience conducting field work, and willingness to travel to undertake field work as required (field demands can include working long hours, working in inclement weather conditions, and working in remote areas)
Experience leading multiple tasks while maintaining a high degree of attention to detail in a demanding consulting environment
Exhibit flexibility with the types of project and responsibilities within them
Experience working with Indigenous communities an asset
Must be proficient with Microsoft Office, excellent English writing and verbal communication is required to effectively express technical information to multiple audiences including clients, agencies, subcontractors, field staff, clients, colleagues, etc.
Valid driver’s license along with a clean driver’s abstract is required
Must have first aid certification
Why GHD?
Being the best we can be is in our culture.
We are a family of smart, innovative and creative problem solvers. In our employee-owned company, everything feels like it matters more. Challenge us and help us come up with new solutions to ensure water, energy and urbanization are made sustainable for generations to come.
Our commitment to you
Commitment is a powerful word that defines how we do business, how we serve our clients and how we care for one another. We will support your needs by giving you the tools to do your best work and then recognize achievements. We will set your curiosity free to allow brilliant minds to do their best work. We will invest in new ideas, removing barriers where we can. Finally, we will encourage you to collaborate with thousands of diverse people across our global business.
Who we are
We are committed to solving the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and urbanization. GHD is a global professional services company that is a leader in engineering, construction and architectural expertise. Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals, yet we are proudly ‘One GHD’ across more than 200 offices, spanning five continents – Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region. Delivering extraordinary social and economic outcomes, we are passionate about building lasting relationships with our partners and clients.
If you are passionate about pursuing this position, please submit your resume and cover letter via the link above.
We offer a professional working environment and culture and believe that work / life balance is critical to the success and happiness of our people. We also offer competitive salary packages based on qualifications, skills and experience
As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, GHD will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.
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