Terrestrial Ecologist

Job Description

WSP is currently seeking a Terrestrial Ecologist to join our Ecology department, based in one of our southwestern Ontario offices. Reporting to the Team Lead, the successful candidate will be provided with the opportunity to work on challenging and diverse projects with a range of complexity. Candidates with strong flora identification skills and provincial ELC training are preferred. Wildlife identification / species at risk (SAR) habitat analysis skills are also valued for this role. The current position is anticipated to be a full time/hourly position with opportunity.

Why WSP?

• 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.
  
  
  

What you'll be doing at WSP:

• Undertake botanical field investigations, including, but not limited to: detailed botanical inventories, Ecological Land Classification (ELC), targeted SAR surveys (e.g. Butternut Health Assessments) and SAR habitat assessments, wetland and other feature delineations
• Undertake and/or assist with wildlife field investigations, including, but not limited to: amphibian calling surveys, breeding bird surveys, bat acoustic / exit surveys, SAR wildlife habitat assessments
• Perform background research and analysis, including consultation with government agencies
• Assist with GIS mapping and the analysis and management of geospatial data.
• Assist with quality control of field data collection
• Assist with data analysis and management
• Contribute to 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
• Work within a team environment and communicate effectively with all levels of staff
• Field work, including overnight travel and potential for some weekend work, is required
• Other duties as assigned
  
  
  

What you'll bring to WSP:

• Post-secondary education in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Studies and/or other similar field, with a strong background in field biology
• Junior level of related experience (2 to 3 years of relevant work experience)
• Experience in the collection and analysis of field data, data organization and management
• Knowledge of standard field protocols for a range of ecological surveys
• Experience working in ecosystems within Ontario
• Strong botanical identification skills, specifically for the flora of Ontario
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS and other ESRI GIS products.
• Willingness to work in the field, occasionally in remote locations and outside standard office hours
• Knowledge of and experience with interpreting environmental policies and legislation (e.g., the Provincial Policy Statement, Endangered Species Act, Species at Risk Act, official plans, etc.) considered an asset
• Ecological Land Classification (ELC – Southern Ontario and/or Provincial ELC training), Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES), ISA Arborist Certification, and/or Butternut Health Assessment (BHA) certification are considered strong assets.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as within a team environmental and under tight deadlines
• Excellent written and oral communication, time management and organizational skills
• Fluent in the use of standard Microsoft Office software including Excel and Word
• Class G Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required
• Current First Aid certification is an asset.
  
  
  

About Us

WSP is one of the world's leading professional services firms. Our purpose is to future proof our cities and environments.

We have over 65,000 team members across the globe. In Canada, our 12,000+ people are involved in everything from environmental remediation to urban planning, from engineering iconic buildings to designing sustainable transportation networks, from finding new ways to extract essential resources to developing renewable power sources for the future.

At WSP:

• We value our people and our reputation
• We are locally dedicated with international scale
• We are future focused and challenge the status quo
• We foster collaboration in everything we do
• We have an empowering culture and hold ourselves accountable
  
  
  

Please Note:

Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations.

Offers of employment for safety-sensitive positions involving fieldwork are contingent upon candidates being able to perform key physical tasks of the job as described in the job posting and interview. This may include the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits).

WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted.

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. For more information please READ THE FULL POLICY.