Intermediate Aquatic Ecologist

Job Details

Your position will be Intermediate Aquatic Ecologist. Your duties will generally consist of coordinating and overseeing natural environment programs within land development projects, collaborating with ecologists, environmental professionals, and engineers. Under the supervision of senior staff, you will help lead project execution, mentor junior staff, conducting field surveys, analyze data, and prepare technical reports while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, facilitating project approvals, and integrating ecological considerations into project planning.

The Intermediate Aquatic Ecologist is required to perform a range of duties including, but not limited to:

• Reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments/Studies and reports such as Environmental Implementation Reports (EIR), Sub-watershed Studies, and Master Environmental and Servicing Plans (MESP);
• Liaising with clients to build strong relationships;
• Writing business proposals;
• Taking inventory of:
  • Aquatic habitats,
  • Fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, sediment and water quality, and
  • Species at risk and other species of conservation concern.
• Documenting and analyzing field data;
• Determining the effectiveness of mitigation efforts for species at risk or other sensitive species or features in Ontario during construction projects;
• Assessing and evaluating the significance of natural aquatic ecology;
• Leading DFO Request for Review, and Authorization applications;
• Developing fish habitat protection strategies and preparing fish and fish habitats environmental impact assessments; and
• Recognizing ecological constraints in land development, propose mitigation measures, and understand approval requirements at various governmental levels.

Requirements

What we’re looking for from you:

• Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Studies degree, with a strong background in field biology;
• Minimum of four (4) years related experience as an aquatic ecologist or biologist;
• Knowledge and experience identifying freshwater fishes of Ontario and ability to field-distinguish cyprinids, salmonids, sportfish, aquatic Species at Risk and invasive species;
• Experience operating backpack and boat electrofishers, lake and river sampling experience;
• Experience and knowledgeable with Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP);
• Experience and knowledgeable with Headwater Drainage Feature (HDF) evaluations;
• Project management experience, field data collection and analyses and 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 are preferred;
• Knowledge of and experience with interpreting environmental policies and legislation (e.g., the Provincial Policy Statement, Fisheries Act, Endangered Species Act, Species at Risk Act, official plans, etc.);
• 4-7 years of experience in the preparation of regulatory applications and submissions and in planning and executing field programs as part of environmental studies;
• Understanding of the application of Best Management Practices to environmental compliance and effectiveness monitoring programs;
• Understanding and experience conducting aquatic surveys;
• In-depth knowledge of relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines, and regulatory permitting and approval requirements (similar to above);
• Excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking, organizational and interpersonal skills;
• The following are considered assets to this role:
  • Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) certification,
  • Butternut Health Assessment (BHA) certification,
  • Experience in developing consulting business, and
  • Experience in executing wildlife field programs.
• Prior experience in a consulting environment and an interest in growing a team;
• Understanding of the application of Best Management Practices to environmental compliance and effectiveness monitoring programs;
• Commitment to project quality and capability of meeting project deadlines; and
• Commitment to project quality and capability of meeting project deadlines.

Contact Information

HR@scsconsultinggroup.com