GREATER TORONTO AREA

WSP is currently seeking an Intermediate Terrestrial Ecologist to join our Ecology department, based in our Thornhill, ON or Aurora, ON offices. Reporting to the Terrestrial East Team Coordinator, 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, however wildlife identification/species at risk (SAR) habitat analysis skills are also valued for this role. Demonstrated project management and leadership experience also considered strong assets. The current position is a one-year contract with the opportunity to be extended or transitioned into full-time employment.

Why choose WSP?

• WSP is a Canadian success story - a company that began in Quebec to a growing global, multinational organization with over 45,000 [DS1] employees worldwide;
• You will change the world around us - from the environment to the highways, to the buildings and the terrain, WSP is part of the fabric of Canada;
• We provide excellent career opportunities - we're still growing and pushing ourselves every day to be better than we were yesterday. We do this for our employees, future employees, and our fellow Canadians. We are open to new ideas and trying new things that will raise the bar;
• We have a collaborative culture and a forward-thinking growing workforce filled with genuinely good people who are doing significant work. Come find out for yourself what it's like to be a part of our journey.
• We are a leading company with vision, technical leadership and are an employee/people-centric place for the next generation to build and grow their careers;

#WeAreWSP

About you:

• Are you passionate about environmental issues and looking to start or continue your career in consulting?
• Are you interested in working in a local office, but being part of a massive global network of talented professionals? 
• Do you want to make a lasting impact on your community and your environment?

What you'll be doing at WSP:

• Project management and/or project coordination of field programs
• Assist in proposal writing, study design, and implementation
• 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 tree inventories, including health assessments based on the latest ISA guidelines
• 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 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 another similar field, with a strong background in field biology
• Intermediate level of related experience (i.e.: 5+ years of relevant work experience, experience in ecological consulting considered a strong asset)
• 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
• 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.)
• 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 environment and under tight deadlines
• Ability to work from home due to current COVID-19 office restrictions
• 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.