Intermediate Ecologist

at  GHD

This is where you come in! We are seeking an Intermediate Ecologist to join our Western Canada team of environmental professionals who are “lifelong learners”, who improve our physical, social and natural environments; empower our local communities, and collectively shape the world around us.
The Intermediate 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 plants and wildlife (birds, herptiles, fish), vegetation community typing and mapping, wetland delineation and classification, sediment and water sampling, soil classification, and wildlife salvage are an asset. This person will work with Senior Ecologists and other biological staff as a team on projects. Preparation of various types of reports will be required including Environmental Impact Assessments, Biophysical Assessments, Restoration Plans, Construction Environmental Management Plans, and Environmental Assessments. Consideration will be made for intermediate ecologists that specialize in either terrestrial or aquatic disciplines.

SKILLS, COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor degree in science or environmental studies, university or equivalent
• Minimum 5-7 years of related work experience required
• Previous experience working at an environmental consulting firm, provincial regulator, or non-government organization as a biologist or ecologist
• Ideal candidate will have British Columbia or Alberta based certifications or training (e.g. Ecological Land Classification, Riparian Health Assessment, Riparian Area Protection Regulation, Alberta and/or British Columbia Wetland Classification Systems, etc.)
• Certification as an Authenticating Wetland Professional and/or Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist (Alberta), is an asset
• 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: land development, aggregates and mining, or linear infrastructure (including transportation or pipelines).
• Experience in Western Canada conducting botanical and wildlife surveys with 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 or be able to obtain first aid certification

• Provide technical expertise with a strong field background in wildlife, botany, ecological land classification, wetland function and delineation, fish and fish habitat, and/or arborist surveys
• Lead, coordinate, and/or conduct field surveys including targeted efforts for Species at Risk, habitat assessments, and compensation and/or permitting requirements
• Conduct wetland evaluations and boundary delineations
• Support the development of proposals
• Support the development of scopes (including field workplans), reporting and provincial and federal permitting, authorizations, and approvals (Water Sustainability Act, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, WLRS, Environmental Assessment Office, Species At Risk Act, Alberta Wetland Policy, Environmental Protection EA [AB1] , etc.)
• Complete detailed literature reviews of projects including official plans, provincial legislation and regulations, consultant reports, GIS sources, scientific literature and biological databases
• Provide data compilation and interpretation and analysis
• Coordinate, write, and/or provide technical input in support of natural environment components of Environmental Impact Assessments, Biophysical Assessments, Restoration Plans, Construction Environmental Management Plans, and Environmental Assessments and other natural resource related deliverables
• Work with peers and mentor other intermediate and junior staff in all aspects of environmental consulting, while fostering an energetic and collaborative environment