Ecologist/Arborist

Engaged•Ontario, ON

10d•CA$65,000 - CA$85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

LGL Limited, an employee-owned environmental research and consulting firm founded in 1971, is seeking an ISA Certified Arborist to join its Ontario team. This hybrid position, based in one of LGL’s Greater Toronto Area (GTA) offices, supports the natural heritage and environmental planning team. The role focuses on ecological consulting services for private and public sector clients across Ontario, with an emphasis on terrestrial ecology and vegetation-based projects. The successful candidate will integrate arboriculture, vegetation ecology, and natural heritage assessments into infrastructure and land development projects, contributing to broader ecological studies such as habitat characterization, species at risk screening, and environmental impact assessment. The role requires a combination of strong field skills, regulatory awareness, and the ability to deliver high-quality work in a consulting environment.

Requirements

Certified Arborist designation with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Undergraduate degree or diploma in a related discipline (e.g., Ecology, Biology, Forestry, Fish and Wildlife Technology, Geography, Landscape Architecture).
Foundational knowledge of terrestrial ecology and vegetation communities in Ontario, including familiarity with common habitat types and species.
5−10 years of experience supporting or conducting natural heritage assessments, including vegetation inventories and habitat characterization.
Demonstrated experience in consulting arboriculture, including tree inventory, assessment, reporting, and impact analysis.
Working knowledge of Ontario regulatory frameworks, including the Species Conservation Act (SCA), Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA), and applicable municipal tree by-laws.
Experience supporting permit applications and approvals (e.g., municipal tree permits, Butternut permitting/registrations).
Experience preparing Tree Protection/Preservation Plans, Pruning Plans, and supporting documentation for planning and construction projects.
Familiarity with wildlife habitat assessments, including bat roost tree assessments.
Proficiency with data collection, GPS tools, and GIS platforms (e.g., Field Maps, Collector) and experience supporting mapping and data management.
Comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and terrain, including construction and active work sites.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and defensible technical reports.
Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team.
Interest in contributing to high-quality consulting work and continuous professional development.
Current First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, and a valid driver’s licence (or willingness to obtain/maintain).

Nice To Haves

Experience with construction monitoring, including contractor liaison and implementation of tree protection measures, is an asset.
Understanding of erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures as they relate to vegetation protection is an asset.
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is considered a strong asset.
Butternut Health Assessor Certification is an asset.
Experience with invasive species identification and management is an asset.

Responsibilities

Support terrestrial ecology field programs, including vegetation community characterization, habitat assessments, and species at risk (SAR) screening.
Contribute to the preparation of Natural Heritage Reports and Environmental Impact Studies.
Conduct tree inventories, condition and risk assessments, and diagnose tree health issues (e.g., pests, disease, structural concerns) using industry best practices.
Prepare clear, defensible arborist reports and recommendations to support planning, development, and regulatory approvals.
Provide consulting support for construction and development projects, including tree protection measures, impact assessment, and compliance with applicable legislation and municipal by-laws.
Support risk management decisions related to public safety, infrastructure, and land-use activities.
Collaborate with project teams, clients, municipalities, regulators, and Indigenous partners to deliver practical, implementable solutions.
Maintain accurate field records, documentation, and inspection reports, and represent the organization professionally in all communications.
Promote and adhere to safe work practices and field safety protocols.