Ecologist

R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited•Hamilton, ON

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join us at our Guelph or Hamilton location as we expand our Land Development Ecology Team and lead the way in shaping innovative ecological solutions. We’re seeking an Aquatic or Terrestrial Ecologist (permanent, full-time) who is passionate about environmental stewardship and ready to take the next step in their career. As a member of our Land Development Ecology Team, you’ll play a key role in delivering ecological services for land development projects across southern and central Ontario. You’ll collaborate with ecologists, engineers, and environmental professionals to guide project delivery, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the growth of our ecology practice. You’ll report directly to an Ecologist on the Land Development Ecology team and work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment focused on client success and ecological integrity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in ecology, with proven skillset and capabilities.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent technical writing skills and experience preparing high-quality reports and proposals.
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with a client-focused approach.
Working knowledge of relevant legislation and policies (e.g., Fisheries Act, Endangered Species Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Provincial Planning Statement, Greenbelt Plan).
Aquatic Ecology: OSAP, Fish ID, OBBN, Class 2 Backpack Electrofishing, CAN-CISEC.
Terrestrial Ecology: Ecological Land Classification, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, Butternut Health Assessment, ISA Certified Arborist, vascular plant inventory.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting breeding bird surveys.
Experience with ArcGIS and/or AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

Assist the ecology team in conducting fieldwork and ecological surveys across southern/central Ontario, using established protocols.
Complete evaluations of biophysical site conditions.
Conduct natural heritage background searches and analysis, pertaining to land-use history and sensitivities, and submitting data requests to agencies as needed.
Provide input into technical field reports, project reports and proposals.
Provide field data input and assessment of mitigation measures and impacts into Environmental Impact Studies (EIS’s), Natural Heritage Evaluations (NHE’s), due diligence assessments and Environmental Assessments (EA’s).
Complete Species at Risk surveys and submit registrable activities under the new Species Conservation Act and/or permit applications under the Fisheries Act.
Liaise with, and provide support to, other technical specialists including project leads, ecologists, hydrogeologists, GIS specialists, engineers, and other disciplines.
Effectively communicate and establish positive relationships with federal and provincial agencies (i.e., CAs, DFO and MNRF/MECP), on behalf of our clients.
Other duties as required.
Lead aquatic fieldwork and ecological surveys using established protocols (e.g., fish habitat, headwater drainage feature assessments).
Complete fisheries sampling and salvages.
Manage environmental components of land development projects including scope, budget, and deliverables.
Design and implement Environmental/Adaptive Management Plans, including ESC strategies and water quality monitoring.
Prepare and submit permit applications under the Species at Risk Act, and Fisheries Act (e.g., Redside Dace).
Liaise with conservation authorities, and federal and provincial agencies (DFO, MNR, MECP) on behalf of clients.
Produce high-quality technical reports and documentation for environmental approvals.
Prepare Environmental Impact Studies, Natural Heritage Evaluations, and Due Diligence Assessments.
Lead terrestrial fieldwork and ecological surveys using established protocols.
Manage natural environmental components of land development projects.
Liaise with Conservation Authorities and provincial agencies during permitting processes on behalf of clients.
Coordinate and produce technical reports and documentation for environmental approvals.
Prepare Environmental Impact Studies, Natural Heritage Evaluations, and Due Diligence Assessments.

Benefits

A collaborative culture where friendship, honesty and respect are part of our core values and practices
Flexible working hours, including hybrid working opportunities
A competitive compensation and benefits package
RRSP company matching plan
Career growth and professional development opportunities
Potential for performance-driven bonusing
Active social committees
A welcoming, positive, and inclusive work environment
Equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity in the workplace
Burnside will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the entire recruitment, assessment, and selection process, as required.