Terrestrial Ecologist

LEA Consulting • Markham, ON

1d • CA$60,000 - CA$75,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

LEA is seeking a Terrestrial Ecologist to join their Environmental Team. This role requires a motivated individual with strong organizational and communication skills, who can work independently. The position involves conducting baseline natural science surveys, characterizing vegetation communities and wildlife habitat, and performing targeted surveys for Species at Risk (SAR). The successful applicant will also be responsible for producing technical reports, including Environmental Impact Studies and environmental monitoring reports. The role requires minimal supervision, travel to project sites, and the ability to accommodate multi-day/night travel during peak field seasons. Additionally, the Terrestrial Ecologist will undertake compliance monitoring of environmental mitigation measures on large-scale projects.

Requirements

• University degree in biology/ecology/botany or related studies with a minimum of 3-5 years of work experience conducting natural science studies or similar ecological fieldwork.
• Strong technical skills related to the identification and survey of vascular plants (i.e. trees, shrubs, forbs, and graminoids) and vegetation communities, including rare species and SAR.
• Knowledge of: Species Conservation Act, 2025/Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Environmental Assessment Act (Ontario), Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA), and other relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation.
• Must be motivated, able to work independently and have excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Must have experience in the production of technical reports and project deliverables, including Environmental Impact Studies and environmental monitoring reports.
• Required to work with minimal supervision.
• Required to travel between project sites using reliable personal transportation.
• Must be able to accommodate multi-day/night travel during peak field seasons, as required.
• Required to undertake compliance monitoring of environmental mitigation measures on large-scale transportation, infrastructure, and development projects.
• A valid Canadian driver’s license is mandatory.

Nice To Haves

• ISA Certified Arborist Certification is considered a strong asset demonstrating eligibility and willingness to work toward certification.
• Strong ability to identify Ontario wildlife, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, is an asset.
• Applied Knowledge of ecological survey protocols, including Migratory Bird Surveys, Amphibian Call Surveys, Herpetofauna Surveys and Acoustic Surveys is an asset.
• Applied knowledge of the Ontario Ecological Land Classification (ELC) system and the Ontario Wetlands Evaluation System (OWES) is an asset.
• Previous experience with client, stakeholder and regulatory agency liaison considered an asset.
• Experience with GIS assets and data collection methods is an asset.
• CAN-CISEC certification and/or experience completing environmental compliance and ESC inspection on construction sites is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive terrestrial ecosystem studies/surveys to support a variety of projects and EA studies.
• Manage the accurate collection, storage, and digital filing of field data consistent with LEA Quality Control requirements.
• Prepare and contribute to technical reports and permit-related documentation, including Environmental Impact Studies (EIS), Environmental Screening Documents, mitigation memoranda, Tree Inventory and Protection Plans (TIPP) and construction support plans.
• Assist in the preparation of regulatory permit/approval application submissions.
• Assist in the development of habitat restoration and monitoring plans.
• Liaise with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and the public as required during the project planning phase through to construction to support project delivery.
• Review project designs to determine and quantify potential indirect and direct impacts to Sensitive Environmental Features.
• Review and develop mitigation measures, strategies, and construction best management practices to minimize impacts.
• Assist with design planning by providing recommendations to avoid and/or minimize impacts on identified constraints and sensitivities.
• Provide construction-phase ecological support, including pre-construction surveys, site monitoring, and coordination with contractors to ensure compliance with environmental commitments and protection measures.
• Undertake environmental compliance and Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) monitoring during active construction.
• Adhere to health and safety policies and report any unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards to the supervisor.
• Other duties and responsibilities within the scope of the Environmental Sector.

Benefits

• Competitive total rewards package
• Substantial bonuses
• Shareholding opportunities
• Long-term share value growth
• Comprehensive Group Health Benefits including prescription drugs, dental, vision, STD, LTD, life insurance, critical illness, wellness account, travel coverage, and virtual health services.
• RRSP with employer matching
• TFSA options
• 7 days of flexible paid time off
• Social events and activities
• Mentorship, training, and rotational assignments

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level