Principal Aquatic Ecologist

GFT’s Environmental Team in Toronto is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Aquatic Ecologist to join our growing team in Toronto! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Toronto office.

Our group offers a diverse base of technical expertise to offer professionals the ability to specialize and advance skills. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing environmental team, apply your environmental skills, and contribute to high profile infrastructure projects.  You will interact with clients, regulators, project managers, and colleagues while working on fast paced and challenging environmental projects. This position will offer the right person significant opportunities for professional growth, specialized training, and leadership.

GFT’s Environmental team delivers integrated planning, permitting, and compliance solutions that support infrastructure development across North America. Our team guides clients through Environmental Assessments and permitting processes, ecological and regulatory assessments, and environmental remediation efforts on projects that span transportation, power, water, and facilities markets. From environmental approvals to complex planning solutions, GFT helps clients protect resources, manage risk, and meet regulatory requirements with confidence.

In the capacity, you will be responsible for the following:

• Lead and manage fisheries and aquatic habitat studies (including Species at Risk) in support of various infrastructure projects including transportation, transit, water, municipal infrastructure, and other projects.
• Provide senior technical oversight and mentorship to junior and intermediate staff.
• Support business development activities, including proposal writing and client relationship building towards building a client portfolio.
• Conduct background data reviews and interpretation appropriate databases summarizing aquatic existing conditions, including species at risk data.
• Design and perform effective aquatic habitat and aquatic biota surveys to meet applicable regulatory or project specific requirements; record clear and concise field data under varied weather conditions.
• Conduct fish and fish habitat assessments using industry best practices and a variety of sampling techniques.
• Apply advanced scientific principles, theories, practices and existing technologies when working on technical problems.
• Carry out environmental impact assessments by identifying potential effects and developing appropriate mitigation/monitoring measures and strategies. 
• Prepare high quality technical reports, including writing, coordinating, and analyzing ecological/environmental datasets.  This may include environmental impact assessment reports, field reports; permit applications; compensation plans; restoration plans; management plans.
• Assist with stakeholder/review agency consultation.
• Follow quality assurance/quality control procedures to ensure commitment to technical excellence.
• Effectively manage and coordinate projects and budgets as a technical lead or project manager.
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations and best management practices related to municipal, provincial and federal legislation (e.g., Endangered Species Act, Fisheries Act).

• Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of practical experience in environmental consulting.

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of aquatic ecology and fish and fish habitat gained through practical experience.
• Experience with a range of fish and aquatic sampling techniques and demonstrated ability to perform studies in aquatic ecology.
• Familiarity and working knowledge of various environmental permits and approvals at federal, provincial and municipal levels.
• An understanding of transportation, transit and municipal infrastructure construction projects gained through practical experience.
• Demonstrated sense of urgency with a strong commitment to ensuring client satisfaction, achieving goals and objectives; excellent self-management, project management and organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and multi-task.
• Previous experience managing a team of technical personnel is considered an asset. 
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and drawings.
• MTO/DFO/MNRF fisheries protocol training.
• MTO RAQs certification for Fisheries Assessment or Fisheries Contracts Specialty is considered an asset. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, team oriented and ability to work independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat applications, and file sharing systems (e.g., Sharepoint).
• Valid Class G driver’s license.

Compensation:  

The salary range for this position is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits: 

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Permanent Residency or Canadian Citizenship required for this position. No relocation assistance will be provided for this position. Local candidates will be given preference.

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time

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