Terrestrial Ecologist

GFT Canada's Environmental Team is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Terrestrial Ecologist to join us in Toronto, ON. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Toronto office.

At GFT Canada, we believe in improving the lives of the people we serve. We believe in innovation and social responsibility. We believe in the diversity of our team and the creative solutions they provide. We believe in embracing change and emerging technologies while maintaining an unmatched standard of quality. We believe in creating an environment where employees can thrive at home and at work. We believe in engaging our employees, building lasting relationships with our clients, and, in turn, making a difference in the world.

Excellence Delivered As Promised. It’s more than a slogan. It’s our standard. It’s the expectation we place upon ourselves as individuals and as a company. It represents our commitment to our valued clients, industry partners, and employees. It’s our earnest pledge to do what we say. It’s the core of who we are as a firm and the foundation upon which all of our relationships and projects are built.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 

• Lead natural heritage studies in support of various infrastructure projects including transportation, transit, municipal infrastructure, and other projects.
• Conduct background data reviews utilizing appropriate databases and mapping to summarize natural heritage existing conditions, including species at risk data.
• Oversee and/or complete environmental field studies/programs such as vegetation, wetland, and Significant Wildlife Habitat (SWH) assessments.
• Conduct wildlife surveys for herpetofauna, birds, and/or mammals.
• Prepare mitigation and restoration plans and reports for various types of infrastructure projects.
• 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.
• Apply knowledge and interpret applicable municipal, provincial and federal legislation (e.g., Migratory Birds Convention Act, Endangered Species Act, Species at Risk Act).
• Contribute to and assist with the preparation of proposals, including supporting the preparation of proposals, fee estimates and workplans.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Urban Forestry, or related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of practical experience in environmental consulting.
• Knowledge and experience with Ecological Land Classification (ELC) and the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES).
• Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience conducting biological/environmental studies, writing reports, interpreting legislation and conducting fieldwork.
• Field experience with vegetation inventories with the ability to identify trees and flora common to southern and central Ontario.
• Experience with air photo interpretation (hard/soft copy), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and map and compass orientation.
• 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.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and drawings.
• 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.
• 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.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life.

We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together, we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

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

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Sponsorship for Canadian Work authorization is not available for this position.
No relocation assistance will be provided for this position.
Local candidates will be given preference.
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

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