Aquatic Biologist

The Opportunity:

WSP is currently seeking an Intermediate Aquatic Ecologist with a background in aquatic ecosystem assessment to be located in Ontario. The candidate will be well-versed in all applicable Canadian federal and provincial legislation and regulations relating to aquatic environments and will have demonstrated experience in navigating permitting and authorization processes as they relate to development projects. The individual will also provide management of ecological tasks and projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership behaviors through team collaboration, mentorship and health and safety. Experience in managing various aspects of project development and delivery (i.e., proposal through to deliverables, including time and budget management) is an asset.

Why choose WSP?

· We value and are committed to upholding a culture of inclusion and belonging

· Our Flexible Work Policy – we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize the balance in yours. We will support you on and off the job so you can be fully present in both your work and home lives.

· A Canadian success story - we're proud to wear the red and white of this beautiful country and show the world what Canada has to offer.

· Enhance the world around you - from the environment to the highways, to the buildings and the terrain, WSP is the fabric of Canada.

· Outstanding career opportunities - we're growing and pushing ourselves every day to be greater than yesterday - we're open to your ideas and trying new things.

· A phenomenal collaborative culture and a workforce filled with genuinely good people who are doing humbly important work. Come find out for yourself what it's like to be a part of our journey.

We offer attractive pay, flexible work options, a great corporate culture, comprehensive and employee-focused benefits including virtual healthcare and a wellness platform as well as great savings programs, and a clear vision for the future.

#WeAreWSP

What you can expect to do here:

• Applying technical and scientific knowledge, training and experience for projects and proposals in fish habitat ecology, fisheries biology and aquatic ecology, including study design, application of methodologies and techniques or field, laboratory and office work, data and statistical analysis and report preparation
• Initiate, lead and manage field crews
• Strong working knowledge of standard field protocols for a range of aquatic surveys and previous experience working in ecosystems within Ontario
• Preparing proposals and reports under direction of senior staff
• Working with our regional Ontario ecology team and other WSP offices
• Managing tasks according to client-approved scopes of work, and delivering high quality reports on time and within budget
• Conducting fish and fish habitat evaluations for various types of multi-disciplinary projects and developments including land development, power, mining, and forestry
• Assisting in developing fish habitat protection strategies and preparing fish and fish habitat environmental impact assessments
• Interacting with clients and regulators
• Liaising with the network of Ecology professionals across Canada and participating in a variety of projects originating from other WSP offices
• Preparing proposals and design work packages in response to client needs
• Assisting in business development and client servicing activities

What you’ll bring to WSP:

• University degree (M.Sc. or higher preferred) in Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Sciences
• Minimum of 10 years of experience or equivalent
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and project management skills
• Experience with technical review of consulting reports
• Experience with completing aquatic community surveys (benthic invertebrates and fish) and water and sediment quality assessments
• Experience with working on large multidisciplinary projects, as component lead 
• Must be comfortable working in the field at remote locations, or on active construction site
• Experience operating backpack and boat electrofishers, lake and river sampling experience
• Good knowledge of Ontario and Federal regulations, including permitting requirements and experience in obtaining permits from relevant agencies
• Excellent planning skills for field logistics and equipment
• Experience with completing field surveys
• Ability to carry out ecosystem health assessments for environmental monitoring projects
• Experience operating backpack and boat electrofishers, lake and river sampling experience an asset
• Must be comfortable working in the field at remote locations, or on active construction site
• Valid Class 'G' driver's license
• Access to a vehicle on a daily basis as travel to a variety of locations is not easily accessible by public transportation
• Available for business travel and extended working hours, when required
• Working knowledge of mining-related environmental practices 
• Experience with presenting technical information to the general public
• Environmental consulting experience.