Social Science

The Opportunity:

WSP’s Social Science & Engagement Team in Ontario is seeking a Social Science & Engagement Team Lead that is looking to lead a terrific team of social science and engagement specialists. 

The team is part of our broader Environmental Planning business unit and works alongside a diverse group of environmental planning and permitting consultants, archaeologists, engineers and other environmental specialists from across the province. Together in an interdisciplinary environment, we study the interactions between human populations and the natural and physical environments in project-specific contexts. This includes a wide range of industrial, government and Indigenous organizations and involves a variety of project types and sectors, ranging from municipal infrastructure to natural resource developments.

The role involves leading lead a team whose services include communication and engagement with public stakeholders, government agencies and Indigenous nations and peoples, social and economic baseline research, socio-economic impact assessments (including GBA+ analysis, land and resource use, visual aesthetics, human rights assessments and impacts to Indigenous rights), socio-economic effects monitoring and management, as well as Indigenous knowledge studies. Working across geographies and disciplines, our team leads the advancement of social inclusion internally and with our clients to strengthen the social aspect of ESG throughout our projects.

As the Team Lead, you could be located at any of our Ontario offices. Reporting to the Director of Environmental Impact Assessment and Social Science for Ontario, you will be responsible for leading and growing a team of about 8 to 10 social science and engagement specialists in a hybrid work environment. 

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.

#WeAre WSP

What you can expect to do here:

Technical Consulting Responsibilities

• You will apply approximately 60% of your work time in a consulting role, active on project delivery of technical work and client deliverables in your area of specialization. 
• You will conduct and oversee comprehensive literature reviews for socio-economic baseline, qualitative data analysis, interpretation, and reporting for multi-disciplinary projects.
• You will lead the assessment of project impacts on the human environment, considering aspects such as regional and local economies, community services and infrastructure, land use and recreation, and community well-being and safety.
• You will lead primary research by conducting key informant interviews with knowledge holders within Indigenous communities, as well as regulators and other stakeholders.
• You will manage and guide junior and intermediate staff in secondary research and primary qualitative and quantitative data collection.
• You will guide the preparation of social and economic baseline research, socio-economic impact assessments (e.g., GBA+ analysis, land and resource use, visual aesthetics and impacts on Indigenous rights), and socio-economic effects monitoring and management. 
• You will prepare and support technical and financial proposals for both internal and external clients, and be accountable for client management on behalf of the team.
• You will undertake quality reviews of project deliverables, including proposals and technical documents.
• You will offer technical leadership to project teams, providing strategic advice and oversight of deliverables. 
• You will direct planning and implementation of Indigenous and public communication and engagement programs (in-person and virtual), leading engagement events when appropriate.
• You will facilitate the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge into impact assessments, following best practices such as OCAP principals, the preferences and cultural protocols identified by Indigenous groups, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• You will use strong project management skills to manage and direct projects, maintaining control of scope, schedule, costs, and quality of products and services. 
• You will contribute to the growth of the team by developing and maintaining strong working relationships with key clients and identifying new project opportunities.
• You will collaborate with other disciplines within WSP with respect to multi-faceted/multi-disciplinary projects.
• You will lead interactions with external clients, regulators, members of the general public, Indigenous communities and other project stakeholders in relation to development projects.

Team Lead Responsibilities

You will apply approximately 40% of your work time to the Team Lead role, as described below. 

• You will supervise entry-to-mid level employees, providing day-to-day direction in alignment with departmental procedures
• You will demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with good leadership and management abilities, and communicate effectively with both direct reports and senior management
• You will support the team’s workload and resource planning, and monitor recruitment needs to meet project and budget targets/demands.
• You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of human resources, monitor non-billable hours, and provide approval and oversight of timesheets, expense reports and overtime.
• You will mentor staff and support career development plans; identifying career goals and development opportunities for your team, and for yourself.
• You will foster an atmosphere of continuous improvement through on-the-job coaching and guidance, and proactively create and maintain a positive work climate.
• You will conduct regular check-ins and performance management reviews, ensuring that staff have a clear understanding of expectations and accountabilities, and receive positive and constructive feedback. 
• You will contribute to business development, including proposals and marketing of socio-economic and engagement services.
• You will support the achievement of relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Business Unit (e.g., staff chargeability and revenue targets).
• You will contribute to the growth of the team by monitoring resource needs and hiring new staff 
• You will ensure health and safety policies are followed, and be a role model for WSP's guiding principles. 
• You will receive tactical direction, feedback, and guidance to meet established goals and operational priorities
• You will provide input to the Director for budget and business planning purposes, and strategies to improve operational efficiencies
• You will work a hybrid model, being in a workplace at least three days per week, and you may travel for short duration trips and events.

What you’ll bring to WSP:

• Graduate degree in the social sciences or an interdisciplinary field (e.g., Indigenous studies, anthropology, sociology, community studies or urban planning). Applicants with undergraduate degrees will be considered with appropriate commensurate experience. 
• At least 12 years of relevant experience, with 5-7 years conducting social and/or economic research and analysis, social impact assessment, or stakeholder/Indigenous engagement. 
• Experience as a professional consultant or a working in a similar environment
• Experience managing or leading teams; demonstrating strong leadership, communication, collaboration, decision making and problem-solving skills. 
• Technical knowledge of the socio-economic impact and traditional land use requirements of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, federal Impact Assessment Act, and related legislation.
• Experience developing communications materials and managing complex stakeholder interactions
• Demonstrated experience working with qualitative and quantitative research methods. 
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural, historical, and political context in Canada, including awareness of Indigenous interests, treaties and rights, Duty to Consult, UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation considerations. 
• Familiarity with innovative consultation and community engagement tracking software. 
• Strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of environmental assessment methodology.
• Experience working with Indigenous groups in Ontario, preparing or incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and land use studies to meet regulatory requirements. 
• Ability to travel for work.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills in English. French or an Indigenous language is an asset.