Senior Aquatic Ecologist

SCS Consulting Group is thrilled to announce the launch of our new Environmental Group As a leading land development consulting firm this is our continued commitment to shaping and reshaping our communities and landscapes responsibly. As we embark on this exciting journey, we are seeking dynamic individuals to join us in our mission to redefine the intersection of development and conservation.

If you’re passionate about preserving the environment through innovative solutions while contributing to sustainable development and want to be a part of a team from the very foundation, then this is for you With our new Environmental Group not only do you have an opportunity in charting the teams' and your own course, you also have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and lead the way in creating a more sustainable future. We invite you to explore the opportunities within our growing Environmental Group and encourage to reach out should you have any questions.

SCS Consulting Group is a consulting engineering firm providing services to the land development industry throughout the GTA and surrounding areas. Our services include the design and contract administration of municipal infrastructure for residential subdivisions, and institutional, commercial, and industrial site plans. We also provide environmental assessments, environmental impact studies and at-risk applications, where and when appropriate.

What a career with SCS Consulting Offers You:

• Work on leading land development projects in Southern Ontario, including:
• New build residential subdivisions.
• Single use retail buildings.
• High-density and high-rise residential developments to medium-density townhouse condominium developments and redevelopments.
• Competitive salary with commuter benefits and meal allowances;
• Commute Benefit - if your home location is more than 35kms from the SCS Markham office, we will provide a commute benefit for any distance traveled over 35kms each way to and from the office;
• Wellness benefit - we cover costs related to health and wellness programs, gym memberships, sports and health activities including registration fees; and
• Full benefits package offered after 3 months probation period, including a Health Care Spending Account.

What you’ll be doing:

Your position will be Senior Aquatic Ecologist. Your duties will generally consist of coordinating and overseeing natural environment within land development projects. This entails collaborating and building relationships with clients, ecologists, environmental professionals, and engineers. You will lead project execution, mentor junior SCS staff, analyze data, and prepare technical reports while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, facilitating project approvals, and integrating ecological considerations into project planning.

The Senior Aquatic Ecologist is required to perform a range of duties including, but not limited to:

• Reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments/Studies and reports such as Environmental Implementation Reports (EIR), Sub-watershed Studies, and Master Environmental and Servicing Plans (MESP);
• Liaising with clients to build strong relationships;
• Writing business proposals;
• Taking inventory of: Aquatic habitats, Fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, sediment and Water quality, and Species at risk and other species of conservation concern.
• Documenting and analyzing field data;
• Leading DFO Request for Review, and Authorization applications;
• Determining the effectiveness of mitigation efforts for species at risk or other sensitive species or features in Ontario during construction projects;
• Assessing and evaluating the significance of natural aquatic ecology;
• Developing fish habitat protection strategies and preparing fish and fish habitats environmental impact assessments; and
• Recognizing ecological constraints in land development, propose mitigation measures, and understand approval requirements at various governmental levels.

What we’re looking for from you:

• Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Studies degree, with a strong background in field biology;
• Minimum of eight (8) years related experience as an aquatic ecologist or biologist;
• Project management experience, field data collection and analyses and data organization and management;
• Strong working knowledge of standard field protocols for a range of ecological surveys and previous experience working in ecosystems within Ontario are preferred;
• Knowledge of and experience with interpreting environmental policies and legislation (e.g., the Provincial Policy Statement, Fisheries Act, Endangered Species Act, Species at Risk Act, official plans, etc.);
• Experience operating backpack and boat electrofishers, lake and river sampling experience;
• Experience and knowledgeable with Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP);
• Experience and knowledgeable with Headwater Drainage Feature (HDF) evaluations;
• Experience in the preparation of regulatory applications and submissions and in planning and executing field programs as part of environmental studies;
• Understanding of the application of Best Management Practices to environmental compliance and effectiveness monitoring programs;
• Understanding and experience conducting aquatic surveys;
• In-depth knowledge of relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines, and regulatory permitting and approval requirements (similar to above);
• Excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking, organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Prior experience in a consulting environment and an interest in growing a team;
• Understanding of the application of Best Management Practices to environmental compliance and effectiveness monitoring programs;
• Must have experience with working with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), previously the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), as an expert witness preparing expert testimonies and witness statements;
• Commitment to project quality and capability of meeting project deadlines; and
• Must have vehicle and valid driver’s license.

The following are considered assets to this role:

• Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) certification, and
• Experience in executing wildlife field programs.

Why SCS?

SCS is a company that believes in building long lasting relationships with our clients, community partners, employees and their families. We are a preferred employer where we work as hard as we play and always celebrate as a team We frequently host companywide events, participate in community and industry events, and our various sports teams encourage a healthy lifestyle, good fun and friendly competition between co-workers.

We encourage employees to be part of the communities that they live and work in. SCS contributes to a variety of community-based charities.

We believe our fundamental strength lies within our staff. Our employees are the engine of our company and are empowered and encouraged to take ownership of their projects. Staff are rewarded with challenging work, a focus on job satisfaction and the opportunity for career advancement. We offer competitive salaries and health benefits, as well as a wellness allowance.

Thank you for your interest in SCS Consulting Group Ltd. Your resume will be carefully reviewed and we will contact you should your skills and experience match our requirements.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Master's Degree (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Studies degree (required)

Work Location: In person