Senior Environmental Scientist

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel inside a deep geological repository, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

Founded in 2002, the NWMO has been guided for 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers that are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. Canada’s plan will only proceed in an area with informed and willing hosts, where the municipality, First Nation and Métis communities, and others in the area are working together to implement it. The NWMO plans to select a site in 2024, and two areas remain in our site selection process: the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern Ontario and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area in southern Ontario.

Senior Environmental Scientist

(Employment Status: Full time)

Position Location: Toronto Head Office – 22 St. Clair Avenue East

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Manager, Environment Program, the successful candidate will be a member of a dedicated team responsible for the impact assessment and CNSC license for a deep underground geological repository. This position will be based at our Toronto headquarters (Ignace and South Bruce, Ontario community office locations may be considered).

This position offers an exciting opportunity for an environmental specialist to advise on programs and lead projects. The incumbent will collaborate closely with other Environmental Scientists on the team.

• As a recognized specialist, act as an environmental authority in the designed field of environmental discipline. Advise management and technical staff on the implications of the latest environmental developments as they relate to design, construction, engineering, mining and facility operations.
• Develop solutions to problems of the highest order of environmental complexity in support of facility or operations, maintenance, design or construction. Propose directions and set objectives and carry out environmental programs. Produce reports or other documents, as required supporting conclusions drawn or recommendations advanced.
• Present and explain advice or proposed solutions, providing support rationale for major environmental decision following the IFC PS-6 Mitigation Hierarchy.
• Provide environmental support to programs under the control of other departments and provide periodic supervision on a project basis with subsequent feedback on performance issues to the regular Supervisor.
• Provide mentoring on technical issues and impact assessment process for professional and technical staff.
• As assigned, act as a Team Leader and Subject Matter Expert with responsibility to oversee the conduct of work or study to resolve specific problems or investigations, and technical and environmental recommendations.
• Perform gap analysis and planning of studies needed to support federal and provincial regulatory submissions and approvals.
• Review environmental program reports for compliance with federal and provincial regulatory requirements.
• Assist with the coordination of the environmental assessment process for project developments, including engagement with government agencies and the public, negotiation and resolution of complex environmental issues, Indigenous Knowledge, local input and participation and management of consultants, leading to environmental approvals.
• Be knowledgeable of the capabilities of external agencies and individuals in supporting work programs. When necessary, develop requirements for appropriate contracts with such agencies and ensure any work meets the technical requirements of contracts (e.g. terms of deliverables, quality, timing and cost). Develop proposals for client review, keeping Supervisor generally informed of significant outcomes. Assist with client implementations.
• Liaise with internal departments and external agencies in areas of expertise and responsibility. Provide advice and guidance based upon specialized experience and knowledge of state-of-the-art in the technical and environmental subjects relevant to facility or mining operation, maintenance, design or construction. Be proactive in anticipating changes to future regulations and requirements and provide input into their formation and implementation.
• Review specific project inputs for quality and accuracy, as required.
• Take a lead role in the direction, coordination and implementation of approved programs.
• Develop and provide representations to government authorities, agencies, regulatory bodies and legislative hearings in endeavors to secure, protect or advance the interests of the company in designated areas.
• Represent NWMO on internal and external committees and associations. Participate in engagement and present to the public, Indigenous peoples, technical groups and other organizations.
• With the support of the Learning and Development Team, develop and provide environmental training programs for the development of staff expertise to meet NWMO and Business Unit requirements. Evaluate effectiveness of training programs, as required.
• Provide input to budget submissions, financial evaluations, and purchase justifications, as required. Contribute to the development of departmental and/or organizational safety programs.
• Perform other duties as required.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience; however, those with lesser experience should not hesitate to apply.

• 4 year university degree in Environmental Sciences, Ecology or Environmental Engineering, or equivalent.
• Over eight years’ experience in environmental science or ecology.
• A full understanding of the problems and regulations encountered in consideration of environmental effects and mitigation, as related to the design, construction, maintenance, and facility operation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have experience negotiating and resolving complex environmental issues with local rights holders and stakeholders, government agencies and stakeholders, and the provincial and federal environmental assessment process.
• Must have experience working with local rights holders and stakeholders on community-based monitoring programs or similar and interweaving Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science.
• Familiarity with challenges and benefits of implementing participatory models.
• Must be able to effectively apply theoretical and practical technical knowledge and use sound analytical thinking to solve problems.
• Must be a self-starter with an inherent desire to learn and the ability to quickly self-teach new skillsets.
• Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

The following skills and experience are considered assets:

• Experience with both CNSC and federal Impact Assessment regulatory processes.
• Experience facilitating meetings and workshops.
• Environmental science or ecology experience working with GIS analysis and statistics.
• ESRI suite of product experience including ArcGIS Desktop.
• Experience designing statistically significant environmental monitoring programs.
• Good understanding of site Quality Assurance and Quality Control site investigation procedures.
• Familiar with environmental site investigation and impact assessment methodologies such as surface water monitoring programs, ecological studies, borehole drilling and hydrogeological testing and associated data types.
• Experience presenting in a public forum (e.g. national or international conferences or equivalent).

• The position will require some overnight travel to support field activities.

The position will require some overnight travel to support field activities.

Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.

We offer a competitive base salary and health care benefits package.

The NWMO is committed to contribute to reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer NWMO actively seeks Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please Contact Us.