Intermediate 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.

**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 Intermediate Aquatic Ecologist. Your duties will generally consist of coordinating and overseeing natural environment programs within land development projects, collaborating with ecologists, environmental professionals, and engineers. Under the supervision of senior staff, you will help lead project execution, mentor junior staff, conducting field surveys, analyze data, and prepare technical reports while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, facilitating project approvals, and integrating ecological considerations into project planning.

**The Intermediate 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;
- 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 four (4) years related experience as an aquatic ecologist or biologist;
- Knowledge and experience identifying freshwater fishes of Ontario and ability to field-distinguish cyprinids, salmonids, sportfish, aquatic Species at Risk and invasive species;
- 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;
- 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.);
- 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 communi