Planning Ecologist

**Division**:
Planning & Development

**Temporary Duration**:
Approximate Duration: 2 years

**About Us**:
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Please note that effective February 12, 2023 mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required as per the Niagara Region’s amended COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. As a result, you will not be required to submit verification of your vaccination status before starting employment with the Niagara Region. However, the Niagara Region continues to reserve the right to reintroduce vaccination requirements in the future if necessary to respond to changing public health advice and\or government direction. The Niagara Region continues to strongly encourage everyone to remain up-to-date with vaccinations.

**About Us**:
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Please note that effective February 12, 2023 mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required as per the Niagara Region’s amended COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. As a result, you will not be required to submit verification of your vaccination status before starting employment with the Niagara Region. However, the Niagara Region continues to reserve the right to reintroduce vaccination requirements in the future if necessary to respond to changing public health advice and\or government direction. The Niagara Region continues to strongly encourage everyone to remain up-to-date with vaccinations.

**Job Summary**:
Salary Pending Review

**Education**:

- Degree in Environmental or Botanical Science, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management or a related field study.
- An equivalent combination of education, experience and qualifications may be considered.
- Master’s degree in a related field of study is preferred.

**Knowledge**:

- A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including:

- Conducting and peer reviewing Environmental Impact Studies;
- Conducting a wide range of biological field investigations following established protocols (e.g. Species at Risk surveys and wetlands evaluation, etc.);
- performing other specialized planning studies such as, but not limited to, Environmental Assessments, Natural Heritage System Studies, Sub-watershed Studies, Wetland Assessments and other natural heritage inventories/characterizations; and
- Identifying and/or developing appropriate environmental mitigation, monitoring, and restoration/enhancement measures.
- 10 years of progressively responsible, relevant experience is preferred.
- Both terrestrial and aquatic biology experience, including the ability to assess significance of sensitive aquatic species and habitats is preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of ecological systems and processes as they relate to land use approvals.
- Superior knowledge of survey protocols and technical guidelines as they relate to a wide range of biological field investigations.
- Working knowledge of the Planning Act, Environmental Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and associated regulatio