Planning Ecologist

**Division**:
Environmental Planning

**Important Notices & Amendments**:
As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements including hybrid work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Where operational needs align, and while ensuring business requirements and customer service expectations are achieved, employees may have an opportunity to work within a hybrid model, combining working from home and working in the office.

**Temporary Duration**:
Approximate Duration: 12 months

**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.

At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.

For the Region's full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

**Don’t have every qualification?**

**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 regulations, relevant Provincial policies, plans and guidelines, and the Regional Official Plan.
- Excellent verbal & written communication skills coupled with demonstrated technical writing & presentation experience.
- MNRF certification in Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario is preferred.
- MNRF certification in the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System is preferred.
- Other relevant certifications would be considered is preferred.

**Responsibilities**:

- Makes recommendations from an ecological perspective related to the implementation of Regional and Provincial Policies.
- Prepares for and occasionally attends pre-consultation with developers and partners and/or provides guidance and support to Development Planners in preparation for pre-consultation to clearly identify and discuss Provincial and Regional issues and required technical studies related to the natural environment early in the process.
- Assists in scoping and peer review of Environmental Impact Studies (EIS).
- Visits potential development sites to evaluate potential environmental issues, identify EIS scoping requirements an