Terrestrial Ecologist

**What is the role?**

**Why join LEA?**
LEA is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm, with a history of 70 years. We provide engineering consulting services in the areas of Transportation, Civil, Structures, Construction Administration, Electrical and Infrastructure Systems, and Environmental Management.

LEA's Environmental Team was formed in 2019 and has grown steadily since its inception. Growth to date reflects our increase in the market share and the growing number of environmental professionals. Service offerings focus on Environmental Management during design and construction, environmental planning, ecology/biology and compliance oversight monitoring.

At LEA, we strive towards a common goal, which is self-realization and achieving the highest possible results. The company is owned by its employees and every effort counts.

Join LEA and discover your potential, because LEA:

- Recruits high-performing motivated individuals who share the desire to succeed.
- Is an Employee-owned company and almost half of our employees are shareholders.
- Offers a competitive total compensation package of salary, substantial bonuses, benefits and other perks.
- Provides a collaborative hybrid work environment with flexible hours.
- Organizes regular social events such as golf day, theatre, baseball/hockey game events, canoeing, camping, skiing, bowling, board games, volleyball and softball leagues, and charitable events.
- Hosts the best overnight holiday party in Muskoka.
- Is an organization with a higher purpose, we are committed to achieving our Environmental, Social, & Governance objectives through our various committees.
- Makes your everyday supercharged with meaning so you can point into the distance and live in the day to reach your goal.
- Prioritizes mentorship, training, and rotational assignments for knowledge advancement and career growth.
- Has an entrepreneurial spirit, with continuous growth and expansion taking part in meaningful projects.

**In this role, your duties and responsibilities will include**:

- Conduct comprehensive terrestrial ecosystem studies/surveys to support a variety of projects and EA studies.
- Manage the collection, storage, and digital filing of field data consistent with LEA Quality Control requirements.
- Assist in the preparation of technical reports/documents as required to support the project, specifically to ensure compliance with the Environmental Assessment process requirements and to facilitate the obtainment of permits/approvals.
- Correspond with the public, stakeholders and regulatory agencies as required during the project planning phase through to construction.
- Undertake Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) compliance monitoring during active construction.
- Liaise as required with other technical team staff and/or sub-consultants.
- Develop mitigation measures and strategies and construction best management practices to minimize impacts.
- Analyze project designs to determine and quantify potential indirect and direct impacts.
- Assist with design planning by providing recommendations to avoid and/or minimize impacts on identified constraints and sensitivities.
- Perform other assigned Contract Administration construction inspection duties as required from time to time.
- Continuously growing professional skills and knowledge through seminars, workshops, and involvement in professional associations to stay updated on the latest trends, software, and technology.
- Managing other related assignments within the scope of the practice area.

**The qualifications you need**:

- University degree in Biology/Ecology or related studies with a minimum of 1-3 years of experience conducting terrestrial ecosystem studies.
- Strong field skills related to the identification and survey of vascular plants (trees, shrubs, forbs, and graminoids) and vegetation communities, including rare species and SAR.
- Knowledge of: The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), Species at Risk Act (SARA), Environmental Assessment Act (Ontario), Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), the Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA), and other relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation.

**The assets you may have**:

- Strong ability to identify Ontario wildlife including birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
- Certificate and applied knowledge of the Ontario Ecological Land Classification (ELC) system and the Ontario Wetlands Evaluation System (OWES).
- Previous experience with clients, stakeholders and regulatory agency liaisons.
- Knowledge of tree inventory and tree preservation protocols and planning.
- Experience with GIS assets and field collection methods.
- Experience completing environmental compliance and ESC inspection on construction sites.

**The work arrangement**:
LEA operates in a hybrid environment to ensure flexibility, safety, and the well-being of everyone. This role requires access to a vehicle and a valid Driver’s License.

**LEA is Proud to be