Natural Heritage Planner

Natural Heritage Planner / Planning Ecologist
Full-Time Permanent Position

This planning-oriented position is ideal for someone with an understanding of ecological principles, and a keen interest in natural heritage planning, policy, and process. In this role you will focus on projects such as natural heritage system planning, natural heritage policy review and recommendations, developing standards and guidance for natural heritage planning and management, peer reviews, management planning for natural areas and more.

This role is geared towards individuals with a planning background and a specialization or strong interest in natural heritage planning, or someone with an ecology / geography / environmental background with a strong interest in policy, planning and management of natural heritage systems.

WHY CONSIDER NSE?

NSE is on a path of continual improvement. Not change for the sake of change (that gets real tiring, real quick), but recognizing that through ideas - be they from someone on the team or an external source, and continuing to ask 'is there a better way?' - is how we learn, support our staff and feel rewarded in the work we do.

Our people are very important to us. As a small business, each member of our team has a meaningful impact, and we respect this as well as the individual. We continue to review how we work, strive to provide balance, and continue to develop a people-focused approach. We recognize that there are always ways to be better, and we regularly explore the next step on this path.

We have a strong history and are excited for our future. NSE was established in 1999 and has been providing high quality services to public and private sector clients, and to a lesser extent with NGOs, on a wide array of environmental projects for 20+ years. We are proud of this history and the contribution we’ve had, but we are focused on NSE’s future, and where we and the industry are headed. NSE has a strong reputation in natural heritage planning and management, and we look forward to welcoming a new member of the team as we continue this work.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Work with senior ecologists and planning ecologists to ideate and prepare reports and other deliverables on projects such as: o Peer reviews o Management plans o Natural heritage systems o Natural heritage policy reviews & recommendations o Guidance documents for natural heritage management (e.g., EIS guidelines)
- Coordinate and provide support to project managers for project activities and day-to-day project operations. Degree of responsibility will be based on experience and demonstrated ability. Ideally, the role will include or develop substantial responsibility for coordination of projects, timelines, and deliverables.
- Policy interpretation, assessment of gaps, jurisdictional scans & best management practices
- Impact assessment, mitigation, and decision-support
- Support and/or lead preparation of proposals (commensurate with experience) including scope of work development (tasks), budget preparation, coordination of sub-consultants / liaise with external lead firms and other consultants.
- Support project and proposal resource management (e.g., staff, equipment, etc.)
- Support internal operational processes and activities (e.g., field work and data management, budget tracking, billings, etc.)
- Performing tasks on time and within budget.
- Participation in NSE company meetings and activities.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE and ATTRIBUTES

Degree in Planning, Environmental Studies, or a related field is required.

Experience with and/or demonstration of skill within core tasks identified above is required. 3+ years of applied experience is preferred, but we are open to any level where key strengths are clearly demonstrated. This role does not require field-identification skills. Understanding of ecological principles, key legislation, significant species and their habitats, and understanding of their significance to projects is vital to the role. More detailed information on qualifications, and attributes are provided below.
- Natural heritage planning and management
- Understanding of acceptable field survey protocols
- Coordinating project components, managing timelines and project deliverables
- Contributing to or preparing proposals (scope of work, budget)
- Report writing, and ideally writing for a broad range of audiences
- Critical thinker
- Solutions-oriented
- Lateral thinking
- Organized
- Resilient and flexible within a work environment with changing priorities, workload, and deadlines
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Excellent verbal and written communication, and
- Fluent in the use of standard Microsoft Office suite software, Adobe acrobat.

The following are considered assets:

- Experience in ecological / environmental consulting
- Experience with: o Natural heritage / natural environment peer reviews o Permitting support (Species at Risk, Conservation Authority Act, Scientifi