Junior Ecologist

There’s no pledge more important than the one we make to look after our environment, and we’re committed to helping you do exactly that.

Join us as we strive to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the world we live in.

Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, planners, and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a Junior/Intermediate Aquatic Biologist to join our Ecology & Natural Science team in Waterloo, Ontario, however location is flexible.

You will work as part of interdisciplinary teams on projects across Ontario and Canada Central, supporting GHD’s business group and clients across sectors including transportation and infrastructure, mining, energy, renewable energy, land development, and other development industries.

This position is well suited to being a biologist with environmental consulting experience and a strong interest in fisheries, aquatic ecology, benthic invertebrates, impact assessment, and regulatory permitting. You will contribute to both field and office-based assignments and collaborate with GHD’s broader Ecology & Natural Science and Impact Assessment teams.

Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:

• Conduct fish and fish habitat assessments, aquatic habitat characterization, benthic invertebrate sampling, and fisheries field investigations.
• Support ecological baseline programs, including wetland and watercourse assessments, Species at Risk assessments, benthic invertebrate studies, and flora and fauna inventories.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret fisheries, benthic, and other ecological data.
• Assess potential effects to fish and fish habitat, aquatic communities, wetlands, Species at Risk, and other natural environment features associated with development projects.
• Provide aquatic and ecological support to environmental and impact assessments, including baseline characterization, effects assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and permitting.
• Support Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, and other federal, provincial, and municipal regulatory permitting and authorization processes, including fish habitat offsetting and compensation planning.
• Prepare technical reports, memoranda, permit applications, monitoring reports, and other environmental documentation.
• Plan and support field programs, including equipment, logistics, data collection, and field documentation.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, regulators, Indigenous communities, and other interested parties, as appropriate.
• Support project delivery and the preparation of proposals, scopes of work, schedules, budgets, and cost estimates.
• Complete field and office work in accordance with GHD’s health, safety, and environmental requirements.

What you will bring to the team:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Fisheries, Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related discipline. A master’s degree is considered an asset.
• Approximately 2 to 5 years of relevant professional experience, preferably including environmental consulting experience.
• Experience conducting fish and fish habitat assessments, aquatic habitat surveys, watercourse assessments, water quality sampling, Species at Risk surveys, and other aquatic field investigations.
• Experience identifying Ontario freshwater fish species, with knowledge of Ontario freshwater ecosystems, fisheries, and aquatic habitats.
• Familiarity with fisheries sampling and fish handling methods, with electrofishing experience considered an asset.
• Experience with benthic invertebrate sampling, identification, data analysis, and/or biomonitoring considered an asset.

• Experience with freshwater mussel surveys, identification, habitat assessments, and/or Species at Risk mussel assessments is considered an asset.

• Knowledge of applicable Ontario and federal environmental legislation, regulatory requirements, and guidance related to fish and fish habitat, Species at Risk, wetlands, and watercourses.
• Strong technical writing, data management, analytical, communication, and organizational skills, including experience with digital field data collection tools and GIS/spatial data.
• Experience with other ecological surveys and assessments, such as birds, amphibians, reptiles, vegetation, or wildlife, is considered an asset.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Valid driver’s licence, availability for short-term travel, and ability to undertake fieldwork in a variety of environmental conditions and terrain, including remote locations.

Additional Ontario experience and certifications considered assets:

• Class I Electrofishing or Class II Backpack Electrofishing certification/training.  
• Registration in MTO RAQS for Fisheries Assessment and/or Fisheries Contracts. 
• MTO Fisheries Protocol training and experience applying the MTO Fisheries Protocol for Protecting Fish and Fish Habitat on Provincial Undertakings. 
• Training or experience with the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) and/or Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) methods. 
• Experience applying the Evaluation, Classification and Management of Headwater Drainage Features Guidelines. 
• Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Control (CISEC) or equivalent erosion and sediment control training/experience. 
• First Aid certification; training can be provided if required.

The salary range for this position is $67.500- $112.500.-

The posted salary range represents the expected hiring range for GHD locations in its major city centres. Ranges may vary for positions in other locations. At GHD, base salary is determined by your skills, experience, qualifications and work location. We are committed to offering competitive compensation and adhere to all relevant pay transparency legislation.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruiting is just getting started and may be used during the process to improve efficiency and fairness. Your application may be reviewed by both AI and our hiring team. While AI supports some steps through the process, all final hiring decisions are made by humans

This position is for an existing vacancy

As a diverse and inclusive organization, we encourage individual achievements and recognize the strength of a diverse workplace. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, GHD will provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process.