Junior Aquatic 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, auditors, planners and environmental specialists, all working together to leave this world better than we found it.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a Junior Aquatic Ecologist to join our growing and dynamic team in our Waterloo ON office on a full-time permanent basis. This position will involve providing both private and public clients with excellent technical guidance and navigation of the natural environment regulatory framework.

At GHD, we work for internal and external clients completing the natural resources' component for transportation companies, government agencies, municipalities, energy companies and developers, on a wide variety of projects. Our role is to conduct detailed biological inventories and complete environmental assessments of a proposed development and assess potential impacts on, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife.

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:

The Junior Aquatic Ecologist will help support both technical project delivery and field duties on a wide range of project types. Field duties will include the collection, analysis and interpretation of various aquatic biological survey data such as fish community, benthic macroinvertebrate, and water quality data. Technical project support duties will include preparation of various permit applications, conducting desktop background information screening and support the delivery of reports by summarizing data collected during field programs. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of senior and intermediate aquatic ecologists and execute projects collaboratively with other natural science disciplines. Scientific and technical writing skills as well as field experience conducting aquatic habitat assessments and Ontario fish identification are preferred. Senior staff will support the learning of provincial and federal legislative requirements relating to the field of aquatic sciences as well as the preparation of various types of reports including Environmental Impact Studies, Natural Heritage Evaluations, Environmental Assessments, and Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Fisheries Assessments.

Provide technical expertise with a field background in fisheries, aquatic science, limnology, wildlife, and/or wetland function.

• Coordinate and/or conduct field surveys including electrofishing fish community surveys, aquatic habitat assessments, benthic macroinvertebrate sampling, sediment and surface water sampling, targeted species at risk habitat assessment and/or provide environmental oversight of construction activities.
• Carry out field duties within wadable watercourses and by boat in larger lakes and rivers
• Supporting environmental oversight of construction activities which include; removal of fish from isolated work areas, monitoring of water quality using a variety of field instruments and inspection of construction mitigation measures.
• Follow established field protocols such as Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP), MTO Fisheries protocol, Headwater Drainage Feature Assessments, Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN).
• Support obtaining federal and provincial permits and approvals such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Request for Review applications, Fisheries Act Authorizations, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Licence to Collect Fish, Conservation Authority permits, Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) Information Gathering Forms, etc.
• Complete literature reviews around species, habitats or projects including official plans, provincial legislation and regulations, consultant reports, GIS sources, scientific literature and natural heritage databases
• Provide data compilation and interpretation and analysis
• Coordinate, write, and/or provide technical input in support of natural environment components of Environmental Assessments (EAs), Environmental Impact Studies (EISs), Natural Heritage Evaluations (NHEs), MTO Fisheries Reporting and other natural environment related deliverables
• Contribute to the preparation of project proposals and assist with marketing initiatives
• Work well with peers in all aspects of environmental consulting, while fostering an upbeat and collaborative environment
• Acquire skills through mentoring to be able to provide technical input to engineering teams for design requirements specific to aquatic species and habitats.

What you will bring to the Team:

A technical diploma or university degree in biology, science, environmental studies, and/or other similar field, with strong background in aquatic ecology

• 0 to 2 years of related work experience within environmental consulting, and/or regulatory agencies.
• Ontario-based certifications or training (. ROM fish identification certificate, Class 2 backpack electrofishing certification, OSAP training, OBBN training are considered assets
• A good understanding of fish habitat characterization principles and experienced in fish identification with thorough understanding of various fish collection methods
• Excellent report writing, presentation and research skills, and be able to work in a team environment
• Willingness to travel to undertake field work in remote locations for extended periods of time
• Willingness to work flexible hours including field work under a variety of conditions
• Ability to conduct good record keeping when collecting field information and maintain organized field notes
• Familiarity with erosion and sediment control techniques and maintenance, considered an asset
• Experience conducting multiple tasks while maintaining a high degree of attention to detail
• Pleasure craft operator card and experience boating (motorized, canoe, and/or experience conducting field work from a boat are also an asset.
• Exhibit flexibility with the types of project and responsibilities within them
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office, excellent English writing and verbal communication is required to effectively express technical information to multiple audiences including clients, agencies, subcontractors, field staff, clients, colleagues, etc.
• Valid driver's license along with a clean driver's abstract is required
• Must have or be able to obtain first aid certification

* The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $62,000. 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 achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, GHD will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.