Intermediate Terrestrial Ecologist

About the Role

In this role you will lead and support terrestrial field programmes, including wildlife surveys, vegetation mapping, botanical inventories and Species at Risk assessments. You will compile, analyse and interpret field data to shape impact assessments and provide clear, science‑based recommendations. You will also prepare environmental approvals, ESA/SCA documentation and multidisciplinary reports, and support aquatic habitat assessments as needed. Mentoring junior field staff, fostering a culture of learning, safety and high‑quality ecological practice, and building strong relationships with clients, Indigenous communities, regulatory authorities and internal partners are core expectations. You will collaborate across disciplines to integrate ecological insight into engineering, planning and development projects, and adapt to varied ecological tasks each day. • Lead terrestrial field programs such as wildlife surveys, vegetation mapping, botanical inventories, and Species at Risk assessments. • Analyze field data to produce science‑based impact assessment recommendations. • Prepare ESA/SCA documentation and multidisciplinary project reports for environmental approvals. • Support aquatic habitat assessments to enhance integrated ecosystem studies. • Mentor junior staff and promote a safety‑focused, high‑quality ecological practice. • Develop strong relationships with clients, Indigenous communities, regulators, and internal partners. • Collaborate with engineering and planning teams to embed ecological insights into projects.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸field surveys
• ▸data analysis
• ▸esa docs
• ▸aquatic assessment
• ▸mentoring
• ▸stakeholder liaison

What You Bring

Candidates should have five or more years of hands‑on experience in environmental consulting or applied terrestrial ecology, a degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science or a related discipline, and advanced field skills in wildlife, vegetation or SAR surveys. Knowledge of Ecological Land Classification, the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, and Ontario environmental legislation is required, as is a valid Ontario driver’s licence and vehicle access. The role demands comfort working outdoors in remote settings, variable conditions and non‑standard hours, and a mindset of curiosity, scientific rigor and safety. • 5+ years experience in environmental consulting or applied terrestrial ecology. • Degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field with advanced field skills. • Familiarity with Ecological Land Classification (ELC) and Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES). • Knowledge of Ontario environmental legislation, permitting pathways, and reporting standards. • Valid Ontario driver’s licence and vehicle access; ATV/UTV/snowmobile training preferred. • Ability to work outdoors in remote settings, variable conditions, and non‑standard hours. • Commitment to health, safety, and environmental policies; physical fitness required for field work.

Requirements

• ▸5+ years
• ▸ecology degree
• ▸elc
• ▸owes
• ▸legislation
• ▸driver licence

Benefits

The opportunity is for an Intermediate Terrestrial Ecologist in Thunder Bay. You will join a collaborative ecology team that works at the intersection of biodiversity, conservation and sustainable development across Ontario. The role offers the chance to help clients balance growth with ecological integrity while developing as a scientist and leader. WSP offers a competitive salary that varies by region (e.g., $63,600–$92,300), hybrid work options, and a culture that values flexibility, mentorship and global mobility. As a Top 100 Canadian employer and a firm with over 65,000 professionals worldwide, you will have access to countless learning and career opportunities across Canada and beyond. • Competitive salary range ($63,600–$92,300) depending on region. • Hybrid work options and flexible work‑life balance. • Access to a global network of experts, mentorship, and career mobility across Canada and internationally. • Inclusive hiring practices with accommodations available for candidates with disabilities.

Work Environment

Hybrid