Terrestrial Ecologist

Location: Hybrid, ON

What is the role?

LEA is seeking a Terrestrial Ecologist to join our growing Environmental Team. Successful applicants must be motivated, able to work independently and have excellent organizational and communication skills. Applicants must also have a university degree in biology/ecology or a related field, and a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience. Key tasks to be undertaken include completing baseline natural science surveys to inventory vegetation and wildlife species, characterizing and assessing vegetation communities and wildlife habitat, and completing targeted surveys for Species at Risk (SAR). Applicants must also have experience in the production of technical reports and project deliverables, including Environmental Impact Studies and environmental monitoring reports. The successful applicant will be required to work with minimal supervision and travel between project sites using reliable personal transportation. The applicant must also be able to accommodate multi-day/night travel during peak field seasons, as required. The successful applicant will also be required to undertake compliance monitoring of environmental mitigation measures on large-scale transportation, infrastructure, and development projects.

Why join LEA?

LEA is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm with a 72‑year history. We provide multidisciplinary engineering services across Transportation, Civil, Structures, Construction Administration, Electrical and Infrastructure Systems, and Environmental Management.

LEA’s Environmental Sector focuses on Environmental Management during design and construction, environmental planning, ecology/biology, and compliance oversight monitoring.

At LEA, we are committed to producing high-quality, client-focused engineering solutions while supporting the professional growth and self-realization of our people. As an employee-owned company, every team member contributes directly to LEA’s continued success and growth.

We’re confident that by joining LEA, you can discover and realize your full career potential because LEA:

Has been recognized as a Greater Toronto Top Employer and Canada’s Top Employer for Young People for 2025 & 2026, highlighting our commitment to fostering an outstanding workplace culture and supporting the next generation of professionals.
Recruits high-performing, motivated individuals who strive to achieve the highest level of technical excellence and quality.
Is an Employee-owned company, and almost half of our employees are shareholders.
Offers a competitive total rewards package of salary, substantial bonuses, benefits and other perks.
Is continuously involved in many exciting and challenging projects throughout Ontario and around the world.
Allows for a collaborative hybrid work environment with flexible hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Cultivates team companionship and collaboration, offering a variety of social events aimed at fostering relationships across the company, including sports leagues, game nights, special events, and volunteer/charitable opportunities.
Is an organization that is committed to achieving our Environmental, Social & Governance objectives through our various committees.
Prioritizes mentorship, training, and rotational assignments for knowledge advancement and career growth.
Has an entrepreneurial spirit as an employee-owned company, 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 accurate collection, storage, and digital filing of field data consistent with LEA Quality Control requirements.
Prepare and contribute to technical reports and permit-related documentation, including Environmental Impact Studies (EIS), Environmental Screening Documents, mitigation memoranda, Tree Inventory and Protection Plans (TIPP) and construction support plans.
Assist in the preparation of regulatory permit/approval application submissions.
Assist in the development of habitat restoration and monitoring plans.
Liaise with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and the public as required during the project planning phase through to construction to support project delivery.
Review project designs to determine and quantify potential indirect and direct impacts to Sensitive Environmental Features.
Review and develop mitigation measures, strategies, and construction best management practices to minimize impacts.
Assist with design planning by providing recommendations to avoid and/or minimize impacts on identified constraints and sensitivities.
Provide construction-phase ecological support, including pre-construction surveys, site monitoring, and coordination with contractors to ensure compliance with environmental commitments and protection measures.
Undertake environmental compliance and Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) monitoring during active construction.
Adhere to health and safety policies and report any unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards to the supervisor.
Other duties and responsibilities within the scope of the Environmental Sector.

The qualifications you need:

University degree in biology/ecology/botany or related studies with a minimum of 3-5 years of work experience conducting natural science studies or similar ecological fieldwork.
Strong technical skills related to the identification and survey of vascular plants (i.e. trees, shrubs, forbs, and graminoids) and vegetation communities, including rare species and SAR.
ISA Certified Arborist Certification is considered a strong asset demonstrating eligibility and willingness to work toward certification.
Strong ability to identify Ontario wildlife, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, is an asset.
Applied Knowledge of ecological survey protocols, including Migratory Bird Surveys, Amphibian Call Surveys, Herpetofauna Surveys and Acoustic Surveys is an asset.
Applied knowledge of the Ontario Ecological Land Classification (ELC) system and the Ontario Wetlands Evaluation System (OWES) is an asset.
Knowledge of: Species Conservation Act, 2025/Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Environmental Assessment Act (Ontario), Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA), and other relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation.
Previous experience with client, stakeholder and regulatory agency liaison considered an asset.
Experience with GIS assets and data collection methods is an asset.
CAN-CISEC certification and/or experience completing environmental compliance and ESC inspection on construction sites is an asset.

Total Rewards at LEA

At LEA, we offer a total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and work-life balance, along with unique opportunities for shareholding and long-term share value growth.

Annual Salary Range: $60,000 – $75,000.
Discretionary Profit Sharing: LEA offers opportunities to receive a bonus payment from the profit-sharing program.
Shareholding: Unique opportunity to become a shareholder in the firm, have a voice in governance, and benefit from long-term share value growth.
Group Health Benefits: Comprehensive coverage including prescription drugs, dental, vision, STD, LTD, life insurance, critical illness, wellness account, travel coverage, and virtual health services.
Retirement & Savings Plans: RRSP with employer matching and TFSA options for tax-free growth.
Personal Days: 7 days of flexible paid time off that can be used as needed, including for personal matters or vacation.
Hybrid & Flexible Work Model: LEA operates in a hybrid environment with flex hours to ensure flexibility, safety, and well-being.
Social Club: LEA has a unique, employee-co-funded social club with an annual budget of approximately $50,000 to host social events and activities that bring employees together. Many events welcome guests, with the social club covering part or all of the guest costs.

The work arrangement:

LEA operates in a hybrid environment to support flexibility, safety, and the well-being of all team members. This role requires travel to project sites within the GTA and other parts of Ontario. A valid Canadian driver’s license is mandatory.

LEA's Commitment to Inclusive Hiring and Equal Opportunity:

LEA Consulting Ltd. is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer, with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) embedded in all strategic planning and operational activities. As part of our commitment to fair representation and equitable access to opportunities, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, newcomers, neurodiverse individuals, persons with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, refugees, veterans, and women.

We evaluate all qualified candidates based on their skills and experiences, without regard to factors such as age, colour, conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted, disability, family status, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, marital/family status, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Accessibility:

LEA is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates. If you require accommodations during any stage of the recruitment or interview process, please contact People@LEA.ca. We remain committed to ensuring that accommodations are available and supported throughout employment.

Vacancy Status:

This position is an existing vacancy.

AI Disclosure:

We do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process for this position.

Apply and stay connected with LEA:

We appreciate your interest in joining LEA! If this role aligns with your experience, we would love to hear from you. While we’ll only be reaching out to candidates selected for an interview, we encourage you to apply again when a suitable opportunity arises. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

LEA Consulting

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Terrestrial Ecologist