About Sage Earth
Sage Earth is an environmental consulting firm specializing in natural heritage assessment, environmental impact studies, biological inventories, ecological restoration, Species Conservation Act registration and permitting, and GIS services.
Founded and operated by Dan Barcza, Sage Earth is built on more than 30 years of environmental consulting and ecological experience. The firm provides practical, science-based solutions to support responsible land use and environmental stewardship.
Our work integrates terrestrial, wetland, and aquatic ecology to support development, management, and restoration projects. Through close collaboration with clients and regulatory agencies, we help advance sustainable development while protecting ecological integrity.
Job Summary
Sage Earth is seeking an experienced, motivated, and detail-oriented Terrestrial Ecologist to support field investigations, vegetation and wildlife surveys, Species at Risk assessments, permitting, habitat restoration, and technical reporting for government and private-sector projects across southern Ontario. This role blends fieldwork, ecological data analysis, GIS mapping, and environmental planning in support of natural heritage, monitoring, restoration, and conservation initiatives.
Duties
· Conduct ecological field investigations, including vegetation inventories, Ecological Land Classification, soil assessments, wildlife habitat surveys, and Species at Risk assessments.
· Complete wildlife surveys for birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, mussels, insects, and wildlife signs, including assessment of Significant Wildlife Habitat and natural heritage features.
· Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret ecological data to support assessments, monitor programs, conservation planning, and habitat recommendations.
· Prepare GIS mapping, spatial analyses, permitting materials, environmental assessments, and technical reports using ArcGIS, databases, and related tools.
· Support EIS, NHE, DAR, background reviews, agency correspondence, and land-use planning initiatives.
· Develop mitigation, restoration, habitat compensation, conservation, and monitoring measures with clients, agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.
· Assist with research design, ecosystem health monitoring, technical documentation, stakeholder presentations, equipment maintenance, and related field tasks.
Qualifications
Education
- Diploma or degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution.
Experience
· Minimum five years of experience in environmental consulting or a related discipline, including ecological field surveys in Ontario.
· Experience preparing Environmental Impact Studies or comparable natural heritage reports.
Technical Skills
· Proficient with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and related GIS or analytical tools for mapping, spatial analysis, data management, and reporting.
· Able to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret ecological data with accuracy and sound scientific judgment.
· Experienced with spreadsheets and digital field applications used in ecological assessments and monitoring.
· Able to verify species observations using tools such as iNaturalist, Seek, and Merlin for reports and field documentation.
Field Skills
· Strong identification skills for plants, birds, wildlife, wildlife signs, and Ontario habitat features, including bird identification by sight and sound.
· Experience with ecological field investigations, breeding bird and nest surveys, vegetation inventories, soil assessments, wildlife habitat surveys, Species at Risk assessments, and restoration or plant management work.
· Knowledge of horticulture, landscaping, habitat restoration, environmental monitoring, research methods, and ecological principles relevant to restoration, conservation, and land-use planning.
· Able to operate, set up, and maintain specialized field equipment for surveys, monitoring, and investigations.
· Comfortable working independently in remote settings, varied weather, and physically demanding field conditions.
Survey Protocol Experience
Preferred experience applying or supporting recognized Ontario ecological survey protocols and guidance, including:
· OWES, ELC for Southern Ontario, and related vegetation and wetland assessment methods.
· Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, Marsh Monitoring Program, breeding bird, nest survey, and bird-identification protocols.
· Species at Risk, reptiles, amphibian, bat, wildlife habitat, and habitat assessment guidelines, including Significant Wildlife Habitat identification.
Regulatory Knowledge
Working knowledge of:
· Species Conservation Act and Species at Risk Act requirements.
· Migratory Birds Convention Act, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, and Fisheries Act requirements.
· Provincial Planning Statement (PPS), Natural Heritage Reference Manual, and Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide.
· Municipal and regional Official Plans and related natural heritage policies.
Professional Attributes
· Strong written, verbal, technical writing, and analytical skills.
· Highly organized, meticulous, ethical, and committed to producing high-quality work.
· Able to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
· Able to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a consulting environment.
Additional Requirements
· Valid Ontario driver’s license and reliable transportation.
· Willingness to travel throughout Ontario for fieldwork and project assignments.
· Flexibility to work early mornings, extended hours, and occasional weekends during peak field seasons.
What We Offer
· Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
· Flexible part-time or subcontractor arrangement.
· A balanced mix of field and office-based project work.
· Professional development, mentorship, and collaboration in a supportive environment.
· Opportunities to contribute to meaningful conservation and environmental planning work.
Pay: $50,000.00-$100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rosemont, ON
