DescriptionWe are a global leader in the Earth and Environment sector. Globally headquartered in Montreal, where it all began, we proudly serve communities from coast to coast and beyond. We have over 14,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change.
As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources, expertise, and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from marine biologists to geophysicists to geotechnical engineers and more.
The Opportunity:
WSP is currently seeking an Intermediate Biologist to join our growing Earth & Environment business in Dartmouth. You will join our Natural Science team and will be integral in providing office and field-based support for our ongoing environmental projects, ranging from stand-alone environmental permitting applications (e.g., watercourse and wetland alterations) to Environmental Assessments for more complex multi-disciplinary projects. Experience with avian field programs is considered a strong asset.
The position involves working in a close-knit team of dedicated professionals and encompasses both field and office-based duties; these will include planning and leading field-based ecological surveys, managing small-scale projects and authoring technical reports.
The position is to be staffed in Dartmouth, with work locations throughout Nova Scotia and other Atlantic provinces.
ResponsibilitiesA day in the life:
• As an Intermediate Biologist/Scientist you will manage small- to medium-size environmental permitting and monitoring projects, including communications with clients and regulators, from inception to completion;
• Assist experienced project managers/leads in the management of more complex environmental impact assessments, permitting and monitoring programs;
• Assist with the design and implementation of project workplans with a focus on avian and terrestrial habitats, including aquatics and wetlands;
• Independently lead avian field programs, as well as support aquatic and terrestrial fieldwork programs across the Atlantic region, involving the completion of environmental baseline surveys and/or assessments, for example:
• Avian surveys
• Fish and fish habitat surveys
• Wetland surveys
• Species at Risk (SAR) surveys
• Water and sediment sampling and in situ monitoring
• Benthic invertebrate and fish sampling
• Terrestrial wildlife and habitat surveys
• Botanical inventories
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret ecological data and prepare high quality technical reports, permitting applications, environmental impact assessments and other associated documents;
• Support and provide technical advice to other WSP disciplines (e.g. Infrastructure, Transport and Planning) on ecology-related, project-specific tasks;
• Participate in, and comply with, company Health and Safety policies and programs;
QualificationsWhat you’ll bring to WSP:
• A university degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology or a related discipline with at least three to five (3-5) years relevant experience conducting ecological studies encompassing avian, wetlands, wildlife, and/or aquatic sciences;
• Experience in undertaking ecological field assessments and data collection, including use of digital apps (e.g. Survey 123, Collector) to collect ecological data in the field;
• Excellent communication and written skills with a demonstrated ability to write detailed technical reports and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues;
• A strong understanding of provincial, and regional legislation and policies related to aquatic and terrestrial environments, including permitting procedures;
• Specialist ecological knowledge, including species identification (e.g., birds, bats, lichens, plants, fish).
• Strong awareness of health and safety issues, a safety-conscious attitude, and excellent team-working and communication skills.
• Must possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license with no restrictions and access to a reliable vehicle, with appropriate registration and insurance.
• Experience using off-road vehicles (AWDs, ATVs etc.) and boat-handling experience.
• Willingness to travel, including to remote locations and outside standard office hours, including overnight stays.
• You want to experience what it’s like to work for the leading environmental consulting firm globally and be part of a growing and thriving team!
