Ecologist

Principal Aquatic Ecologist Location Hybrid work in Toronto, ON M5J 2T3 : :

GFT's Environmental Team in Toronto is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Aquatic Ecologist to join our growing team in Toronto ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Toronto office. Our group offers a diverse base of technical expertise to offer professionals the ability to specialize and advance skills. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing environmental team, apply your environmental skills, and contribute to high profile infrastructure projects. You will interact with clients, regulators, project managers, and colleagues while working on fast paced and challenging environmental projects. This position will offer the right person significant opportunities for professional growth, specialized training, and leadership.

Working on the roadway team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature roadway projects here.

Lead and manage fisheries and aquatic habitat studies (including Species at Risk) in support of various infrastructure projects including transportation, transit, water, municipal infrastructure, and other projects.

Provide senior technical oversight and mentorship to junior and intermediate staff.

Support business development activities, including proposal writing and client relationship building towards building a client portfolio.

Conduct background data reviews and interpretation appropriate databases summarizing aquatic existing conditions, including species at risk data.

Design and perform effective aquatic habitat and aquatic biota surveys to meet applicable regulatory or project specific requirements; record clear and concise field data under varied weather conditions.

Conduct fish and fish habitat assessments using industry best practices and a variety of sampling techniques.

Apply advanced scientific principles, theories, practices and existing technologies when working on technical problems.

Carry out environmental impact assessments by identifying potential effects and developing appropriate mitigation/monitoring measures and strategies.

Prepare high quality technical reports, including writing, coordinating, and analyzing ecological/environmental datasets. This may include environmental impact assessment reports, field reports; Follow quality assurance/quality control procedures to ensure commitment to technical excellence.

Effectively manage and coordinate projects and budgets as a technical lead or project manager.

Ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations and best management practices related to municipal, provincial and federal legislation (e.g., Bachelor's Degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline.

Minimum 15 years of practical experience in environmental consulting.

Demonstrated experience and knowledge of aquatic ecology and fish and fish habitat gained through practical experience.

Experience with a range of fish and aquatic sampling techniques and demonstrated ability to perform studies in aquatic ecology.

Familiarity and working knowledge of various environmental permits and approvals at federal, provincial and municipal levels.

An understanding of transportation, transit and municipal infrastructure construction projects gained through practical experience.

excellent self-management, project management and organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and multi-task.

Previous experience managing a team of technical personnel is considered an asset.

MTO/DFO/MNRF fisheries protocol training.

MTO RAQs certification for Fisheries Assessment or Fisheries Contracts Specialty is considered an asset.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat applications, and file sharing systems (e.g., Sharepoint).

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment

Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance

Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accruals

We are committed to your personal growth and professional development, so we offer:

Access to internal and external training programs

Permanent Residency or Canadian Citizenship required for this position. No relocation assistance will be provided for this position. Local candidates will be given preference.

Employment Status: Full-Time