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
