Senior Ecologist

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Solstice is seeking a Senior Ecologist to manage, lead and support various ecological projects. Duties will include proposal and budget preparation, project management, leading field assessments, mentorship of junior staff in field assessment, regulatory approvals, advise and environmental assessment processes, and client relationship development. The candidate will be expected to execute field programs acting as a field and safety lead, as required.

The focus of the Ecological Services team is to:

  • Develop, complete and support ecological projects/programs, across various industries in western Canada

  • Provide services including environmental assessments and regulatory approvals, environmental compliance monitoring programs, biodiversity studies, pre-disturbance assessments

  • Provide 3rd party review and support to client and partners

  • Provide senior expertise and support to Solstice’s Assessment and Risk and Strategic Solutions Teams

Experience

Minimum of 10 years experience in the environmental consulting industry, with direct experience in undertaking various environmental field programs related to ecological data collection for linear developments, transportation and development projects, and other industries.

Education

  • B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or other program with an environmental focus.

  • Must be registered and in good standing with as a Professional Biologist (ASPB), Professional Agrologist (AIA) or equivalent with sign-off authority in Alberta. Signing authority as an Authenticating Professional under the provincial Wetland Policy is an asset.

 Position Requirements

The suitable candidate for this position will require a diverse skill set in both the field and office components of environmental consulting. This includes a strong understanding of the consulting industry. More specific position requirements include:

Project Management and Support

  • Project management and leading teams, with strong organizational skills in establishing priorities, estimating timeframes, and meeting deadlines. Must be able to make independent decisions and ensure standards and quality of work are maintained.

  • Possess creative problem-solving skills with a strong ability to assess and resolve problems or challenges as they arise and implement timely solutions.

  • Ability to “simplify the science” for non-experts to help them understand complex environmental risks and opportunities in an uncomplicated way.

  • Identify potential business development opportunities associated with current projects and drive solutions to remove obstacles and barriers

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills are required

  • A strong communicator “who listens to understand,” not just to respond, and can discuss, explain, and consider all aspects of projects with other staff, industry peers and clients

Technical Expertise

  • As a proven leader in environmental assessment, you will bring experience and expertise in the provision of technical and regulatory advice for the completion of ecological projects at both provincial and federal levels.

  • Excellent understanding of environmental legislation applicable to our key industry sectors, including the regulatory and permitting processes at all levels of government (municipal, provincial, territorial and federal). Must have direct and applicable experience in navigating projects through various provincial permitting and approval processes including but not limited to the Alberta Water Act and Public Lands Act.

  • Experience in directing and undertaking a variety of field programs with excellent field skills in general ecological data collection, including vegetation and wildlife inventory skills. Understanding of soils and water quality data collection is an asset. Ability to mentor and train junior and intermediate biologists and ecologists.

  • Ability to travel as required to undertake field work.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills are required to manage multi-disciplinary project teams.

  • Lead and/or work on a multi-disciplinary team to produce high quality environmental reports for a variety of clients and sectors.

  • Demonstrated experience in technical and quality review of reporting and other deliverables.

Additional Requirements

  • Self-starter who has strong ability to set goals and achieve those goals; work independently and possesses a willingness to learn.

  • Field work and travel are important components of the work

  • Knowledge of the oil and gas industry is an asset

  • Proficiency in ArcGIS and statistical analysis is an asset.

  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite of services

Employment Type: Permanent Full-time, combination of office and field work (70:30 split, however varying with season)

Location: Edmonton, Calgary, Alberta (hybrid home/office)