Overview
What is the role?
LEA is seeking a Planning Ecologist to join our Environmental Team. Successful applicants must be motivated, able to work independently and have excellent organizational and communication skills. Applicants must also have a university degree in biology/ecology/environmental sciences or a related field and a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience. In this role, you would assist in delivering a broad range of statutory environmental planning functions and services. Tasks would include managing the consultation process and preparation of planning reports for municipal and provincial Environmental Assessment (EA) assignments. You would also assist in performing baseline ecological surveys to inventory botanical species and wildlife, characterize vegetation communities, assess the potential for Significant Wildlife Habitat, complete specialized surveys for Species at Risk and evaluate fish habitat and fish communities. You would also assist in the preparation of technical ecological baseline, impact assessment and mitigation planning reports. The applicant will be required to work with minimal supervision and travel to various project sites across Ontario.
Why join LEA?
LEA is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm, with a history of 70 years. We provide engineering consulting services in the areas of Transportation, Civil, Structures, Construction Administration, Electrical and Infrastructure Systems, and Environmental Management.
LEA’s Environmental Team was formed in 2019 and has grown steadily since its inception. Growth to date reflects our increase in the market share and the growing number of environmental professionals. Service offerings focus on Environmental Management during design and construction, environmental planning, ecology/biology and compliance oversight monitoring.
At LEA, we strive towards a common goal, which is self-realization and achieving the highest possible results. The company is fully owned by its employees and everyone’s collective efforts directly contribute to the firm’s longstanding success.
We’re confident that by Joining LEA, you can discover and realize your full career potential because LEA:
· Has been recognized as a Greater Toronto Top Employer and Canada’s Top Employer for Young People for 2025, highlighting our commitment to fostering an outstanding workplace culture and supporting the next generation of professionals.
· Recruits high-performing, motivated individuals who strive to achieve the highest level of technical excellence and quality.
· Is an Employee-owned company and almost half of our employees are shareholders.
· Offers a competitive total compensation package of salary, substantial bonuses, benefits and other perks.
· Is continuously involved in many exciting and challenging projects throughout Ontario and around the world.
· Allows for a collaborative hybrid work environment with flexible hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
· Cultivates team camaraderie and collaboration, offering a variety of social events aimed at fostering relationships across the company including sports leagues, game nights, special events, and volunteer/charitable opportunities.
· Is an organization that is committed to achieving our Environmental, Social & Governance objectives through our various committees.
· Prioritizes mentorship, training, and rotational assignments for knowledge advancement and career growth.
· Has an entrepreneurial spirit as an employee-owned company, with continuous growth and expansion taking part in meaningful projects.
In this role, your duties and responsibilities will include:
· Assist in the execution of EA studies, including consultation engagement and preparation of EA process reports;
· Correspond with the public, stakeholders and regulatory agencies as required during the project planning phase through to construction;
· Assist in the preparation of technical reports/documents as required to support the project, specifically to ensure compliance with EA process requirements and to facilitate the obtainment of permits/approvals;
· Assist in the preparation of regulatory permit/approval application submissions;
· Conduct terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem studies to support a variety of projects and EA studies;
· Manage and organize the collection, recording, and digital filing of field data consistent with LEA Quality Control requirements;
· Assist in analyzing project designs to determine and quantify potential indirect and direct impacts;
· Assist with design planning by providing recommendations to avoid and/or minimize impacts on identified constraints and sensitivities;
· Assist in the development of mitigation measures and strategies and construction best management practices to minimize impacts;
· Assist in the preparation of project-related restoration, enhancement and/or compensation designs;
· Liaise as required with other technical team staff and/or sub-consultants;
· Assist with other environmental field surveys as required; and,
· Perform other assigned environmental and Contract Administration construction inspection duties as required from time to time.
· An expected workload allocation for the applicant would be: 40% EA Planning, 30% Terrestrial Ecosystems and 30% Other.
· Continuously grow professional skills and knowledge through training sessions, seminars, workshops, and involvement in professional associations to stay updated on the latest trends, software, and technology.
· Managing other related assignments within the scope of the practice area.
The qualifications you need:
· University degree in biology/ecology/environmental sciences or related studies with a minimum of 2-3 years of experience conducting EA and/or terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem studies;
· Knowledge of: Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Environmental Assessment Act (Ontario), Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, and other relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation;
· Field inventory skills related to the completion of surveys of vascular plants (trees, shrubs, forbs, and graminoids) and vegetation communities, including rare species and Species at Risk;
· Ability to identify birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals is an asset;
· Applied knowledge of the Ontario Ecological Land Classification System and the Ontario Wetlands Evaluation System is an asset;
· Knowledge of ISA® arboricultural inventory and assessment protocols as well as protection planning and permit support is considered an asset;
· Experience conducting avian surveys is an asset;
· Experience completing environmental compliance inspections on construction sites is an asset;
The work arrangement:
This role is remote with requirements to travel across Ontario for fieldwork. A valid Canadian driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required. Mileage will be reimbursed in accordance with CRA guidelines.
LEA’s Commitment to Inclusive Hiring and Equal Opportunity:
LEA Consulting Ltd. is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer, with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) embedded in all strategic planning and operational activities. As part of our commitment to fair representation and equitable access to opportunities, we actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, newcomers, persons with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, refugees, veterans, and women.
We evaluate all qualified candidates based on their skills and experiences, without regard to factors such as age, colour, conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted, disability, family status, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, marital/family status, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible work environment for all individuals, including candidates applying for positions within the organization. For information, assistance or accommodation requests, please contact HR@LEA.CA. We remain committed to ensuring that accommodation is available after hiring.
We thank all applicants, and we appreciate your interest, however, only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. Consider applying again once you see an opportunity that matches your experience and career interests. We encourage you to keep in touch and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
