THE ORGANIZATION
Our client, Solstice Environmental Management, is a Western Canadian based environmental consulting company specializing in site assessment & remediation/reclamation, liability assessments such as SSLA, biophysical & regulatory, GIS & mapping, safety management and project management.

Solstice provides customized environmental management services to a variety of First Nations, commercial, oil/gas and municipal development clients. With a focus on responsible land use management and understanding the value of local indigenous ecological expertise, they work to braid traditional knowledge and western science through collaboration to help their clients understand, manage, and reduce environmental impacts.

The Solstice team includes experts in soils, forestry, wildlife, hydrology, wetland and vegetation ecology, GIS (Geographic Information System) analysis, remote-sensing, conservation and reclamation planning, and environmental policy. You will be joining a company of innovators and change-makers to help deliver services and products, prioritizing efficiency, quality, and safety.

Their goal is to leave behind a positive legacy that goes beyond the immediate projects they complete to empower their clients with sustainable solutions.

For further information on Solstice Environmental Management, please visit their website at www.solsticecanada.com

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Senior Ecologist will report to the General Manager and will work as the Ecological Services Team Lead to lead, manage, and support environmental assessment and monitoring projects in the urban development, oil and gas, and natural resource management sectors. Duties will include proposal preparation and project management, mentorship of junior staff in field assessment, regulatory approvals advice and environmental assessment processes, and client relationship development.

The successful candidate will have an excellent understanding of environmental legislation applicable to their key industry sectors, including the regulatory and permitting processes at all levels of government (municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal) and will have experience navigating projects through various provincial permitting and approval processes including but not limited to the Alberta Water Act and Public Lands Act.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage performance and resourcing related to Ecological Services Team staff, client management and/or project delivery
• Ensure projects are delivered on-time, on-budget, with appropriate staffing and appropriate quality standard for assigned projects (whether conducted by self or by other team members)
• Develop and/or conduct biophysical assessments with a focus on vegetation, wetlands, and/or soils.
• Conduct reviews, and analysis to support environmental assessments and inform risk identification to develop mitigation strategies.
• Prepare reports related to siting evaluation, environmental planning/permitting, and/or environmental reviews.
• Develop wetland and habitat restoration plans, including design, monitoring programs, and performance metrics to satisfy regulatory requirements and develop high functioning ecological systems.
• Develop environmental protection/mitigation plans which satisfy regulatory requirements, protect biophysical features and meet clients’ goals.
• Prepare proposals including scopes of work, budget estimates and formal RFP submissions.
• Work closely with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and technical experts in biology and environmental science.
• Contribute to ongoing project management best practice implementation.
• Stay current on technical and sector-based trends and legislation at the municipal, provincial, territorial, and national level.
• Lead and mentor a team of Intermediate and Junior Ecologists.
• Other duties as assigned.

FIRST YEAR – MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Facilitate streamlining of processes and systems whereby the team is engaged and striving towards key performance metrics and organizational goals.
• Gain a solid understanding of biophysical programs and regulations, assigning team members to appropriate tasks to alleviate any backlog.
• Build solid, trusting, respectful relationships with the team, colleagues, leadership, and stakeholders.

THE INDIVIDUAL
Given the pivotal role this individual will be expected to play in achieving the strategic objectives of the company and in supporting the success of the organization, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or environmental sciences discipline required
• Master’s degree in biological or environmental sciences discipline an asset
• Authenticating Professional – Alberta Wetland Policy
• Registered Professional Biologist (PBiol (AB) or RPBio (BC))

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years experience in the environmental consulting industry with direct experience in designing and implementing environmental impact assessments and monitoring programs with familiarity of federal and provincial environmental legislation applicable to key industry sectors.
• Direct experience planning and leading various environmental field programs and associated reporting related environmental and biophysical assessments, wetland assessments, and monitoring programs for linear developments, transportation and development projects, and other industries.
• Experience with statistical analysis and sampling design is an asset

Competencies and Knowledge

• Proficient in project management and leading teams with strong organizational skills in establishing priorities, estimating timeframes, and meeting deadlines.
• Ability 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.
• Possess a strong background 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.
• Strong understanding of soils and water quality data collection is an asset.
• Ability to mentor and train junior and intermediate biologists.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills are required to manage multi-disciplinary project teams.
• A strong communicator “who listens to understand” not just to respond and can discuss, explain, and negotiate complex technical matters with clients.
• Ability to “simplify the science” for non-experts to help them understand complex environmental risks and opportunities in an uncomplicated way.
• Self-starter who has strong ability to set goals and achieve those goals; work independently and possesses a willingness to learn.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite of services.
• Fluency in Cree, Dene, Sioux, or Blackfoot considered an asset.

• Ability to travel as required to undertake field work.

Personal Profile

• Confident with unquestioned personal and professional integrity
• Highly accountable
• Has the ability to rally, inspire, and organize others to take action
• Displays ethical leadership
• Respectful of others
• Enjoys seeking solutions
• Positive attitude and energy
• Leads by example
• Strategic and operational performer
• Collaborative
• Highly organized with good time management skills
• Critical thinker with problem solving skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and without supervision
• A positive attitude when faced with adversarial situations, breaking down barriers
• Exhibits sound judgment

COMPENSATION
An excellent compensation package awaits the successful candidate.

LOCATION
Edmonton, Alberta preferred. This position will work under a hybrid model operating 3 days in the office with approximately 30% travel required to the field.

HOW TO APPLY
For the opportunity to join Solstice Environmental Management in the role of Senior Ecologist, please email your resume to DreamBig@profoundtalent.com referencing Position ID # AJQO-760340.

Should you have an inquiry regarding this position, please contact Stacey Laing at 587-200-0114 ext. 104.

For further information on ProFound Talent Inc. please visit: www.profoundtalent.com

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

ProFound Talent is a woman owned and operated business, recognized and certified by Women Business Enterprise (WBE). We pride ourselves in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in our recruitment processes and in our work environment, where every individual feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals to which you may confidentially share your accommodation needs at time of application. We will adjust our processes to ensure you have an inclusive, fair, and respectful experience that allows you to represent yourself in your unique and most authentic way.

* We thank all applicants for your submissions, however only candidates being considered for this role will be contacted. *