Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

About the Role

The Planning Ecologist provides extensive knowledge in aquatic and terrestrial natural heritage and ecosystem sciences, and their relationship to natural hazard management. They perform intermediate to advanced level technical reviews and advice on applications to ensure TRCA policy, regulations, and technical recommendations are met. This position represents TRCA with all levels of government, agencies, and private industry, collaborating with clients to support organizational goals.

Responsibilities

Provides intermediate level technical review and advice on applications to ensure TRCA policy, regulations and technical recommendations and requirements are addressed through the planning and permitting process
Reviews and understands complex technical reports and design drawings submitted as part of the planning, permit and environmental assessment process
Provides clear, concise technical advice, in accordance with prescribed delivery standards, to development and environmental assessment planners to ensure compliance with the Authority’s programs, policies and regulation requirements
Provides technical support to Planners during site visits and meetings so that technical guidance provided to proponents and their consultants is in keeping with the Authority's programs, policies and regulations
Identifies regulated features such as watercourses and wetlands and delineate (stake) the limits of regulated features in the field
Works collaboratively with internal staff including planners, hydrogeologists, water resource engineers and geotechnical engineers to ensure coordination of technical comments
Provides mentorship to the Planning Ecologist I’s
Supports enforcement staff by providing ecological input on voluntary restoration sites and other enforcement files
Participates in discussions and meetings with planning, technical and senior staff from across Authority business units regarding TRCA-led projects and local municipal and provincial policy initiatives
Joins committees and/or collaborative groups to foster information and knowledge exchange

Requirements

University degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences or related field
Valid Ontario Class G2 driver’s license
4+ years of experience performing the relevant major responsibilities/duties and tasks associated with the role including the application of erosion and sedment control guidelines/principles, Ecological Land Classification, headwater drainage feature assessments, the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System and the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol
Advanced knowledge and experience of terrestrial and aquatic ecology, the relationship between natural heritage and natural hazards, environmental planning, and impact assessment
Sound knowledge and experience with the Conservation Authorities Act, the Planning Act, the Environmental Assessment Act, the Species Conservation Act, the Fisheries Act
Ability to read and interpret complex construction drawings and supporting reports
Sounds understanding of construction techniques and mitigation measures to prevent environmental damage
Demonstrated ability to proactively identify problems in a timely manner, seeking the appropriate level of support to solve issues and address the needs of both internal and external customers
Ability to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience
Proficiency in various Microsoft 365 applications, Blubeam and GIS viewers
Able to self-manage workload and prioritize tasks independently

Skills

Aquatic and terrestrial natural heritage
Ecosystem sciences
Natural hazard management
Technical reviews
Environmental planning
Impact assessment
Erosion and sediment control
Ecological Land Classification
Headwater drainage feature assessments
Ontario Wetland Evaluation System
Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol
Conservation Authorities Act
Planning Act
Environmental Assessment Act
Species Conservation Act
Fisheries Act
Construction drawings interpretation
Construction techniques
Mitigation measures
Problem identification
Customer service
Technical communication
Microsoft 365 applications
Blubeam
GIS viewers
Workload management
Task prioritization

Location

Head Office

Work Type

Permanent Full-Time
35 hrs/week

Experience Level

Intermediate level
Advanced level
4+ years of experience

Education Level

University degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences or related field

Salary/Compensations

Min = $53.15/hr
Max = $61.62/hr

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP
Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program
Unique TRCA Perks
Potential for career growth and advancement

About the Company

With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.
TRCA is considered the provincial leader in conserving, restoring, and managing natural resources to advance safe and sustainable development.
TRCA was recently recognized as a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2026 and a Canada’s Greenest Employer for 2026.
As part of a progressive team you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment.
Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values by demonstrating the following behaviours; integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare).
You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that makes a positive difference in the communities we serve, fosters high performance and collaborative teams, and provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
Provides flexible work arrangements in accordance with organizational policy and operational requirements, with regular office presence required; however, such arrangements are not guaranteed and are subject to approval.

Equal Opportunity

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA.
We welcome applications from all qualified persons.