Junior Vegetation and Wetland Ecologist

About Us

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.

“For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.

When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.

Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life

As a Vegetation and Wetland Ecologist, you will join our Western Terrestrial Services Team in Medicine Hat, Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta. The successful applicant will be a mix of field and office-based work.

This is a permanent position with a range of $25.00 to $39.00 per hour, starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location. We are also committed to flexible work hours and schedules, team-based work, and cross-training opportunities.

To thrive in this role, you’ll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:

Complete tasks, including but not limited to field preparation, safety documentation, execution of field work, and data management

Coordinate and execute vegetation and wetland surveys, including ecological land classification, rare plant surveys, weed surveys, wetland assessments and native grassland assessments

Mentor and develop junior staff members

Function effectively within and contribute to the success of a collaborative, highly integrated team

Proactively engage and participate in development opportunities to support your career growth

Prepare technical reports, supporting environmental assessments, regulatory applications, and conservation planning

Working cooperatively with technical, health and safety, GIS, and administrative colleagues to successfully deliver our products

Travel, often to remote locations, will be required to carry out field programs

Your Expertise and Skills

These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.

A degree or technical diploma in environmental science, ecology, biology or other related fields

A minimum of three (3) years previous environmental consulting experience including three (3) years direct vegetation and wetland experience

Registration in a professional organization (e.g. P.Biol. (Alberta) or R.P.Bio. (BC) or professional agrologist (P.Ag.))

Experience working in different ecosystems including native grasslands and the boreal forest

Experience conducting wetland assessment and regulatory reporting in Alberta in accordance with the Alberta Wetland Policy, including submission of regulatory applications (e.g., WAIFs and WAIRs)

Experience with rare plant surveys and mitigation, ecological land classification, habitat quality assessments and invasive species/weed monitoring and management

Experience working in different ecosystems in western Canada, including native grasslands and boreal forest

Strong knowledge of Alberta’s native flora, plant identification, and ecological classification systems.

Self-motivated, possess strong communication skills (verbal and written), and strong leadership skills

Cares about their safety and the safety of others and works easily in a team

Proficient with computers and software, especially Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook (at least an intermediate level of proficiency)

Ability to be productive while working independently as well as in a team setting

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an affinity for working respectfully with colleagues and clients at all levels

Has energy and desire to support others and respond to the changing needs of a dynamic environment

Physical capacity for strenuous fieldwork, including walking long distances through rough terrain

Comfortable using advanced GPS units or tablets

Experience with off-highway vehicles (i.e., ARGO, UTV) and trailer towing

Valid Class 5 Driver’s License, with no restrictions, able to travel throughout the provinces and work weekends when necessary

Experience writing technical reports

Willingness to provide direction and mentorship to more junior professionals

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what’s typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.

Sitting, standing, and walking

Lifting 50 pounds several times a day

Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds

Work outdoors and may be exposed to hot and cold environments and extreme weather conditions, including sunlit, rainy and windy conditions

As a note, we are not accepting third party agency applicants at this time.

Onterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress. For more information, visit www.onterris.com .