Position Details:
Current Rate of Pay: Min = $53.15/hr, Max = $61.62/hr
Employment type: Permanent Full-Time
Hours of work: 35 hrs/week
Work location: Head Office
Division: Policy Planning
Business unit: Planning Ecology
Travel: 0%
Existing Vacancy: Yes
About TRCA:
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. Also, TRCA was recently recognized as a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2026 and a Canada’s Greenest Employer for 2026.
To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon. Please submit your resume and cover letter in one file (PDF or Word) and upload using only the ‘Resume’ feature within the application prior to 11:59 pm on September 9, 2026.
How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:
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 level and occasionally advanced level technical reviews and advice on applications to ensure TRCA policy, regulations and technical recommendations and requirements are addressed through the planning and permitting process. This position represents TRCA with all levels of government, agencies and private industry, collaborating with clients in support of organizational goals and business needs.
Major 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
- Incumbents may also be assigned other duties
What will you need to succeed:
Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)
- University degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences or related field
- Valid Ontario Class G2 driver’s license
Experience
- 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
Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies
- 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
What TRCA has to offer you:
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.
- Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
- Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP).
- Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program.
- Provides unique TRCA Perks.
- 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.
- Offers potential for career growth and advancement.
While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.
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.
Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection, and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Manager of Records and Information, 5 Shoreham Drive, Toronto, ON, M3N 1S4, (437) 880 2308.
