Sr. Ecologist Terrestrial Conservation Prog

Join Our Team at Royal Botanical Gardens!

Located at the head of Lake Ontario, spanning the vibrant municipalities of Burlington and Hamilton, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is Canada’s largest botanical garden and one of the nation’s most cherished nature sanctuaries. As a hub for stunning landscapes, inspiring events, and meaningful connections with nature, we take pride in providing an exceptional experience for our guests and staff.

We are looking for a Senior Terrestrial Ecologist who is passionate about ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and natural lands management. If you are an experienced ecologist with expertise in habitat monitoring, invasive species control, and conservation planning, we’d love to hear from you!

This is a full-time position.

What You'll Do

• Lead habitat restoration and ecological monitoring across RBG’s diverse terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, meadows, prairies, and escarpments.
• Develop and implement strategies for invasive species control and ecosystem management in urban and sensitive natural areas.
• Support and contribute to RBG’s Tree Risk Management Program by assessing potential hazards and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure public safety and ecological health.
• Coordinate ecological projects, working with biotechnicians, contractors, and volunteers on tasks such as tree planting, controlled burns, and invasive plant management.
• Maintain and update Geographic Information System (GIS) records for monitoring biodiversity, habitat conditions, and restoration progress.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on ecosystem health, restoration efforts, and conservation achievements to funders, stakeholders, and the public.
• Mentor and train students, interns, and volunteers, fostering hands-on ecological learning and professional development.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders and conservation organizations to align stewardship initiatives with broader environmental objectives.
• Support funding efforts through detailed project reporting and grant applications.

What You Bring

• Strong knowledge of Southern Ontario terrestrial ecosystems, including native and invasive species, habitat management, and conservation strategies.
• Experience with ecosystem monitoring programs such as Ecological Land Classification (ELC) and the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.
• Proven ability to lead and manage conservation projects, including planning, execution, budgeting, and reporting.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for ecological mapping and analysis.
• Experience in tree risk assessment and mitigation strategies to balance conservation with public safety.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical information effectively to various audiences.
• Leadership experience in supervising and training staff, students, and volunteers in conservation work.
• Strong analytical and data management skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access).

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Be part of a team committed to ecological restoration and conservation excellence.
• Work in one of Canada’s most beautiful and ecologically significant landscapes.
• Engage in diverse and impactful projects that directly contribute to environmental sustainability.
• Enjoy a collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including leadership development and specialized training in conservation techniques.

Additional Information

• Work Conditions: Combination of office-based work and outdoor fieldwork in various weather conditions. Some physically demanding tasks are required (e.g., hiking on uneven terrain, lifting invasive plants, conducting tree risk assessments).
• Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week, with flexibility for early mornings, evenings, weekends, and seasonal environmental activities.
• Location: Position based in Burlington/Hamilton, with travel across RBG’s natural areas and restoration sites.

Ready to Join Us?

Apply now at www.rbg.ca/careers by March 2, 2025 .

Please submit your cover letter and resume as a single PDF file using the following naming convention: First Name Last Name - Senior Terrestrial Ecologist (e.g., Jane Smith - Senior Terrestrial Ecologist.pdf).

At RBG, we celebrate diversity, innovation, and integrity. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fairness, accessibility, and diversity in employment. Accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act upon request.

We utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance our recruitment process, ensuring efficiency and fairness. AI helps us review applications consistently, match skills to job requirements, and streamline communication. However, all hiring decisions remain under human oversight to uphold our commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. If you have any questions about AI in our hiring process, please contact hr@rbg.ca.

Join us and help make RBG a beautiful, welcoming place for all!