Wildlife Biologist

Western EcoSystems Technology, ULC (WEST) provides ecological and biostatistical consulting services and contract research for industry, government, and private organizations. WEST combines ecology and statistics to address and solve natural resource and environmental challenges. Building on a science-based approach and foundational core principles, WEST has quickly grown to be one of the most respected and successful environmental and statistical consulting firms in North America, with offices across the US and in Canada.

WEST is driven by its principles and core values – providing scientifically defensible solutions, technical expertise, quality client service, satisfying careers, collaborative team approach, respectful atmosphere, and continual improvement. For over three decades, our employees have exemplified these principles and helped shape the foundation of what we do, who we are, and what we believe in. WEST employees are both collaborative and independent thinkers and doers that help develop solutions to natural resource and environmental problems, and those solutions have a real impact in the world around us. We invite you to be part of the solution.

Number of positions available: 2

Location: Ontario

Tentative Start Date: Q2/Q3 2026

Job Type: Temporary - Full-Time

Pay Rate: $25-$30/hour, based on experience

Benefits: WEST Benefits

Job Opportunity:WEST is seeking an energetic and experienced Wildlife Biologist to join our team. The successful candidate will work remotely and travel to project sites throughout Ontario, as needed. Office and field work will be undertaken in support of wildlife studies, assessments, and plans for a variety of private and public sector projects involving renewable energy, land development, infrastructure, mining, forestry, and nature conservation.

Role and responsibilities include:

• Standardized bird migration, breeding bird, nesting bird, and other avian use surveys;
• Amphibian, reptile, and mammal surveys;
• Wildlife camera and bat acoustic detector setup and maintenance;
• Identification and mapping of significant wildlife habitats;
• Species at risk desktop reviews and targeted surveys;
• Background natural heritage information searches;
• Field data QAQC, processing, and demobilization;
• Field data assessments, compilations, and preparing natural heritage mapping;
• Coordination of field studies following standard survey protocols
• Support reporting as needed: compiling tables and figures, report writing.

This is a general description of requirements for this position and may not be inclusive of all duties.

Minimum Requirements:

• Legally allowed to work in Canada (i.e., Canadian citizen, Canadian permanent resident, or have an existing VISA with no work restrictions) Please note: US citizens require a Canadian work visa to work in Canada;
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in environmental science, ecology, biology, zoology, or other related discipline from a recognized University or College;
• At least 1 year related work experience (ideally ecological consulting);
• Experience conducting wildlife surveys and field identification;
• Proven ability to identify >75% of bird species in eastern Canada by sight and sound;
• Comfortable working remotely, independently, and within a team environment;
• High level of initiative and ability to think critically to solve challenging problems;
• Demonstrates effective communication, organizational, and time management skills;
• Strong technical report writing, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills;
• Works well under time constraints and meet deliverable targets and deadlines;
• Ability to follow protocols and instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive assessment;
• Willingness to perform physically demanding work in various weather conditions;
• Skilled in use of MS Office software applications (Word, Excel, etc.); and
• Valid Class G driver's licence

Desired Skills:

• Experience using hand-held GPS and tablet data collection systems;

• Certification, training, or experience in established field survey protocols used in Ontario (e.g., OBBA, MMP, OBBN, ELC);
• Familiarity with the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (and Criteria Ecoregion Schedules) and Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario;
• Knowledge of federal and provincial legislation, policies, and guidelines (e.g., SARA, ESA, NHRM, etc.); and,
• Related volunteer work, hobbies, activities, or professional memberships

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, family status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law. 

To apply: Please visit the careers page at https://west-inc.com/careers/ and select the appropriate job you wish to apply for and follow the application instructions provided.