Ecological conservation and stewardship

Position: Watershed Ecologist - Planning & Development
Organization: Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
Location: Thorold, Niagara Region, Ontario

Full Time Permanent - Union
Existing Vacancy

As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.

NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.

NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.

The Opportunity

The Watershed Ecologist leads the coordination, promotion, and delivery of the NPCA’s ecological and long-term terrestrial monitoring programs across NPCA-owned lands, as well as municipal and private lands where opportunities exist. This role plays a key part in assessing watershed conditions, identifying environmental trends, and supporting informed decision-making. The Watershed Ecologist’s responsibilities include conducting ecological inventories to assess species composition and distribution, managing and analyzing ecological data, and preparing clear, concise reports and presentations. The Watershed Ecologist also provides expert guidance and support to a range of watershed-based programs and services, contributing to integrated ecological monitoring, research, and reporting initiatives, including aquatic monitoring.
.
Key Responsibilities Include:

• Support the development and implementation of the NPCA’s long-term terrestrial monitoring program, including forests, wetland, wildlife, and watershed components
• Conduct field data collection and maintain long-term monitoring plots using established scientific protocols to ensure high-quality, standardized data
• Prepare technical reports and watershed monitoring summaries to support internal programs and reporting needs
• Maintain and share the organization’s ecological information by keeping data organized, analyzing it as needed, and making sure staff, partners, and the public can access it when required
• Conduct ecological research and field assessments to support watershed planning and management, provide analysis and recommendations to address information gaps and track ecological changes over time
• Serve as a key resource on terrestrial monitoring by providing data, guidance and expertise to staff, partners, and stakeholders, including support for permits, reporting needs and information requests.

What you Bring

• Degree from a recognized University in environmental studies, biology, geography, ecology, physical sciences or related field
• 3 + years of experience delivering terrestrial monitoring, ecological research and data support services within environmental or watershed programs
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in field assessment protocols
• Applied knowledge of flora and fauna identification and with species at risk
• Experience with mapping software an asset
• Valid G class Driver’s License
• Ecological Land Classification Certification considered an asset

What We Offer You

• An hourly salary starting at $46.61 ranging to $56.84/hour (35 hours/week)
• Comprehensive benefits including health and dental and access to the Employee Assistance Program
• A Health Care Spending Account, allowing you to use your benefits where you need them.
• Enrollment in the OMERS pension plan
• Free access to all the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Areas
• A hybrid remote work opportunity
• An opportunity to make a difference as part of a highly engaged and passionate team of professionals.

Home Base Location: NPCA Main Office – 3350 Merrittville Highway, Thorold with travel within the watershed

Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 4pm

Please apply through the website at: 
https://npca.ca/about/careers 

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

The NPCA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. We do not condone or tolerate discrimination on the basis of citizenship, race, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, ancestry, disability, age, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, or record of offence. Our hiring policies help ensure a consistent, diverse and objective hiring process that is non-discriminatory in nature, and compliant with the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health & Safety, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act as well as any other related legislation ensuring equal employment opportunities.
 

We can provide accommodation for a disability in all employment activities, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation, please contact recruitment@npca.ca