Job Opportunity

Position: Natural Heritage Specialist
Organization: City of Mississauga
Location: Mississauga, Ontario

• Req ID: 26348
• Vacancy Type: Permanent
• Number of Positions: 1
• Closing Date: 04/04/2025

Job Summary

Guided by our vision that together we will protect, enhance, restore, expand and connect Mississauga’s Natural Heritage System and Urban Forest to sustain a healthy community for present and future generations, the Forestry Section is a progressive and interdisciplinary team of professionals and experts that plans, sustains, and manages Mississauga’s trees, forests, and natural areas in an effective, efficient and equitable manner.

The successful candidate will provide leadership, strategic advice, and technical expertise on natural heritage matters. This includes the review of land-use planning and development applications, the management of technical studies, projects, and initiatives, and the development of guidelines and policies relating to natural heritage.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews and comments on the development applications (including Official Plan, Zoning By-law amendments, plans of subdivision, site plans, Committee of Adjustment submissions) for natural heritage impacts and conformity with applicable legislation, regulations, and policies.
• Reviews and comments on a variety of permit applications (including PUCC (Public Utility Coordinating Committee), ROP (Road Occupancy Permit), Parks Access Agreements, and Public and Private Tree Bylaw applications), Encroachment Bylaw, Parks Bylaw, for natural heritage impacts and conformity with applicable legislation, regulations, and policies.
• Reviews and comments on capital infrastructure projects (City of Mississauga, Region of Peel, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Alectra) from the conceptual design, environmental assessment, detailed design, to tendering phases for natural heritage impacts and conformity with applicable legislation, regulations, and policies. (e.g. Park developments, park improvements, roadway rehabilitation, major road improvements, bridge and culvert renewal, cycling infrastructure and sidewalk improvements, environmental site management, watercourse improvements, storm sewer and drainage improvements etc.).
• Leads natural heritage and environmental planning studies, strategies, and projects, such as the Natural Heritage and Urban Forest Strategy, updates to Schedule 3 – Natural System of the Mississauga Official Plan.
• Represents the Forestry Section/Parks, Forestry & Environment Division/Community Services Department and advances the promotion and protection of natural heritage in the development of corporate long-range planning and policies (i.e. Official Plan Review, Future Directions: Parks, Forestry, and Environment Master Plan).
• Provides technical expertise, advice, and guidance within and across City divisions and departments on natural heritage and environmental planning matters. Including the Planning Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Endangered Species Act, Species at Risk Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Ecological Land Classification, wildlife survey protocols, environmental impact assessment, habitat restoration, and mitigating measures for the protection and conservation of natural areas. (e.g. serves as an expert witness on appeals through the Ontario Land Tribunal).
• Conducts a range of biological field investigations and monitoring in accordance with established protocols (e.g. Species at Risk surveys, Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System).

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree (Master’s degree would be an asset) in ecology, biology, forestry, planning, environmental science, geography, or related discipline.
• 5-7 years’ experience in natural heritage or environmental planning.
• Be eligible for full membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, or the Ontario Professional Foresters Association, or as a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner with the Society of Ecological Restoration, or as a Professional Biologist with either the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists or College of Applied Biologists in British Columbia.
• Certification in Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System.

Hourly Rate/Salary: $ 89,464.00 - $ 119,286.00
Hours of Work: 40
Work Location: 950 Burnhamthorpe Rd W
Department/Division/Section: CMS/Community Services Dept , CMS/Parks, Forestry & Environment , Forestry
Non-Union/Union: Non Union

APPLY

Apply here: https://jobs.mississauga.ca/job/Mississauga-Natural-Heritage-Specialist-ON/590715017/

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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The City of Mississauga is committed to creating a respectful and supportive workplace that fosters a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion which broadly reflects the communities and residents we serve. Throughout the employee life cycle, the City is working to include an EDI lens to attract, retain and support the growth of diverse talent.

Learn more about the City’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Accommodations
The City of Mississauga is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to removing barriers in our selection process for people with visible and invisible disabilities. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the City of Mississauga will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.