Natural Heritage Specialist

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.

• Leads natural heritage and environmental planning studies, strategies, and projects.
• 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). Acts as a liaison between internal and external groups related to natural heritage issues (e.g.: Conservation Authorities, Ministry of Environment, Conservation & Parks, Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, etc.)
• 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, wildlife survey protocols, environmental impact assessment, habitat restoration, and mitigating measures for the protection and conservation of natural areas.
• Works with, analyses and assesses a range of biological inventory and monitoring data (e.g. Ecological Land Classification, species surveys, breeding bird monitoring, amphibian monitoring tree inventories, tree inventories, etc.) to help inform plan input, review and development functions.
• 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. When necessary, serves as an expert witness on appeals through the Ontario Land Tribunal.
• Where necessary, reviews and provides technical 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.)

• Post-secondary degree (master’s degree would be an asset) in ecology, biology, forestry, planning, environmental science, or related discipline;
• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in natural heritage or environmental planning;
• Be eligible to become a Registered Professional Planner with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute;
• Training or ability to become certified within one year in Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario, and/or Ontario Wetland Evaluation System;
• The following would be considered an asset:
  • Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner with the Society of Ecological Restoration
  • Certification as a Certified Arborist with International Society of Arboriculture
  • Municipal law enforcement officer/Provincial Offenses Officer
• Demonstrated working knowledge and experience with various software applications (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, Infor or comparable work management systems);
• Demonstrated working knowledge of current legislation and policies relating to urban forestry (i.e. Municipal Act, Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Conservation Authorities Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.);
• Demonstrated working knowledge with established monitoring and inventory protocols for flora and fauna, e.g.: Ontario Breeding Bird monitoring, Marsh Monitoring Protocol for amphibian breeding, etc.;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills;
• Strong strategic and analytical capabilities, and proven political acumen;
• Ability to work in outdoor environment, inclement weather conditions and diverse terrain;
• Valid class ‘G” Ontario driver’s license with access to a vehicle is required;
• May be required to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.