Environmental Science / Ecology

Junior Ecologist

at Sumac Environmental Consulting

📍 Location Thornton, ON
📋 Details Full-time · 6 months contract · $22.00-$26.00/hr · Fixed-term contract
📅 Posted

About the Role

Assist field surveys, manage ecological data and reports

About Sumac Environmental Consulting

Field-focused environmental consulting with mentorship and growth

Full Description

About Us

We are a collaborative, field‑focused environmental consulting team dedicated to delivering high‑quality ecological assessments, monitoring programs, and restoration projects. Our work supports municipalities, conservation authorities, and private-sector clients in making informed, responsible decisions about natural heritage features and environmental stewardship.

We are seeking a Junior Ecologist who is eager to learn, detail‑oriented, and excited to support both field operations and ecological data management. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career who wants to build a strong foundation in applied ecology.

Position Overview

The Junior Ecologist plays a key supporting role in our project workflows. You will assist with ecological fieldwork, contribute to data collection and management, and help ensure our reporting and project documentation are accurate, organized, and ready for senior review. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on work, values precision, and wants to grow into more advanced ecological responsibilities over time.

Key Responsibilities

Field Support & Ecological Assistance

  • Assist senior staff during ecological field surveys, including vegetation inventories, wildlife observations, and habitat assessments.

  • Provide “spare‑hand” support during field days—carrying equipment, recording observations, navigating to sampling locations, and ensuring field tasks run smoothly.

  • Help maintain field equipment, supplies, and data collection tools.

Data Management & Documentation

  • Enter, organize, and quality‑check ecological data collected during field programs.

  • Maintain digital records, spatial files, and project logs to support efficient reporting and analysis.

  • Assist with preparing figures, tables, and appendices for technical reports.

  • Support GIS workflows by organizing field data and contributing to basic mapping tasks (training provided).

Project Coordination

  • Contribute to project organization by tracking deliverables and supporting communication between team members.

  • Participate in internal meetings to review field plans, safety considerations, and project requirements.

Qualifications

  • Diploma or degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

  • Strong attention to detail and comfort working with structured data.

  • Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions.

  • Ability to follow established protocols and ask questions when clarification is needed.

  • Basic familiarity with Excel, Word, or other data tools; GIS experience is an asset but not required.

  • Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are preferred.

What We Offer

  • Mentorship from experienced ecologists and project managers.

  • Hands‑on exposure to ecological field methods and environmental consulting workflows.

  • Opportunities for training in GIS, species identification, and technical reporting.

  • A supportive team environment that values learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: $22.00-$26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 36 – 40 per week

Work Location: In person

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