"I am a student or new graduate and
have little experience and I'm seeking an entry-level position
in environmental biology. Where do I look?"
Government and private consulting firms are the first source
to look for entry-level positions to gain experience. Joining
local naturalist clubs, the CSEB, and volunteering are good
ways of learning, gaining experience and networking to find
out about job openings.
Conservation
Authorities often have volunteer programs and often hire
students for the summer and have entry-level positions.
Federation of Ontario
Naturalists has a list of local naturalist clubs near
you that offer outings and events that can help you gain field
experience and associate with experienced naturalists and
biologists.
The Canadian Nature Federation
also has volunteer NatureWatch programs to learn valuable
field methods and contribute data about the natural environment,
as does Environment Canada through their Wildlife
Watchers programs which tend to be more advanced surveys.
The JobBoard
of the CCHREI is an easy place to find Ontario jobs in
the consulting field. You can also post your personal profile
as a job seeker. It's best not to wait for the companies to
find you, but to seek out the companies you'd like to work
for. (FAQ)
"I am new to the country and am
seeking Canadian experience and employment in biology in Ontario.
Where do I look?"
As with new biologists coming out of school (see above), field
and work experience is often lacking for new immigrants. Entry-level
positions and volunteering and associating with groups like
the CSEB may be a good way to gain knowledge and experience.
Language barriers can be remedied by ensuring that ESL and
new immigrant opportunities offered in your community are
fully utilized. See Settlement
Ontario at and OCASI
at for more information on English as a Second Language and
job searching for immigrants.
TRCA
has the PAIE program to provide internationally trained
professional planners and geoscientists with training and
volunteer
work in their respective fields with the goal of being
certified by their professional bodies in order to greatly
improve their employability.
Joining a local cultural association may also provide network
opportunities for temporary work while upgrading your
skills
and experience in biology, as well as providing a comfortable
atmosphere to make the transition into a Canadian lifestyle.(FAQ)
"I am an experienced biologist seeking
employment in Ontario. Where do I look?"
The JobBoard of
the CCHREI is the easiest place to find Ontario jobs in the
consulting field. You can also post your personal profile
as a job seeker and search company profiles.
Consulting firms offer a range of opportunities and experience
levels, depending on needs. A wide range of both generalists
and specialists are needed for on-going work. Suggested firms
for biology work in southern Ontario are AMEC Earth and Environmental,
Dougan and Associates, Ecoplans, ESG International, Gartner
Lee, Jacques Whitford, LGL, Niblett Environmental.
Environment Canada's
website has a job page for those seeking federal government
employment related to the biology field.
Provincial jobs can be found through the GoJobs website.
You can narrow your search to different ministries, like
Natural Resources, Environment, or Mines. Check weekly
as the job board changes.
Conservation Authority jobs would have to be sought on an
individual basis through their Human Resources Departments.
To find a Conservation Authority near you (in southern and
central Ontario) see http://www.conservation-ontario.on.ca.
Municipal jobs are rare in the biology field and would have
to be searched individually at your Regional or Municipal
office, often in the Planning Department or Parks and Recreation
Department.
Technology specialists may find help with OCETA.
Those with Environmental Assessment specialization can find
their niche with OAIA and
environmental management association can be found with OSEM.
These organizations do not cater to biology specialization,
whereas CSEB does.(FAQ)
"I am looking to gain qualifications
in my field of expertise. Is there a certification or registered
professional designation that CSEB provides?"
Unfortunately, biologists are not registered professionally
in the province of Ontario. If you have a forestry background,
you can look into become a Registered Professional Forester
(RPF) through OPFA .
If you have or are seeking experience in the planning field
as a biologist, please contact the OPPI at
to inquire about their Registered Professional Planners (RPP)
designation. Environmental Engineers would need to seek
out the P.Eng designation through the OSPE at
in order to work in Ontario.
CSEB is the only professional affiliate group for environmental
biologists in Ontario. Registered Professional Biologists
(RPB) designation is only found in Alberta and British Columbia.
CECAB does provide a peer-reviewed non-professional certification
for junior and senior environmental biologists who wish to
specialize. See CECAB.(FAQ)
"I am looking to upgrade and extend
my skills as an environmental biologist. Where do I look?"
Depending on your current qualifications and expertise, practical
experience is the best way to improve skills as a biologist.
Courses to improve your skill set and obtain specific training
are offered both formally and informally through college
and
university programs, as well as consulting firms and the
government.
Niagara College offers an Ecological
Restoration program, or Earthquest Canada provides professional skill upgrade skills for environmental consultants in GIS, Environmental Assessments (EAs), Ecological Land Classification (ELC) and plant and bird field identification.
The standard Ecological Land Classification system is being
used across the provinces to classify habitat. Courses are
offered biannually through a collaborative one-week program
hosted by combined provincial government and consulting firm
experts. Contact Gartner
Lee, Markham office for more information and course dates
at Environmental Site Assessment (of soil contaminants) courses
are also offered through Gartner Lee.
The standardized evaluation of wetland quality is also performed
through the Ontario Wetland Evaluation Program. Contact your
local District Office of the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources if you wish to get information
on this course.(FAQ)
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