FAQs for Environmental Biology Job Seekers

"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.

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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