Duration: Indeterminate with confirmed funding until March 2026
Type: Full-time at 37.5 hours per week
Location: Hybrid in Ottawa, ON. Remote candidates outside Ottawa can be considered.
Reports to: Senior Spatial Ecologist
Salary range: $74,000 to $83,000.

Who we are:

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada's wildlife is conserved for generations to come. Learn more about our mission by clicking here.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women in non-traditional roles. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please notify HR at any time.

Position Overview:

CWF is seeking to fill the position of Junior Spatial Ecologist! The Ecologist will support national freshwater conservation efforts through the coordination of spatial modelling and data management activities that inform Watershed Connectivity Restoration Plans (WCRPs) across Canada.

Working closely with another Junior Spatial Ecologist and the broader Freshwater team, this role is responsible for providing ecological expertise and coordinating the technical development of provincial-scale FishPass models and related WCRP initiatives. The Junior Spatial Ecologist oversees spatial data processing, ensures quality control, and guides implementation of modelling workflows to enhance our understanding of habitat use, species distributions, and watershed connectivity status and support aquatic barrier prioritization and aquatic connectivity restoration across Canada.

This position also plays a key role in project management, supporting planning, documentation, contractor coordination, and engagement with stakeholders and rightsholders. The Junior Spatial Ecologist co-supervises the Freshwater Spatial Ecology data team, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and contributing to a positive and productive team culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Management:

• Supports WCRP project management activities, including project planning, contract management, and stakeholder and rightsholder engagement.
• Establishes and refines project processes and workflows, ensuring efficiency, quality, and sustainability in WCRP data processing and model development.
• Creates and updates project documentation and training procedures, ensuring methods are clear, precise, and repeatable.
• Co-supervises the daily activities of the data team, providing technical guidance and troubleshooting support to ensure smooth delivery of project deliverables.

Spatial Model Development:

• Oversees data QA/QC and processing to ensure data quality needs are met for input into spatial models.
• Coordinates the development of provincial FishPass models and WCRP-related projects in collaboration with Spatial Analysts and external contractors.
• Applies GIS analysis spatial modelling techniques to analyze data and address questions related to freshwater connectivity and conservation.
• Implements best practices for data management and model development to ensure products are flexible, maintainable, and fixes/updates are tracked over time.
• Engages with external partners (e.g., Indigenous groups, other NGOs, government bodies, GIS specialists, etc.) to build capacity, facilitate data sharing, and provide training for provincial FishPass models.

Other Responsibilities:

• Assists with grant writing and fundraising efforts to secure support for projects and initiatives.
• Stays up to date on emerging research and best practices to maintain technical expertise.
• Assists with other conservation activities as required.

Staff Management:

• Co-supervises and provides technical guidance to the Freshwater Spatial Ecology data team.
• Assists with performance evaluations, training, and hiring needs.
• Inspires and motivates team members to foster a positive work environment and achieve goals.

Education, Experience, and Abilities:

Required:

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Geomatics, Ecology, Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience required, ideally in spatial ecology, freshwater systems, or conservation planning.
• Proficiency with GIS software such as ArcGIS, R Studio, QGIS, et.
• Proficiency with computer languages such as Python, R, SQL, etc.
• Experience with data management, quality control, and reproducible workflows.
• Strong understanding of ecological principles, especially related to freshwater connectivity, species distribution, and habitat fragmentation.
• Experience coordinating or contributing to multi-partner projects.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate with interdisciplinary teams including biologists, GIS technicians, and stakeholders and rightsholders.

Assets:

• Familiarity with Indigenous engagement or working with Indigenous communities on conservation or spatial planning projects is a strong asset.
• Experience with FishPass or similar connectivity modelling tools.
• Experience in staff supervision, mentorship, or peer support roles.
• Knowledge of barrier assessment or aquatic restoration planning.
• Experience with grant writing or supporting funding proposals.
• Verbal and written communication skills in French.

Work Conditions:

• Full-time indeterminate position with confirmed funding until March 2026.
• Typically working Monday through Friday for 37.5 hours per week.
• Salary can range from $74,000 to $83,000 per year. Offered salary is determined based on education, experience, and internal parity.
• Location: Ideally, based at our Head Office in Kanata (Ottawa West), Ontario, with hybrid flexibility to work from home two consecutive days per week. Remote candidates outside of Ottawa can be considered.
• Manual dexterity required to operate computer and peripherals.
• Exposure to mental stress due to managing demands from multiple work activities.
• Interacts with colleagues, external data sources and partners (biologists, GIS specialists, government bodies, academic researchers).

Why Work With Us?

• We are a rapidly growing team of forward-thinking individuals who all share a common passion: wildlife and habitat!
• Office located in the quiet suburbs of Kanata which includes a kitchen lounge, living plant wall, and outdoor demonstration gardens.
• Friendly and casual work environment.
• Opportunity to expand your network of conservation, education, fundraising, marketing, and program experts.
• We are committed to work-life balance.
• We are committed to building a more diverse workforce.
• Relevant professional development opportunities for career growth.
• We offer a competitive benefits plan at no cost to employees which include health, dental, vision, and LTD. Enrollment to Employee Assistance Program.
• We offer Group RSP enrollment with up to 5% matching.
• 13 paid stat holidays per year.
• Generous time-off policies include paid vacation days, sick days, float days, and appointment time.
• Complimentary subscription to our Canadian Wildlife magazine.

Application Deadline: August 29, 2025

How To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be submitted online. Only the candidates who meet qualifications and are selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank you for your interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation!