R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited (Burnside) is seeking a knowledgeable, driven, and enthusiastic Senior Environmental Planner to join our Environmental Planning and Assessment team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to have real influence on meaningful public-sector infrastructure and community development projects across Ontario. This position is open to applicants based in, or willing to commute to, our offices in Guelph, Barrie, Hamilton, Newmarket, Mississauga, or Woodstock. 

What You Can Expect

As a Senior Environmental Planner, you will play a key role in shaping and growing our public-sector environmental planning practice. You’ll bring strong experience in environmental assessments, consultation and engagement, and sustainability and the confidence to integrate seamlessly into multidisciplinary project teams.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative environment, and who is skilled at managing competing priorities with professionalism and sound judgment.

You’ll work alongside a dynamic team of environmental specialists, transportation and transit planners, engineers, communication professionals, and community planners to deliver impactful projects that make a difference.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Manager, Environmental Planning and Assessment, you will provide leadership and technical expertise on a wide range of environmental planning initiatives. Key responsibilities include:

Environmental Assessment & Reporting

• Provide leadership or senior technical guidance for Environmental Assessments including Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Transportation, Water/Wastewater), Transit and Rail Project Assessment Process (TRPAP), Recreation and Trails Master Plans, Transportation Master Plans, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plans, and related proposal submissions.
• Serve as lead author on major reports such as Environmental Study Reports, Project File Reports, Master Plans, and Socio-Economic Impact Assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality deliverables.

Sustainability & Technical Analysis

• Offer functional guidance on climate change assessment, effects analysis, land use evaluation, and ecological impact assessments.
• Conduct analytical reviews of potential project effects and develop appropriate mitigation, monitoring strategies, and best-practice recommendations.

Consultation & Engagement

• Lead consultation programs, including planning and executing community engagement activities and developing project-specific Consultation and Engagement Plans.
• Synthesize feedback, respond to stakeholder input, and work closely with clients, government agencies, Indigenous Nations and organizations, and the public.
• Prepare and review consultation materials including notices, presentations, and PIC display boards.

Project Management & Business Development

• Lead or support business development initiatives for environmental planning and community development projects.
• Participate in client meetings and coordinate multidisciplinary technical teams, subject-matter experts, and subconsultants to ensure projects are delivered efficiently.

Innovation & Thought Leadership

• Conduct or coordinate research on sustainability initiatives , innovative engagement tools, and emerging environmental planning practices.

What You Bring

• Minimum 10 years of experience in environmental planning or related fields
• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Planning, Resource Management, Engineering, or a related discipline
• RPP or P.Eng. designation in Ontario, or eligibility for registration/licensing (or demonstrated equivalency)
• Proven experience leading Municipal Class Environmental Assessments (MEA, 2024) and community planning projects
• Strong understanding of Ontario’s land-use planning policy framework (e.g., PPS, Greenbelt Plan)
• Working knowledge of environmental legislation, regulations, permits, and approvals (e.g., Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, Impact Assessment Act, Planning Act, Endangered Species Act (2007), Species Conservation Act (2024), Conservation Authorities Act, O.Reg 231/08 TRPAP, O.Reg 53/24, etc.)
• Experience in community consultation, engagement planning, and group facilitation
• Experience engaging with First Nations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support junior staff
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle

Why Choose Burnside?

Are you interested in working for an employer with a 5-decade track record of building a great reputation both internally with their staff and externally with their clients? The Burnside team is a supportive group of colleagues that work together to provide value and service to our clients, while extending care to each other. We know that our employees are our greatest asset, and we strive to provide a positive work/life balance.

We offer:

• A collaborative culture where friendship, honesty and respect are part of our core values and practices
• Flexible working hours and office locations, including hybrid working opportunities
• A competitive compensation and benefits package
• RRSP company matching plan
• Career growth and professional development opportunities
• Potential for performance-driven bonusing
• Active social committees
• A welcoming, positive, and inclusive work environment

Burnside is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment, assessment, or selection process, please contact our Human Resources team. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure an accessible and equitable experience for all candidates.