James Leslie has been employed as an Ecologist for over 18 years, having developed expertise in vegetation ecology and botany. He actively conducts field surveys and has worked extensively in most regions of Ontario, as well as parts of Québec, Alberta, and Michigan. Survey experience includes vascular plant inventories, species at risk surveys, Ecological Land Classification (ELC), wetland evaluations, and vegetation monitoring.

James is experienced with spatial analysis software, such as ArcGIS and ERDAS. He routinely pairs remote sensing tools with ground-verified observations to enhance the accuracy of his assessments, including development of 3D vegetation models through drone imagery, and examining specialized multispectral imagery. He has gained proficiency analyzing imagery from satellite, aerial, LiDAR, and UAV structure-from-motion.

James has had significant involvement in multiple sectors, such as urban development, aggregates, mining, oil and gas, highway infrastructure, renewable energy, parks, and ecological restoration. He has tactfully managed various projects, inclusive of client relations, budgeting, permitting, and reporting.

James has long-standing certification for ELC, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network, and is a designated Butternut Health Assessor.