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Senior Aquatic Biologist / Water Quality Specialist
Vancouver, BCMy client is a long-established Canadian environmental consulting firm with 30 years of experience, recognized for its deep technical specialization in mining and mining-adjacent projects. Originally founded as a boutique geochemistry practice, the firm has evolved into a highly integrated team of geochemists, hydrogeologists, hydrologists, climate scientists, and aquatic specialists who focus almost exclusively on complex water, geochemistry, and regulatory challenges.
My client is seeking a Senior Aquatic Biologist / Water Quality Specialist to take on a senior technical role focused on water quality interpretation, aquatic risk, and mine permitting. Success in this role is measured by the ability to independently interpret water quality model outputs, produce regulator-ready technical deliverables, guide clients through high-scrutiny permitting pathways, and provide credible, strategic advice to both regulators and project teams. This is a core role for a senior professional, with accountability for defensible science, regulatory risk reduction, and continuity of expertise across major mining projects.
Remote / WFH / Hybrid: Hybrid, must live in lower mainland Vancouver
Travel: <5%
Salary: $110k - $170k DOE, plus health benefits, RRSP matching, annual performance bonuses (The final salary will reflect the qualifications, relevant experience, expertise, and professional designations that each candidate brings to the role. Individuals who offer additional strengths or bring exceptional value to the team will be considered for compensation beyond the stated range, as our client recognizes and rewards unique contributions.)
My client is seeking a Senior Aquatic Biologist / Water Quality Specialist to take on a senior technical role focused on water quality interpretation, aquatic risk, and mine permitting. Success in this role is measured by the ability to independently interpret water quality model outputs, produce regulator-ready technical deliverables, guide clients through high-scrutiny permitting pathways, and provide credible, strategic advice to both regulators and project teams. This is a core role for a senior professional, with accountability for defensible science, regulatory risk reduction, and continuity of expertise across major mining projects.
Remote / WFH / Hybrid: Hybrid, must live in lower mainland Vancouver
Travel: <5%
Salary: $110k - $170k DOE, plus health benefits, RRSP matching, annual performance bonuses (The final salary will reflect the qualifications, relevant experience, expertise, and professional designations that each candidate brings to the role. Individuals who offer additional strengths or bring exceptional value to the team will be considered for compensation beyond the stated range, as our client recognizes and rewards unique contributions.)
Role Scope:
Water Quality and Aquatic Risk Strategically Interpreted:
Independently review and interpret water quality model outputs, baseline datasets, and predictive scenarios to determine aquatic risk, regulatory defensibility, and implications for mine permitting and environmental assessment.
Aquatic Toxicology Applied to Regulatory Decision-Making:
Evaluate predicted concentrations against provincial and federal aquatic life guidelines, site-specific benchmarks, and science-based environmental benchmarks, translating toxicological results into clear regulatory and mitigation decisions.
Mine Permitting and EA Inputs Delivered at Senior Standard:
Lead preparation of water quality and aquatic-related technical inputs for mine permitting applications, environmental assessments, and effluent discharge approvals under high regulatory scrutiny.
Initial Dilution Zones and Alternative Compliance Pathways Evaluated:
Assess the technical feasibility, regulatory acceptability, and risk associated with Initial Dilution Zones, mixing zones, and alternative compliance approaches, advising clients when such pathways are not viable.
Management Plans Developed With Clear Triggers and Outcomes:
Prepare and review selenium, nitrogen, ammonia, and other water-quality management plans, including Trigger–Action–Response Plans that are practical, defensible, and implementable.
Senior-Level Technical Author or Reviewer of Regulator-Ready Reports:
Produce or review water quality prediction reports, technical assessment reports, and permitting documentation to a senior author standard suitable for regulator and third-party review.
Cross-Disciplinary Integration Achieved:
Integrate water quality and aquatic risk interpretation with geochemistry, hydrology, hydrogeology, climate inputs, and mine planning to support defensible, whole-system decisions.
Client and Regulator Confidence Strengthened:
Provide credible, senior-level technical input in meetings with mining clients, engineers, regulators, and water boards, clearly explaining risks, uncertainty, and mitigation options.
Responsibilities:
Independently review and interpret water quality model outputs, baseline datasets, and predictive scenarios to determine aquatic risk, regulatory defensibility, and implications for mine permitting and environmental assessment.
Aquatic Toxicology Applied to Regulatory Decision-Making:
Evaluate predicted concentrations against provincial and federal aquatic life guidelines, site-specific benchmarks, and science-based environmental benchmarks, translating toxicological results into clear regulatory and mitigation decisions.
Mine Permitting and EA Inputs Delivered at Senior Standard:
Lead preparation of water quality and aquatic-related technical inputs for mine permitting applications, environmental assessments, and effluent discharge approvals under high regulatory scrutiny.
Initial Dilution Zones and Alternative Compliance Pathways Evaluated:
Assess the technical feasibility, regulatory acceptability, and risk associated with Initial Dilution Zones, mixing zones, and alternative compliance approaches, advising clients when such pathways are not viable.
Management Plans Developed With Clear Triggers and Outcomes:
Prepare and review selenium, nitrogen, ammonia, and other water-quality management plans, including Trigger–Action–Response Plans that are practical, defensible, and implementable.
Senior-Level Technical Author or Reviewer of Regulator-Ready Reports:
Produce or review water quality prediction reports, technical assessment reports, and permitting documentation to a senior author standard suitable for regulator and third-party review.
Cross-Disciplinary Integration Achieved:
Integrate water quality and aquatic risk interpretation with geochemistry, hydrology, hydrogeology, climate inputs, and mine planning to support defensible, whole-system decisions.
Client and Regulator Confidence Strengthened:
Provide credible, senior-level technical input in meetings with mining clients, engineers, regulators, and water boards, clearly explaining risks, uncertainty, and mitigation options.
Responsibilities:
- Lead interpretation and review of water quality model outputs, assumptions, uncertainty, and regulatory implications.
- Apply aquatic toxicology principles to assess predicted effects on aquatic life and downstream environments.
- Author and review water quality–related sections of:
- Water quality prediction and modeling reports
- Environmental assessment applications
- Effluent discharge permit submissions
- Develop and evaluate management plans, including selenium and nutrient management plans and TARPs.
- Assess and advise on Initial Dilution Zone and mixing zone applications, including regulatory risk and acceptance likelihood.
- Participate in client, regulator, and water board meetings to present and defend technical interpretations.
- Review work prepared by others and identify technical gaps, over-optimistic assumptions, and regulatory red flags.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment between water quality predictions and project design.
- Operate as a Qualified Professional under the BC Mine Health, Safety & Reclamation Code.
- Undertake occasional site visits or travel to support technical understanding, client engagement, or regulatory meetings.
- 10+ years of professional experience in aquatic biology, aquatic toxicology, or water quality, with a strong focus on regulatory-facing work.
- Bachelor’s or graduate degree in biology, environmental science, toxicology, or a related discipline. M.Sc. preferred.
- Eligible for or holding Qualified Professional (QP) status in BC, typically RPBio. P.Geo. or P.Eng. considered with directly applicable experience.
- Demonstrated experience reviewing and interpreting water quality model results for mining or mining-adjacent projects.
- Strong familiarity with:
- Aquatic life guidelines and benchmarks
- Mine permitting and EA processes in BC
- Effluent discharge permitting and management planning
- Proven ability to produce regulator-ready technical reports that withstand detailed review.
- Ability to independently manage multiple technical priorities without compromising quality or timelines.
- Capable of making timely, defensible water quality and aquatic risk decisions that de-risk permitting outcomes for clients.
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume describing your experience and salary expectations in confidence via our careers site to see all open positions and apply visit our website:
www.EnviroCareers.ca
or
via email: resumes@envirocareers.catsone.com. Please indicate “Senior Aquatic Specialist” in your subject line.