My client is a 100% employee-owned Canadian environmental consulting firm with an impressive legacy of three decades in operation. Known for their practical approach to ecological consulting—delivering actionable solutions, not just reports—they bring together a team of experienced biologists, scientists, and planners to serve a diverse suite of sectors including renewable energy, mining, oil & gas, transportation, regional planning, and reclamation. The firm operates across Western and Northern Canada, with multiple strategically located offices serving regional and national clients. They emphasize science-driven, client-focused environmental solutions, built on collaboration and long-term relationships.
They are looking for a Senior Fish & Aquatic Biologist will lead aquatic science programs that enable major infrastructure, resource, and development projects to progress through environmental assessment and permitting processes. The role focuses on delivering defensible aquatic baseline data, effects assessments, and regulatory documentation while guiding multidisciplinary teams and supporting clients through complex environmental approvals.
This position requires deep expertise in fisheries science, aquatic habitat assessment, regulatory compliance, and environmental permitting in Western Canada.
Remote / WFH / Hybrid: Hybrid or remote BC
Travel: 10%
Salary: $100k - $145k DOE, plus health benefits, RRSP matching, annual performance bonuses and annual company bonuses (Final salary will reflect each candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, expertise, and professional designations, as well as the overall value they bring to the role.)
Role Scope:
Aquatic Baseline and Field Programs Delivered - Design and execute aquatic field programs that generate high-quality baseline data to support environmental assessment and regulatory approvals.
- Multiple aquatic baseline programs planned and delivered on schedule and within budget.
- Fish and fish habitat surveys, aquatic health assessments, water quality monitoring, and fish salvage programs completed safely and defensibly.
- Field programs producing datasets that meet regulatory standards and withstand external review.
Regulatory-Ready Environmental Documentation - Produce high-quality technical documentation that supports environmental assessment, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
- Environmental assessment chapters, aquatic effects assessments, and habitat offsetting plans submitted to regulators with minimal revisions.
- Technical reports, memos, and permit applications prepared that clearly interpret biological data and regulatory requirements.
- Projects successfully advancing through regulatory review processes.
Aquatic Discipline Leadership on Projects - Serve as the aquatic discipline lead on environmental projects across sectors such as mining, energy, infrastructure, and urban development.
- Aquatic scope integrated into multidisciplinary environmental assessments and permitting strategies.
- Environmental risks related to aquatic ecosystems identified early and mitigation strategies developed.
- Clear communication of aquatic impacts and regulatory requirements to clients and project teams.
Mentorship and Technical Leadership - Strengthen team capability by mentoring junior biologists and ensuring consistent technical standards across projects.
- Junior staff trained in field methods, aquatic survey techniques, and regulatory reporting.
- Field programs executed safely and efficiently under your technical supervision.
- Consistent improvement in report quality, data interpretation, and technical rigor across the team.
Project Management and Delivery - Manage aquatic biology components of projects from proposal through completion.
- Aquatic scopes delivered within budget, schedule, and quality expectations.
- Effective coordination of field staff, subcontractors, and multidisciplinary project teams.
- Clear project planning that anticipates logistical challenges associated with field programs and remote work.
Business Development and Client Support - Contribute technical expertise to proposals and support client relationships.
- Aquatic scopes and cost estimates developed for proposals.
- Technical expertise is leveraged to secure new project opportunities.
- Clients view the aquatic discipline as a trusted advisor on regulatory strategy and environmental risk.
Requirements:
- Degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field.
- Registered Professional Biologist (R.P.Bio. or P.Biol.) or eligible for registration.
- Approximately 10+ years of experience in aquatic biology or fisheries science.
- Experience delivering aquatic studies for environmental assessments and regulatory approvals.
- Proven experience managing projects and leading field programs.
- Fisheries science and fish habitat assessment
- Aquatic effects assessment and environmental monitoring
- Habitat offsetting and mitigation planning
- Environmental permitting and regulatory processes
- Aquatic survey methodologies and data interpretation
- Strong analytical and technical writing skills
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams
- Effective mentorship and technical leadership
- Strong organizational and project management capability
- Ability to travel for field programs and work in remote environments.
To Apply:
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 Fish & Aquatic Specialist” in your subject line.