Aquatic Biologist (Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist)

Aquatic Biologist (Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist); Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

RRSP employer matching

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible work arrangement

Job summary

Canacre is seeking an Aquatic Biologist (Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist) to lead field surveys, desktop reviews, and reporting for aquatic resources. The role includes permitting, monitoring, and mitigation implementation within energy-sector projects, with potential project management duties across environmental scopes.

The position requires a degree in Biology or Environmental Science and a QAES designation, with 3–5 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years as QAES or aquatic biologist.
• Experience leading aquatic surveys in remote settings.
• Knowledge of water regulations and BMPs.
• ArcGIS Pro, Survey123, Field Maps experience is a plus.
• Experience with pipeline/transmission line projects is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead aquatic field surveys and habitat assessments.
• Prepare permit applications and reports.
• Oversee mitigation measures during construction.
• Support environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate field programs and client communications.
• Possibly manage environmental projects.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Detail-oriented

Project coordination

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Biology or Environmental Science degree

QAES/Alberta or BC professional designation

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Survey123

Field Maps

Job description

Canacre’s core services focus on leadership in Environment and Land services throughout the project lifecycle. At Canacre, we emphasize continuous development and growth. Our commitment to investing in industry knowledge and the expertise of our teams sets us apart. Our goals are to provide technical leadership for greater regulatory understanding and certainty and to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders, mitigating tomorrow’s environment, land and right-of-way risks today.

At Canacre, we act with honesty and integrity within a culture where trust, collaboration, and teamwork flourish. We commit to diversity, inclusivity and the celebration of successes. Our vision is to foster an environment that promotes inspired and empowered team members who make an impact.

The Aquatic Biologist (Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist) will primarily be responsible for completing field-based aquatic surveys and assessments, desktop reviews, report writing, permitting, and monitoring and mitigation implementation related to the conservation and management of aquatic resources. The successful candidate will also support a broader range of environmental scopes of work, including Environmental Monitoring, regulatory permitting, and compliance activities across all phases of project development—from routing and siting through assessment, construction, and post‑construction support.

In addition to these core technical duties, this position may involve Project Management of environmental projects. This includes contributing to project planning, coordinating field programs, supporting budgeting and scheduling, maintaining communication with clients and internal teams, and helping ensure deliverables are completed on time and to a high standard.

This position will focus primarily on projects within the Energy Sector, including transmission, oil and gas, and renewables.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead aquatic related field surveys, including watercourse, fish and fish habitat assessments.
• Lead aquatic related field programs during construction, such as fish salvage and water quality monitoring, including providing recommendations on mitigation measures related to the protection of aquatic resources.
• Provide mitigation and best management practices to minimize impacts to aquatic resources during construction activities.
• Serve as an Environmental Monitor responsible for environmental compliance during construction of energy infrastructure projects.
• Ensure implementation of mitigation measures from the Environmental Management System, Environmental Assessment, Environmental Protection Plan, permit conditions, and best management practices.
• Complete desktop reviews for potential watercourse crossings, as well as potential fish and fish habitat.
• Prepare required permit applications related to aquatic resources.
• Prepare Fish and Fish Habitat Assessment Reports to support overall environmental assessment and other regulatory applications.
• Support other biophysical field assessments (e.g., wetlands, vegetation, wildlife, etc.), when required.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Post-secondary degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
• Professional designation with the BC College of Applied Biologists or with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists.

Experience:

• Minimum 3-5 years professional experience as a Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist (QAES) or Biologist specializing in aquatic resources, or related role.
• Experience leading aquatic field surveys in remote settings, reviewing of field data and coordinating with various field teams.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable environmental and aquatic regulations and best management practices.
• Experience with ESRI products, such as ArcGIS Pro, Survey 123 and Field Maps would be an asset.
• Experience related to pipeline, transmission line, and renewable energy construction would be an asset.
• Experience and knowledge related to other biophysical disciplines, such as wetlands, vegetation, wildlife, etc. would be an asset.
• Experience related to management of environmental projects would be considered an asset.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of provincial and federal legislation and regulations, including but not limited to the Water Sustainability Act, Riparian Areas Protection Regulation, Water Act, Fisheries Act, and Species at Risk Act.
• Electrofishing experience and possession of a valid Electrofishing Certification.
• Knowledge of watercourse, fish and fish habitat assessment methodology. · Strong aquatic species identification skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills – data collection and interpretation, technical report writing, regulatory permit applications, client communications, etc.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and highly organized with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build strong, lasting relationships with key stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Valid Driver’s License, with ability to maintain insurability under thecompany’s insurance carrier.

At Canacre, our benefits program is one of the ways in which we reinforce the value we place on employees and the role they play in helping us achieve our goals.Canacreoffers comprehensive health and dental coverage, paid time off, and disability insurance. Other benefits include a RRSP employer matching program, Employee Assistance Program, flexible work arrangement and a variety of wellness programs.

Canacre is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Canacre complies with federal and state/provincial law governing non-discrimination in employment practices.

Given the volume of applications we typically receive, we are unable to respond to all applicants, however, you will be contacted if your experience is a suitable match with one of our upcoming projects.

At Canacre, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of employment practices in each jurisdiction we operate in. We ensure that all employees are fairly compensated for their work, in accordance with the provisions outlined by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Canada Labour Code.

We use automated tools to screen applications. All hiring decisions involve review by the Hiring Manager.This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

1-Year contract with possibility of extension.