Environmental Stewardship and Aquatic Resource Specialist

West Fraser; Sundre; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

West Fraser is seeking an Environmental Stewardship and Aquatic Resource Specialist to join their Sundre team. This position involves critical work in water stewardship and species conservation, primarily in field settings. You'll coordinate key environmental initiatives, ensuring compliance with Canadian legislation while supporting sustainable forestry practices. This challenging and rewarding role is perfect for individuals passionate about environmental stewardship and natural resource management.

Benefits

Competitive base salary with an annual bonus opportunity

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage

Pension and savings plans

Vacation time and paid holidays

Qualifications

• Relevant experience as a Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist.
• Proficient in GIS including ArcMap and ESRI mobile apps.
• Self-motivated and able to manage multiple projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate watercourse crossing approvals and oversee construction monitoring.
• Conduct habitat assessments, wildlife surveys, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Assist with broader research related to forest ecology and water stewardship.

Skills

Field Data Collection

Regulatory Approval

Communication Skills

GIS Proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science

Technical diploma in Biological Science

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Microsoft Office

Job description

West Fraser offers a range of exciting career opportunities for individuals seeking challenging and rewarding careers. Sundre Forest Products is recruiting an Environmental Stewardship and Aquatic Resource Specialist.

Reporting to the Planning Superintendent, the Environmental Stewardship and Aquatic Resources Specialist will provide independent subject matter expertise and work as a key member of the Sundre woodlands team of resource management professionals. Your role will primarily focus on multiple values management with emphasis on practices to support environmental stewardship and legal requirements for biodiversity, species at risk, and habitat management, especially of the aquatic environment. The initial priority focus will be water stewardship, and as someone with substantial knowledge in fish and fish habitat management, you will oversee securing required watercourse crossing authorizations, ensure best practices are employed and all legal requirements are met. Focus will then transition to stewardship programs and environmental reporting for sustainable forest management. The position will be primarily field based during the non-frozen periods. Sundre Forest Products has forest operations in the central foothills of Alberta in an area with multiple watercourses classified as Critical Habitat for aquatic species at risk. Forestry operations must therefore meet requirements of Canada’s Fisheries Act and the Species At Risk Act. This is an exciting opportunity for someone that wants to work towards species conservation and sustainable development.

You'll Do

• Coordinate watercourse crossing approvals under Canada’s Fisheries Act and Species At Risk Act by coordinating information among staff, regulators and contractors; developing offsetting plans;
• Oversee construction monitoring, inspection programs, road and crossing maintenance and complete reporting to responsible authorities
• Ensure West Fraser is meeting or exceeding legal requirements for at risk species by assisting with the integration of beneficial management practices, standard operating procedures, and share up to date science with the resource team;
• Complete field work related to road planning, habitat monitoring, and watercourse crossing approvals
• Oversee reclamation and monitoring acting as a Qualified Aquatic Environment Specialist (QAES)
• Conduct or facilitate habitat assessments, wetland assessments, wildlife surveys, and eDNA programs as needs arise
• Work with West Fraser’s biology and stewardship teams to assist with broader research and stewardship programs related to forest ecology, forest hydrology, water and fish.
• Assist with fieldwork related to long-term forest watershed hydrological monitoring programs and research
• Work with interested non-governmental organizations to advance our understanding of environmental stewardship and conservation
  
  

You Have

• Relevant experience as a Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist (QAES)
• Bachelor’s degree or technical diploma in Environmental Science, Biological Science and/or Natural Resource Management
• Experience in field data collection and regulatory approval is preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of culvert and bridge installation
• Commitment to safety and responsible forest stewardship
• Self-motivated and team oriented
• Ability to conduct field work and comfortable doing so in a remote wilderness setting
• Certified, or ability to become certified, for operating an off-highway UTV
• Must be well organized and able to manage multiple projects with a focus on detail
• Proficient in GIS including ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, ESRI mobile apps, Global Mapper
• Proficient with Microsoft office software programs such as Teams, Word, Excel, etc.
• Great communications skills – both written and verbal.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary with an annual bonus opportunity. The typical salary range for this position may vary depending on location, education, and relevant experience.
• Comprehensive benefits: including medical, dental, and vision coverage, pension and saving plans, life, disability, and accident insurance, vacation time, paid holidays and additional benefits to support your well-being.
  
  

Your Workplace Location:

Sundre is located approximately one-hour northwest of Calgary and two hours from Banff, offering unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities in the foothills of the Rockies, a good hospital and schools, and an affordable lifestyle. To learn more, visit the Town of Sundre website at www.sundre.com

About Us

Today, West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 50 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, which promotes sustainable forest practices in its operations. The Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals. West Fraser's products are used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials.

Diversity

At West Fraser, we strongly believe promoting diversity and inclusion is essential to our success. Our commitment to creating inclusive workplaces is reflected in our core values, and we constantly strive to foster a culture that values and respects every individual’s unique background and perspective. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to be a part of a team dedicated to shaping a brighter future by embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. Join our team at West Fraser and help us build a more diverse and inclusive community.

Sustainability

West Fraser is fully committed to sustainable forest management as defined in our environmental policy, which is reflected in every aspect of our work. We adopt new technologies and innovations to create exceptional building materials. Wood products are a natural, renewable, recyclable, and environmentally sustainable choice for consumers who prioritize sustainability.

Sustainability Report | West Fraser

Learn more about us!

Discover West Fraser in Western Canada (youtube.com)

What's it like to work in Forestry at West Fraser? Shayna's story (youtube.com)