Intermediate Biologist

McElhanney; Penticton; On-site; CAD 72,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

An established environmental consulting firm based in Canada is seeking an experienced Environmental Biologist to join their team in Penticton. The role involves completing environmental studies, assessing impacts of infrastructure, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should have a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) designation and 4-7 years of experience. The firm offers competitive salary range of $72,000 to $107,000 plus benefits and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Flexible hours

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Generous bonus plan

Qualifications

• Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) in good standing or ability to obtain within 3 months.
• Minimum of 4-7 years of experience in environmental studies.
• Experience with ecological assessments and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute baseline environmental studies.
• Assess environmental impacts of proposed infrastructure.
• Mentor junior staff members.

Skills

Environmental monitoring

Habitat assessments

Client liaising

GIS proficiency

Education

Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) designation

4-7 years of relevant experience

Tools

GIS

ArcMap

Job description

About McElhanney

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee‑owned and operated firm, with over 1,400 staff members in 31 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity

McElhanney is seeking an experienced and motivated Environmental Biologist to join our Kelowna, Vernon, or Penticton BC offices. The successful candidate will be a full‑time key member of our environmental team with the ability to draw on support from over 45 environmental professionals within the company, with a wide range of expertise.

In this role, you will work on a variety of projects across our three market sectors: cities and communities, energy and resources, and transportation and transit. Your expertise will influence the execution of projects and the coordination of project‑related tasks which may include field descriptions of ecosystems and their components, habitat suitability and capability assessments, fish and riparian area assessments, synthesis of data into reports, and interpretation and application of environmental statutes including but not limited to the Water Sustainability Act, Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, and Riparian Areas Protection Regulation.

We are solution‑oriented environmental professionals focused on integrated, multi‑disciplinary solutions for planning, design, permitting, construction, risk mitigation, assessment, remediation and reclamation. As recognized leaders and trusted advisors for industry, Indigenous groups, private, and government clients, we strive to protect ecological integrity and integrate natural assets, while balancing our clients’ needs.

What You’ll Do

• Complete all stages of environmental studies from proposal preparation through data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
• Coordinate and execute baseline studies to characterize the natural environment within a given project’s spatial and temporal assessment boundaries.
• Assess environmental impacts from proposed infrastructure and develop and integrate solutions which are compliant with regulatory requirements across all levels of government.
• Provide environmental advice and solutions to guide engineering designs in accordance with applicable mitigation hierarchies.
• Design and implement terrestrial and aquatic habitat mitigation and compensation measures.
• Coordinate regulatory permitting for, but not limited to, WSA Change Approvals, DFO Project Reviews, Fisheries Act Authorizations, and fish and wildlife salvages.
• Perform field work on a variety of tasks including biological inventories, environmental assessments, bird nest surveys, fish and wildlife salvages, and environmental monitoring during construction.
• Mentor junior staff members on technical work and with report writing and interpretation.
• Coordinate or oversee environmental management and monitoring during project construction phases.

What You’ll Bring

• Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) designation in good standing with a professional organization in British Columbia or the ability to obtain it within 3 months.
• A minimum of 4‑7 years of experience with proposal preparation, aquatic or terrestrial habitat assessments, permitting, and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in the field with environmental monitoring, fish, amphibian and/or wildlife work (e.g., bird surveys).
• Ability to work independently and mentor junior members of an integrated consulting team.
• Experience liaising with clients, First Nations, and government agencies.
• Proficiency with GIS, ArcMap, mobile data collection, and/or data management would be considered an asset.

What Can We Offer You?

The salary range for this position is $72,000 – $107,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

• Work‑Life Harmony: Balance your personal and professional commitments. Flexible hours to fit your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top‑up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A culture of respect and inclusion for all.
• Compensation: Attractive total compensation package including a generous bonus plan.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, internal committees, workshops, and committee involvement.
• Career Progression: Support and mentorship to shape a career path that fits your goals.

This role is designated as a safety sensitive position.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process.

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements outlined. We’re interested in getting to know you and exploring the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney!

To learn more, visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To learn more about our recognition as Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025), visit canadastop100.com. Visit us on Glassdoor to learn more about our employee experience.

Our Purpose

Amaze our clients. Care for our communities. Empower our people.

Fraud Warning

McElhanney is aware of activities where individuals have received fraudulent job offers. Please be advised that McElhanney will not ask applicants for any form of monetary exchange at any point in the recruitment process. To learn more visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers/fraud-warning.

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