Intermediate / Senior Fisheries Biologist

McElhanney; Prince Rupert; On-site; CAD 86,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An employee-owned engineering firm in British Columbia is seeking an experienced Fisheries Biologist to contribute to various projects focused on fish and fish habitat. In this role, you will conduct environmental assessments, provide guidance on environmental management, and mentor junior team members. A competitive salary range is offered, along with excellent benefits and opportunities for professional development. This position also emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Benefits

Flexible work hours

Maternity leave top-up

Extended health and dental coverage

Healthcare spending account

RRSP matching

Employee and family assistance program

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of experience in baseline assessments and aquatic habitat restoration.
• Registration or eligibility to register as an RPBio in British Columbia.
• Proven report writing experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct environmental studies from design to reporting.
• Provide environmental advice and solutions for planning.
• Coordinate regulatory permits and approvals.

Skills

Fish and fish habitat experience

Environmental regulatory permitting

Communication abilities

Client liaison experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

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 33 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 Fisheries Biologist to join our growing team. In this senior role, you’ll play a key part in shaping the early design and planning of complex projects across the region. Your expertise will directly contribute to sustainable community development and infrastructure through work focused on fish and fish habitat – ranging from baseline and impact assessments to habitat restoration, regulatory permitting, and environmental management.

You’ll work across a diverse portfolio of projects in our core market sectors: cities and communities, energy and resources, and transportation and transit. As a technical leader, you’ll collaborate with senior leadership and provide mentorship to junior and intermediate team members, helping to shape the next generation of environmental professionals.

At McElhanney, we are a solution‑focused team of environmental experts delivering integrated, multi‑disciplinary services in planning, design, permitting, construction, risk mitigation, assessment, remediation, and reclamation. Recognized as trusted advisors to industry, First Nations groups, and municipal and private clients, we’re committed to protecting ecological integrity while meeting our clients’ goals with innovative, nature‑based solutions.

What You’ll Be Doing

• All stages of environmental studies, including study design, data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
• Providing environmental advice and solutions to guide design and assist with planning.
• Coordinating regulatory permitting for approvals, project reviews, authorizations, and fish salvages.
• Assisting other senior leaders with short‑ and long‑term project planning.
• Designing and implementing habitat mitigation and compensation measures.
• Mentoring junior staff members of the environmental team.
• Coordinating or overseeing environmental management and monitoring during project construction phases.
• Assisting with proposal preparation, business development, and delivery of work that drives repeat business.
• Understanding, committing to, and promoting the McElhanney Quality Management System, ISO 9001, and all client quality, safety, and environmental management systems.

What You’ll Bring

• 5‑10+ years of fish and fish habitat experience related to baseline assessments, impact assessment, and aquatic habitat restoration and design.
• At minimum, a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecological Restoration, or a related field.
• Registration in good standing in British Columbia as an RPBio, or eligibility to register within 6 months, is required.
• Demonstrable experience with environmental regulatory permitting, fish inventory, habitat classification, and environmental management.
• Proven report writing experience and strong communication abilities.
• Experience liaising with clients, First Nations, and government agencies.
• Possession of a valid BC driver’s license is required at the time of hire.

What Can We Offer You

The salary range for this position is $86,000 to $130,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary 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.

• Opportunity for the right candidate to become a shareholder in an employee‑owned company.
• Flexible work hours to accommodate your busy lifestyle.
• Maternity leave top‑up and parental leave.
• Great benefits, including extended health and dental coverage, healthcare spending account, and RRSP matching.
• Employee and family assistance program, which offers 24/7 support for all employees and their families either online or over the phone.
• Continuous support for your professional development and growth.

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 explore the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney!

If this is the opportunity for you, apply now or visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to learn more. 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 Top Employer: McElhanney Ltd. (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.

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. The disclosure of your information in accordance with this Policy and applicable law, including to third‑party service providers, may result in your personal information being transferred outside of Canada, including to the United States. Such transferred personal information may be subject to the laws of these other countries and the laws of other countries regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information may be different from the laws of Canada.