Junior Wildlife Biologist

Onterris; Calgary; On-site; CAD 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Onterris is seeking a Junior Wildlife Biologist to deliver high-quality field data collection and support diverse survey types, including nest sweeps, habitat assessments, and species at risk studies. The role involves working with project managers and senior biologists to plan fieldwork, maintain data quality, and meet regulatory requirements.

The compensation range for this role is $28-$32.50 CAD per hour, commensurate with experience and geographic location.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Science.
• 2–3+ years of wildlife field experience.
• Experience identifying key wildlife features for birds and other wildlife; birds, owls, amphibians a plus.
• Proficiency with GPS/GIS enabled data collection and digital field forms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support wildlife field activities (nest sweeps, wildlife sweeps, species at risk surveys).
• Assist field leads with daily field planning and execution in alignment with project requirements.
• Ensure accurate digital data collection, photo documentation and metadata.

Skills

Wildlife fieldwork

GPS/GIS data collection

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Remote/field operations

Education

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Science

Tools

GPS/GIS handheld devices

Job description

About Us

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.

About Us

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact. “For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive. When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact. Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

A Day in the Life

As a Junior Wildlife Biologist, you’ll be responsible for delivering high-quality field data collection and supporting a variety of survey types, including nest sweeps, carcass searches, wildlife sweeps, amphibian capture and relocation, and species at risk assessments. You’ll work closely with project managers and Intermediate and Senior biologists to plan and execute fieldwork, contribute to data quality and reporting, and help ensure compliance with regulatory and client requirements. This position is ideal for a hands‑on field biologist who thrives in dynamic environments, maintains a strong safety mindset, and communicates effectively with both team members and clients.

The compensation range for this role is $28-$32.50, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location

To thrive in this role, you’ll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:

• Field Program Implementation: Conduct and support a variety of wildlife field activities, including:
  • Nest sweeps and wildlife sweeps - identify species-at-risk sign, habitat features, and mitigation needs
  • Amphibian capture and relocation
  • Species at risk surveys and habitat assessments
  • Breeding bird surveys (e.g., songbirds, raptors, owls, grouse)
  • Deployment and servicing of wildlife monitoring equipment (e.g., acoustic recorders, cameras)
  • Assist field leads with daily field planning and execution in alignment with project requirements and timelines
  • Ensure accurate digital data collection, photo documentation, and metadata.
• Pre-Field Planning & Logistics
  • Prepare safety plans, maps, access routes, and equipment lists; confirm permits and access approvals.
  • Coordinate field logistics such as travel, accommodations, and equipment readiness
• HSE Leadership
  • Participate in hazard assessments, tailgate meetings, and incident reporting
  • Exercise stop work authority when required and contribute to a strong safety culture
• Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., vegetation, wetlands, aquatics, environmental construction support)

Your Expertise and Skills

These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.

• Education: B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree(s) in Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Science
• Experience: 2-3+ years of relevant wildlife experience.
• Technical Skills:
  • Experience supporting field crews in remote settings. Experience identifying key wildlife features for birds and other wildlife.
  • Experience with sharp-tailed grouse, breeding bird, owl, amphibian capture and relocation is an asset
  • Proficiency with GPS/GIS enabled data collection and digital field forms.
• Strong safety mindset; Valid Class 5 driver’s license. Comfortable with ATVs/UTVs, light truck operation; helicopter experience is an asset.
• Eligible for or registered as P.Biol. (ASPB).
• In keeping with our Health & Safety Policy, individuals in safety sensitive positions are subject to pre-employment, pre-access (and in some client cases, random) alcohol & drug testing as well as drivers abstract reviews

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what’s typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.

• Sitting, standing, and walking
• Lifting 50 pounds several times a dayOverhead lifting of over 20 pounds
• Often works outdoors and may be exposed to hot and cold environments and extreme weather conditions, including sunlit, rainy and windy conditions
• Full-time with approximately 80% field / 20% office (data review, planning).
• Able to work 12‑hour shifts in remote conditions.
• Travel to project sites, including remote locations, will be required
• Work schedules will vary based on project needs but do not follow a fixed rotation
• Overtime will be required and is compensated per applicable policy.

This posting reflects a current vacancy that the company is actively seeking to fill.

We are not accepting third party agency applicants at this time.

Why Join Us

Onterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress. For more information, visit www.onterris.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants.