Principal Fisheries Biologist

WSP; Whitehorse; On-site; CAD 119,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Whitehorse, Yukon, is seeking a Principal Fisheries Biologist to lead fisheries and aquatic programs across Canada. You will guide study design, analyses, and reporting, and support regulatory processes for large infrastructure and mining projects.

The role demands hands-on field leadership, project management, and client engagement in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment. The ideal candidate holds a biology-related degree and 15+ years of experience, with eligibility for P.Biol.

Qualifications

• 15 years of relevant experience in fisheries and aquatic sciences.
• Registration as, or eligibility for, a P.Biol. or R.P.Bio.
• Knowledge of Canadian federal and provincial regulatory frameworks.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary environmental projects and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead fisheries and aquatic programs with technical direction, study design, analysis, and reporting.
• Deliver fisheries assessments for infrastructure, mining, remediation, power, and development projects.
• Guide regulatory permitting processes and offsetting strategies.
• Manage aquatic baseline programs, impact assessments, and regulatory documentation.
• Oversee project scopes, budgets, schedules, and deliverables with high quality.

Skills

Fisheries biology

Ecology

Environmental science

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Team leadership

Fieldwork experience

Willingness to travel

Education

University degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science

Job description

What if you could redefine what's possible?

With us, you can. You want Purpose. Growth. Opportunity. People who get it.

We are the home of ambitious, passionate, and innovative world shapers.

With an unmatched breadth and depth of engineering, advisory and science-based expertise, our global minds unite to power local solutions.

We are pathfinders and impact makers.

We are Visioneers. We are WSP.

The Opportunity

Explore Limitless Possibilities -Step into a role where your work helps protect and enhance the natural environment through meaningful actions that shape ecosystems, restore watersheds, and safeguard Canada's aquatic resources. As a Principal Fisheries Biologist, you'll apply your expertise to projects that support climate resilience, responsible development, and long-term ecological sustainability.

At WSP, you'll contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects, from habitat restoration and fish passage improvements to major infrastructure programs, mining developments, and remediation initiatives that prioritize environmental stewardship. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams, you'll help balance environmental protection, regulatory requirements, and community needs while delivering lasting results.

This position can be based in Whitehorse, Yukon, with opportunities to support projects across Canada and around the world.

Your Impact

• Lead fisheries and aquatic programs by providing technical direction, study design, analysis, and reporting excellence.
• Deliver fisheries assessments and aquatic studies for multidisciplinary infrastructure, mining, remediation, power, and land development projects.
• Guide regulatory permitting processes, including Fisheries Act Authorizations, Requests for Review, amendments, and offsetting strategies.
• Manage aquatic baseline programs, impact assessments, and environmental regulatory documentation.
• Oversee project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical deliverables while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Build strong relationships with clients and regulators by providing trusted technical guidance and practical solutions.
• Support business development through proposal preparation, client engagement, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Mentor junior professionals and contribute to the growth of WSP's fisheries and aquatic sciences practice.

The Skills That Set You Apart

• University degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, supported by approximately 15 years of relevant experience.
• Registration as, or eligibility for registration as, a P.Biol. or R.P.Bio.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian federal and provincial fisheries and environmental regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary environmental projects and client relationships.
• Strong technical expertise in fish habitat assessments, fish community sampling, fish passage evaluations, and aquatic monitoring programs.
• Experience developing and implementing fish habitat offsetting and restoration strategies.
• Hands‑on field leadership experience, including team supervision, program logistics, and safe work planning.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel, work extended hours in the field, and meet client‑specific site requirements.

Why Choose WSP?

We exist to shape communities to advance humanity. The brightest engineers, advisors and scientists from across the globe call WSP home.

• Proudly Canadian – we are a Top 100 Employer in Canada for 2026.
• A global community of brilliant minds – your next idea, mentor, or opportunity is always within reach.
• Limitless opportunities start here. Whether it's across the country or around the globe, we help you tailor your role to match your ambition because your growth drives ours.
• Flexible work, real balance – we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize the balance in yours.

#WeAreWSP

Compensation

AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $132,700 – $175,800
MB & ON: $121,100 – $166,700
NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $119,900 – $159,200

Disclosure:

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

Ready to Protect Canada's Aquatic Future?

Bring your fisheries expertise to projects that create meaningful environmental outcomes, strengthen communities, and support sustainable development. Join WSP and help shape resilient ecosystems and lasting impact across Canada and beyond.

Job Info

• Job Identification 93846
• Posting Date 08/26/2026, 07:12 PM

About Us

At WSP, we exist to shape communities to advance humanity.
It’s why we bring people together who are wired to solve complex challenges - engineers, scientists, advisors, and technical experts who are driven by a common passion - to redefine what’s possible and shape what comes next. We are Visioneers.
As one of the world’s leading professional services firms, we partner with clients across transportation, infrastructure, environment, buildings, energy, water, mining and metals. We pair deep local knowledge with global insights to pioneer solutions designed to leave a lasting, positive impact.
At WSP, you’ll join a community of brilliant minds that push boundaries every day - applying deep expertise and fuelling innovation to help create a more connected and resilient future. Here, your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and you are encouraged to bring your authentic self to work. We empower our people to collaborate across disciplines, challenge the status quo, and shape a career with purpose.
Join us.
Please Note:
Health and Safety is a core paramount value of WSP. Given the importance of keeping one another safe it is expected that you comply with our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policy at all times as well as client HSE policies when working at client locations. Full details here .
Some safety-sensitive positions involve fieldwork and may include work in a variety of environmental conditions, such as remote or isolated areas, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits).
WSP welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
WSP is committed to the principles of employment equity. Only the candidates selected will be contacted.
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Full details here .