Senior Wildlife Biologist

Jacobs; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 95,500 - 149,275; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Wildlife Biologist based in Metro Vancouver. This role demands leadership in wildlife biology and ecology for various natural resource projects, guiding a team of biologists and ensuring regulatory compliance in infrastructure developments.

Ideal candidates will have at least 15 years of experience, a strong background in environmental consulting, and expertise in wildlife legislation. Join us to contribute to impactful solutions while working with diverse clients in a full-time office setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience as a biologist in the natural resources sector.
• Proven experience in environmental consulting.
• Must hold a professional designation under BC College of Applied Biology or similar.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on wildlife biology and ecology components.
• Mentor and coordinate a team of biologists.
• Liaise with clients, regulators, and subcontractors.

Skills

Wildlife biology expertise

Technical writing skills

Mentorship experience

Legislation knowledge

Client liaison experience

Education

B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. in biophysical sciences

Job description

About the Role

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Impact: When it comes to environmental consulting, we challenge the accepted and do things right. Elevate your career with a company that empowers you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow, and succeed with experienced leaders to excel, innovate, and continue growing—today and into tomorrow. You’ll impact the world around you by helping us solve real‑life challenges.

As a Senior Wildlife Biologist, you will provide technical leadership and guidance on the wildlife biology and ecology components of our natural resource projects, and support coordination and mentoring of our team of biologists. You will join an industry‑renowned team of 45 wildlife biologists of various levels.

Based out of Western Canada, this is a full‑time, office‑based role. You’ll work with multi‑disciplinary project teams guiding wildlife environmental planning and permitting efforts for government and privately owned infrastructure projects. You will provide technical direction throughout the design, application, construction, restoration, monitoring, and operations phases, and lead the scoping, design, and implementation of client deliverables such as wildlife survey and assessment methods, data analysis, habitat modelling, technical reports, regulatory applications, and client liaison. You will also establish and maintain relationships with clients, regulators, and subcontractors. This science‑based role requires a technical expert who can defend the rigor of the work completed.

Bring your expertise in environmental science and desire to conserve our natural resources, and we’ll empower you to deliver the boldest solutions for our clients.

Here’s what you’ll need

• B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., or equivalent in biophysical sciences with experience conducting and managing field studies and written materials for wildlife scopes (such as wildlife inventories, habitat assessments, mitigation and monitoring efforts, and effects assessments) as an environmental consultant.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience as a biologist in the natural resources sector in Western Canada; preference for previous environmental consulting experience.
• Experience with scoping, costing, overseeing, and reviewing biophysical fieldwork, technical reporting, and permit applications.
• Experience overseeing wildlife fieldwork and directing or managing wildlife crews in remote settings from the office.
• Experience leading and providing mentorship for biologists of varying skill levels; desire to be involved in hiring and growing positive mentoring relationships.
• Excellent technical writing skills and experience providing technical review and edits as needed.
• Hold a professional designation under the BC College of Applied Biology and/or the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists.
• In‑depth knowledge of Western Canada legislation, including but not limited to the federal Species at Risk Act, Migratory Bird Convention Act and Migratory Bird Regulations, Canada Energy Regulator Act, and provincial wildlife and regulator acts, and how it applies to capital projects such as oil and gas regulatory processes and requirements.
• Experience liaising with regulators and providing strategic regulatory advice to clients and internal teams throughout all stages of a project life cycle.

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Experience with a diverse range of industrial clients beyond oil and gas, including mining, transportation, energy transmission, and renewable energy.
• Experience growing and maintaining client relationships and business development opportunities.
• Time‑management skills, with the ability to work on multiple tasks/projects and meet deadlines within budget.
• Experience collecting and/or reviewing digitally collected field data in a web browser or desktop‑based digital solution.
• Must have a driver’s licence and a clean driver’s abstract for any work travel.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is $95,500.00 to $149,275.00. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new‑hire salaries for the position across British Columbia, Canada locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.