Senior Wildlife Biologist

Government of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 88,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of Alberta's Forestry and Parks Ministry is seeking a Senior Wildlife Biologist in Edmonton to provide senior-level wildlife management expertise, lead programs related to game species, furbearers, trapping and policy development. The role emphasizes scientific leadership, data-driven decisions, and collaboration with Indigenous communities and external partners.

The position is permanent, full-time, located in Edmonton, with 7.25-hour days and 36.25 hours per week, offering a

Qualifications

• Completed University degree (4 years) in environmental science, nature conservation, wildlife management or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of directly related field experience in fisheries, wildlife and conservation management.
• Equivalences may be considered: Related 2-year diploma plus 8 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead furbearer and trapping management by overseeing trapping regulations, Registered Fur Management Areas (RFMAs), licensing and allocation, data management, trap testing, and related governance functions.
• Provide senior wildlife management expertise for game and big game species, including population assessment, sustainable harvest management, quota development, monitoring, and species management planning.
• Lead and support legislative, regulatory, and policy development related to hunting, trapping, furbearers, and wildlife management, including Wildlife Act and regulation reviews and amendments.
• Plan and deliver wildlife monitoring and field programs, including study design, data collection, biological sampling, hunting operations, and evaluation of wildlife population and harvest information.

Skills

Wildlife management

Data analysis

Leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

University degree (4 years) in environmental science or related field

Job description

Job Information

Job Title: Senior Wildlife Biologist

Job Requisition ID: 87259

Ministry: Forestry and Parks

Location: Edmonton (other locations within Alberta may be considered)

Full or Part-Time: Full Time

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Permanent

Scope: Open

Closing Date: September 30, 2026

Classification: Natural Resources 9

Salary: $3,374.88 to $4,367.45 bi-weekly ($88,084 - $113,990 year)

As the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, we promote environmentally responsible forest management, including wildfire control, and preserve provincial parks for public recreation. We manage public lands to support both conservation and sustainable use, including recreational access, commercial activities, hunting, fishing and trapping, and grazing leases for Alberta producers.

For more information about the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, please visit our website at: https://www.alberta.ca/forestry-and-parks

Role Responsibilities

Senior Wildlife Biologist provides senior-level wildlife management expertise, scientific leadership, and strategic advice to the Hunting and Fishing Branch. The position is a generalist senior wildlife biologist with a primary focus on game species and sustainable-use wildlife management, while maintaining specific leadership and oversight responsibilities for provincial furbearer and trapping management functions.

The position provides technical and scientific leadership for hunting and trapping programs, supports the development and implementation of wildlife management policies and regulations, and ensures management decisions are informed by sound science, reliable data, legislative requirements, and sustainable-use principles.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead furbearer and trapping management by overseeing trapping regulations, Registered Fur Management Areas (RFMAs), licensing and allocation, data management, trap testing, and related governance functions.
• Provide senior wildlife management expertise for game and big game species, including population assessment, sustainable harvest management, quota development, monitoring, and species management planning.
• Lead and support legislative, regulatory, and policy development related to hunting, trapping, furbearers, and wildlife management, including Wildlife Act and regulation reviews and amendments.
• Plan and deliver wildlife monitoring and field programs, including study design, data collection, biological sampling, hunting operations, and evaluation of wildlife population and harvest information.
• Analyze and communicate scientific information by collecting, interpreting, and presenting wildlife, hunting, trapping, and furbearer data to support evidence-based management decisions and recommendations.
• Provide leadership and collaboration across government and with external partners, including Indigenous communities, hunters, trappers, land managers, industry, municipalities, NGOs, and professional organizations on wildlife and resource-management issues.
• Support Branch program development and strategic priorities by leading assigned initiatives, providing expert advice and resource assessments, identifying innovative approaches to improve program delivery, and representing the Branch on technical teams, committees, and interagency initiatives.

The Job Description is provided for Further details on this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

How Competencies will apply to this role:

• Systems Thinking: Considers broader trends, risks, and organizational priorities when making decisions. Aligns actions with APS goals and addresses barriers to progress.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Identifies root causes and develops practical, innovative solutions. Engages others, uses available resources, and considers risks.
• Agility: Adapts plans and priorities quickly as circumstances change. Communicate impacts clearly and supports others through change.
• Drive for Results: Takes ownership, monitors progress and follows through on commitments. Delivers measurable results aligned with APS priorities and timelines.
• Develop Networks: Builds strong relationships and actively seeks diverse perspectives. Engages stakeholders to strengthen decisions, manage change, and achieve goals.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• A completed University degree (4 years) in environmental science, nature conservation, wildlife management or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of directly related field experience in fisheries, wildlife and conservation management.

Equivalences may be considered: Related 2-year diploma plus 8 years of related experience. Additional related education considered in lieu of experience based on one year of experience for one year of education.

Assets:

• 6+ years of progressively responsible experience in wildlife management, with demonstrated responsibility for game species, hunting, trapping, and/or furbearer programs.
• Experience managing furbearer populations and trapping programs, including RFMA administration, trapping regulations, and harvest management.
• Experience developing, reviewing, or implementing wildlife legislation, regulations, policies, and management frameworks.
• Experience designing and implementing wildlife monitoring programs, conducting wildlife surveys and biological sampling, monitoring harvest, and analyzing population, harvest, and biological data to inform management decisions.
• Experience leading projects, technical teams, working groups, and multidisciplinary wildlife-management initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, hunters, trappers, land managers, industry, municipalities, NGOs, and other stakeholders on wildlife and resource-management issues.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare briefing materials, technical reports, management recommendations, presentations, and regulatory or policy documents for senior decision-makers.
• Experience participating in provincial, national, and/or interjurisdictional wildlife and trapping organizations, committees, and technical working groups.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

• This competition is for 1 full-time permanent position located in Edmonton. Other locations within Alberta may be considered.
• Monday – Friday, 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
• Professional learning and development
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.