Sr. Aquatics Biologist

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

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Aquatic Biologist based in Calgary, Alberta, to provide technical leadership on aquatic biology for natural resource projects. You will mentor a team of biologists and guide complex environmental planning and permitting processes.

The ideal candidate will have a relevant advanced degree and significant experience in the natural resources sector, with an extensive understanding of applicable federal and provincial legislation.

Salary Range: $95,500 – $149,275, offering a competitive package along with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years experience as a Fish/Aquatic Biologist in the natural resources sector.
• In-depth knowledge with the Federal Fisheries Act and relevant environmental legislation.
• Experience directing/managing aquatic crews in remote settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on aquatic biology and water resource permitting.
• Guide aquatic environmental planning and permitting efforts.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clients and regulators.

Skills

Aquatic biology

Technical leadership

Mentorship

Field work oversight

Regulatory advice

Technical writing

Client relationship management

Education

B.Sc., M.Sc, or Doctorate in fish or aquatic-related studies

Tools

Esri Field Maps

Survey123

Job description

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.

Your impact

When it comes to environmental consulting, we’re helping our clients protect our world’s natural resources. Pave the way for your career with a company that inspires and empowers you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow, and succeed—today and into tomorrow. You’ll impact the world around you by helping us solve real‑life challenges.

As a Senior Aquatic Biologist, you will provide technical leadership and guidance on the aquatic biology and water resource permitting components of our challenging natural resource projects, as well as coordinate, mentor, and support our team of biologists. Based in Alberta (preferably Calgary) or British Columbia (preferably Burnaby or Victoria) this will be a full‑time, mostly office‑based role.

You’ll have the opportunity to work as part of multidisciplinary project teams guiding aquatic environmental planning and permitting efforts for government and privately‑owned infrastructure projects. You will provide technical direction and supervision for the duration of these projects—throughout the proposal, design, construction, and operations phases—with the opportunity to lead the implementation of the work, including the development of budgets, methodology, and the review of deliverables and regulatory applications. In this position you will establish and maintain relationships with clients, regulators, and sub‑contractors, and provide insight into business development. This is a science‑based role, and the successful candidate will have a reputation in the industry as a technical expert and a demonstrated ability to defend the technical rigor of the work completed.

Here’s what you’ll need

• B.Sc., M.Sc, or Doctorate degree in fish or aquatic‑related studies with relevant experience conducting and managing aquatic studies (such as fish and fish habitat assessments, water quality monitoring, fish sampling, etc.).
• In Western Canada, hold or be eligible for Professional Designation under the BC College of Applied Biology and/or the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience as a Fish/Aquatic Biologist in the natural resources sector in Western Canada, preferably in a consulting environment.
• In‑depth knowledge and experience with the Federal Fisheries Act and other relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation in Western Canada and how it applies to natural resource projects.
• Previous experience overseeing aquatics field work, directing and/or managing aquatic crews in remote settings from the office.
• Previous experience leading and providing mentorship for a team of biologists of varying skill levels and experience. Desire to be involved in hiring and growing positive mentoring relationships.
• Excellent technical writing skills and experience providing technical review and edits as needed.
• Relevant linear development (e.g. roads, conveyance) or oil and gas regulatory experience.
• Experience liaising with regulators and providing strategic regulatory advice to clients and internal teams during all stages of the project life cycle.
• Must have a driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract for any work travel.

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Experience working with a diverse range of private and municipal clients, including oil and gas, mining, transportation, water, infrastructure, and energy.
• Experience growing and maintaining client relationships and business development opportunities.
• Time management skills, with the ability to simultaneously work on multiple tasks/projects and meet project deadlines within budget.
• Experience viewing and/or collecting field data using a mobile app (e.g. Esri Field Maps or Survey123).
• Experience viewing and/or reviewing digitally collected field data in a web‑browser or desktop‑based digital solution.

Salary Range: $95,500.00 – $149,275.00 (base salary range for positions across British Columbia, Canada locations).