Sr. Aquatics Biologist

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

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Senior Aquatic Biologist to lead technical projects related to aquatic biology and water resource permitting. The role is based in Western Canada and involves coordinating a team of biologists while providing strategic regulatory advice throughout all project phases.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of relevant experience in the natural resources sector and hold a B.Sc., M.Sc., or Doctorate in aquatic sciences. Strong mentorship abilities and excellent technical writing skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience as a Fish/Aquatic Biologist in the natural resources sector.
• In-depth knowledge of the Federal Fisheries Act and relevant provincial environmental legislation.
• Excellent technical writing skills and experience providing technical review and edits.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and guidance on aquatic biology and water resource permitting.
• Coordinate, mentor, and support a team of biologists.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clients, regulators, and sub-contractors.

Skills

Aquatic biology studies

Technical writing skills

Regulatory advice

Team mentorship

Field work supervision

Education

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

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).