Sr. Aquatics Biologist

Jacobs; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 96,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Professional development support

Job summary

Jacobs in Ontario, Canada is seeking a Senior Aquatic Biologist to lead aquatic biology and water-resource permitting efforts on multidisciplinary projects. Based out of Ontario (preferably GTA), the role is full-time and office-based with hybrid flexibility.

You will supervise biologists, guide regulatory applications, and develop budgets and methodologies for projects from proposal through operations. You will build client and regulator relationships, defend technical rigor, and contribute to

Qualifications

• B.Sc., M.Sc, or Doctorate in fish or aquatic-related studies with aquatic-study experience.
• MTO/DFO/MNR fisheries protocol training.
• Eligible for MTO RAQS registration as Fisheries Assessment Specialist in Ontario.
• 10+ years as Fish/Aquatic Biologist in Ontario, preferably in consulting.
• Knowledge of the Fisheries Act and Ontario/federal environmental legislation.
• Experience overseeing aquatic field work and mentoring biologists.
• Strong technical writing and ability to review/edit work.
• Regulatory liaison experience and providing strategic regulatory advice.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving abstract.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on aquatic biology and water-resource permitting.
• Coordinate, mentor, and support a team of biologists.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams through proposal, design, construction, and operations.
• Develop budgets, methodologies, and review deliverables/regulatory applications.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clients, regulators, and sub-contractors.
• Defend the technical rigor of the work and contribute to business development.

Skills

Leadership

Technical writing

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Mentoring

Client relationships

Drivers license

Education

B.Sc./M.Sc./PhD in aquatic 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 out of Ontario (preferably within the GTA) 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.

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, 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.).
• MTO/DFO/MNR fisheries protocol training.
• Hold or be eligible for MTO RAQS registration as a Fisheries Assessment Specialist in Ontario.
• A minimum of 10+ years of experience as a Fish/Aquatic Biologist in the natural resources sector in Ontario preferably in a consulting environment.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with the Federal Fisheries Act and other relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation in Ontario 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 (ex Esri Field Maps or Survey123)
• Experience viewing and/or reviewing digitally collected field data in a web-browser or desktop-based digital solution

Posted Salary Range Minimum

95,500.00

Posted Salary Range Upper

149,275.00

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 Ontario, 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. This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

At Jacobs, we use AI-driven recruitment to match top talent with opportunity—however, human connection and fairness remain at the heart of every hiring decision.

Jacobs welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request an accommodation, please select here.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.