Wildlife Technician / Biologist

Vertex Resource Group; Sherwood Park; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Resource Group seeks a Wildlife Technician/Biologist to conduct field surveys, monitor wildlife and sensitive species, and support regulatory submissions in Western Canada. You will prepare reports, recommend mitigations, and assist with client communications during construction activities.

The role requires field readiness, 2–5 years wildlife experience, and strong birding skills. Occasional travel within Western Canada and a flexible schedule are expected.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or technical diploma in environmental science or related field.
• Professional Biologist (P.Biol) or equivalent designation or eligibility.
• Ability to solve problems in remote field environments.
• 2–5 years wildlife field experience required.
• Experience with Western Canada regulatory agencies.
• Experience with EAP approvals for upstream oil & gas projects is a plus.
• Knowledge of wildlife acts, guidelines, and inventories.
• Strong bird identification by sight and sound.
• Experience with species at risk, ungulates, and mammals is an asset.
• Willingness to travel and work in the field, with flexible schedule.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and data reporting.
• Strong time management and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Complete field studies to survey wildlife and sensitive species.
• Field assessments and office reporting for regulatory approvals.
• Recommend mitigations to minimize wildlife impacts.
• Train and supervise biological technicians and staff.
• Coordinate with clients during construction on wildlife tasks.

Skills

Field experience

Bird identification

Regulatory knowledge

Report writing

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Post-secondary degree or technical diploma in environmental science or related field

Job description

VERSATILITY. EXPERTISE.

With these two words, Vertex makes the promise that we will always be versatile in developing solutions to our clients’ unique needs and that we will always demonstrate expertise in our designated fields.

Vertex is a leading North American provider of environmental services, assistingclients in achieving their development goals through our versatile suite of services. From the initial site selection, consultation and regulatory approval, through the construction, operation and maintenance phases, to conclusion and environmental cleanup, Vertex offers a diverse range of services throughout the life cycle of our clients’ projects.

OVERVIEW

Vertex is currently accepting applications for a contract term position as a Wildlife Technician/Biologist. The successful candidate must have experience coordinating and participating in field-based projects, for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and reporting on biophysical data. Reporting to our Team Lead, the Wildlife Technician/Biologist must be someone that has strong wildlife identification skills with emphasis on bird identification and habitat assessment experience. Additional experience in other environmental service lines (e.g., contaminated sites, soil assessments, construction monitoring, wetlands, forestry) will have a competitive advantage.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary degree or technical diploma from an accredited college, university or technical school in environmental science or other related discipline
• Professional Biologist (P.Biol), Registered Technologist in Biology (R.T.Biol.) with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), or equivalent, or with the qualifications to apply for designation
• Portrays problem solving skills, especially in remote field situations
• Minimum two (2) to five (5) years of experience in the wildlife field required
• Experience working with multiple regulatory agencies in Western Canada
• Experience in regulatory approvals under EAP requirements for upstream oil and gas facilities and linear disturbances (e.g. pipelines and transmission lines) considered an asset
• Familiarity with applicable wildlife acts, legislation, guidelines, and species inventories
• Strong wildlife identification skills with emphasis on bird identification (visual and auditory)
• Experience with species at risk, amphibians, ungulates (caribou), small and large mammals considered an asset
• Willingness to work in the field for extended periods of time and willingness to travel within Western Canada, as required
• Willingness to work with a flexible schedule
• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to pay close attention to detail when collecting data and writing reports
• Strong team player but also adept at working independently
• Willingness to work on non-wildlife related work, as required

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Completion of field studies to survey for and monitor wildlife and sensitive species
• Field assessments and office reporting for regulatory approval of proposed upstream oil and gas disturbances as well as transmission line and highway corridors
• Recommending mitigation for industrial activities to minimize wildlife impacts
• Train, mentor and supervise the work of biological technicians and other staff (dependent on level of experience)
• Communicate and work with clients during construction activities regarding work specific tasks and as the work pertains to sensitive wildlife species

LOCATION

• This position will be based out of either our Fort McMurray, AB or Sherwood Park, AB office.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Compensation is commensurate with education and experience
• Learning and development opportunities
• A culture of performance and accountability
• A supportive and positive team environment

*We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for interviews will be contacted*