Senior Fisheries Biologist
About The Position
Step into a role where your work actively helps protect the planet - not in theory, but in the very real, on‑the‑ground way that shapes ecosystems, restores watersheds, and safeguards Canada’s most vital aquatic environments. As a Senior Fisheries Biologist, you’ll apply your expertise to projects that directly support climate resilience, responsible development, and long‑term ecological health. At WSP, you’ll contribute to a diverse portfolio of meaningful work, from habitat restoration and fish passage improvements, to major national infrastructure programs, to mining and remediation projects that prioritize environmental responsibility. You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams who care deeply about doing what’s right for the environment, and you'll influence decisions that preserve freshwater and marine systems for generations to come. This is more than a senior technical role — it’s an opportunity to build a career around purposeful impact, shaping solutions that balance community needs with ecological protection. Whether you're designing offsetting strategies, leading field programs, guiding regulatory pathways, or advising clients on sustainable approaches, your work will matter in visible, measurable ways. This position can be based in Edmonton, Saskatoon, or Calgary, with opportunities to support projects across Canada and around the world.
Requirements
- A university degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field, supported by approximately 15 years of relevant experience.
- Registration (or eligibility) as P.Biol or R.P.Bio.
- Experience working within Canadian regulatory frameworks, including federal and provincial approvals.
- Proven project management capability across multidisciplinary environmental projects.
- Hands‑on expertise conducting aquatic studies, including fish habitat assessments, fish community sampling, fish passage evaluations, and flow needs assessments.
- Experience developing and monitoring fish habitat offsetting plans.
- Strong field leadership skills, including the design and operation of fisheries programs, team supervision, logistics, and safety planning.
- Proficiency with standard fisheries field equipment and techniques, including backpack and boat electrofishing, river and lake sampling, and vessel operation.
- A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel or work extended hours when required.
- Ability to meet client‑driven requirements such as random drug and alcohol testing.
Responsibilities
- Lead technical direction for fisheries and aquatics programs, including designing studies, applying advanced field techniques, developing analyses, and guiding high‑quality reporting.
- Oversee and review fisheries assessments for multidisciplinary projects in infrastructure, oil & gas, mining, remediation, power, and land development.
- Evaluate projects for federal and provincial permitting requirements and develop regulatory submissions such as Fisheries Act Authorizations, Requests for Review, amendments, and offsetting plans.
- Manage and deliver aquatic resource baseline studies, impact assessments, and regulatory documentation for environmental assessments.
- Lead scopes of work, oversee budgets and timelines, and ensure deliverables exceed technical and client expectations.
- Engage directly with clients and regulators, providing trusted guidance and technical clarity.
- Support business development through client relationship building, proposal preparation, and scope development.
- Collaborate with WSP’s national and global technical community on interdisciplinary projects.
- Mentor and coach junior scientists, fostering growth and technical excellence within the team.
Benefits
- Flexible work, real balance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
