Senior Aquatic Ecologist

At GHD we are committed to addressing the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of energy, water and communities. 

About us
We are a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering, environmental, design and construction expertise. 

Our future-focused, innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world, building resiliency and sustainability for generations to come. 

Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 11,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents.

Who are we looking for?

This is where you come in! We are seeking a Senior Ecologist to join our Western Canadian team of environmental professionals who are “lifelong learners”, who improve our physical, social and natural environments, empower our local communities, and collectively shape the world around us.

As a Technical Lead, you will be involved in providing both private and public clients with excellent strategic and technical guidance and navigation of the natural environment regulatory framework. This is a key lead position responsible for helping grow our natural science business and provide leadership, mentorship, career development, and financial acumen to our Ecology team. You will also have opportunity to collaborate with other ecology team members across North America.

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of duties and will see you involved in:

• Champion relationships with internal (GHD) and external clients in Western Canada 
• Provide technical leadership on Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Assessments, Environmental Management Plans, and Monitoring Programs 
• Lead the development of proposals, fieldwork plans, permits/authorizations/offsetting approvals (DFO, WLRS, EAO, SARA, etc.), and reports
• Work with peers, intermediates and junior staff in all aspects of project work, fostering an energetic and collaborative environment
• Mentor staff to execute positive business outcomes and foster career development 
• Coordinate technical resources and personnel for timely delivery of multiple projects
• Successful candidate will be energized by a dynamic work environment 
• Occasionally travel to sites, primarily in Western Canada
• Lead field investigations 

What you bring to the team:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience leading natural science/ecology projects in Western Canada throughout multiple industries, with consulting experience, is required
• Bachelor's Degree (minimum) in Environmental Science, Fisheries, Aquatic Ecology, Biology, Natural Resource Management or related field
• R.P.Biol. and/or P.Biol. designation is required
• P.Ag., AWP, RAPR, CABIN, BC-CESCL and/or CISEC designations are assets
  
   
• Required experience:
  • Excellent report and proposal writing skills
  • Supporting provincial and/or federal Environmental Assessments 
  • Leading intermediate and junior staff in data management and reporting
  • Project and client management skills; strong sense of business acumen
  • Leading the preparation of complex, high-consequence technical reports, possibly multi-disciplinary
  • Understanding of the federal, provincial, and municipal regulatory requirements for ecology related projects in British Columbia and/or Alberta
  • Conducting field work, and willingness to travel to undertake field work 
  • Certification in electrofishing (preferred is Crew Lead Certification)
  • Managing and planning fish and wildlife salvage programs
  • Fish and wildlife identification skills
  • Water quality sampling and analysis
  • Managing multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail 
  • Collecting, managing, and analyzing data 
  • Driving UTVs in remote locations
  • Valid driver's license (an MVR check will be performed prior to hire)
  • Positive attitude, extraordinary communication and interpersonal skills
  • Flexible with project types/sizes and responsibilities

• Experience in the following is an asset:
  • Project management
  • Restoration plan and habitat offset development
  • Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program development
  • Preparing Water Sustainability Act applications and restoration plans (BC)
  • Preparing Water Act applications and restoration plans (AB)
  • Construction monitoring
  • Developing field protocols for deploying remote operated vehicles or drones
  • Working closely with hydrologists and hydraulic modellers
  • Assessing fish distribution, abundance, and health
  • Benthic invertebrate sampling program development
  • Experience working with Indigenous communities 
  • Statistical experience 

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Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture!  Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility.  Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

The salary range for this position is $86,153 to $143.588.  The posted salary range represents the expected hiring range for GHD locations in its major city centres. Ranges may vary for positions in other locations. At GHD, base salary is determined by your skills, experience, qualifications and work location. We are committed to offering competitive compensation and adhere to all relevant pay transparency legislation.  

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruiting is just getting started and may be used during the process to improve efficiency and fairness. Your application may be reviewed by both AI and our hiring team. While AI supports some steps through the process, all final hiring decisions are made by humans

Take on some of the world’s toughest challenges - with everyone at GHD backing you every step of the way. We'll give you control over your career, empower you to find innovative solutions and help you create a lasting impact. See where your commitment could take you with GHD.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.