Intermediate Biologist

Biologist – Seabird Observer

Overview/Responsibilities

WSP Canada Limited is currently seeking a Biologist-Seabird Observer to join our team in St. John’s, NL. The successful candidate will work within the Marine Sciences Group, under the supervision of the Team Lead and/or Group Coordinator. This position entails a diverse range of responsibilities, with a focus on design, management, and implementation of offshore seabird monitoring programs. 

Primary responsibilities will include designing and conducting avian environmental field programs conducting background research and data analysis, and providing detailed reporting on a variety of projects, as delegated by the Team Lead and/or Group Coordinator. Other opportunities may arise to help other groups under the St. John’s office, such as the Natural Sciences Group. 

The position is to be staffed in St. John’s, with work locations throughout the Atlantic provinces. 

Key Experience and Qualifications

• A university degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology or a related discipline with at least three to five (3-5) years relevant experience conducting avian surveys;
• Excellent communication and written skills with a demonstrated ability to write detailed technical reports and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues;
• Experience or training in some or all of the following:
  • Avian species identification;
  • Seabird ecology;
  • Offshore seabird observation surveys; 
  • Stranded seabird surveys; 
  • ECCC-CWS protocols and guidelines (e.g., Eastern Canada Seabird at Sea protocols) and ECSAS database.
  • Environmental impact assessments, permitting and monitoring programs; 
• Relevant technical or regulatory experience from the consulting industry;
• Able to work effectively as a member of a team, and independently with minimal supervision and direction;
• Strong awareness of health and safety issues, a safety-conscious attitude, and excellent team-working and communication skills;
• Willingness to travel, including to remote locations and outside standard office hours, including overnight stays; and
• You want to experience what it’s like to work for the leading environmental consulting firm globally and be part of a growing and thriving team

Asset Qualifications

• Experience with conducting avian surveys and species identification using seabird detection technologies (e.g., tracking, radar, IR Cameras)
• Experience in terrestrial bird surveys: Breeding bird count surveys, migration surveys, and nesting surveys;
• Certified in MED-DVS or equivalent within the last five years.
• Experience with boating and trailering
• Pleasure Craft Operator / Small Vessel Operator Proficiency certification
• First Aid certification
• Marine mammal observer training and/or passive acoustic monitoring training
• Fluent in the use of standard Microsoft Office software including Excel and Word

Compensation and Benefits

WSP will offer a competitive salary based on the successful candidates experience and knowledge. Standard work weeks will be 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday. Overtime, weekend, and remote work may be required on a project specific basis.

Company Overview

WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering professional services firms, with 65,000 staff, based in more than 500 offices, across 40 countries, including a strong local presence in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a single-source provider of both technical and advisory services, WSP helps its clients reduce risk while saving time and resources. Globally, WSP has been active in providing environmental, engineering and advisory services to the wind power industry for over 20 years. Our expertise spans strategic and project services support, regulatory roadmaps and permitting, environmental assessment, onshore and offshore geotechnics and geophysics, distribution networks, onshore civils and structures, quality services, and health and safety. Atlantic WSP offices have senior staff members with extensive experience and highly specialized expertise related to projects in nearshore and offshore environments. A particular strength in this context are the comprehensive EA and environmental services that have been successfully provided for many years to onshore wind clients in the Maritimes and to the industrial clients throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes a wide range of baseline environmental characterization, environmental monitoring, data analyses and EAs (project, strategic).