Aquatics Biologist

Location

Alberta

Position type

Full Time

Close date

Open until suitable candidate found

Corporate profile

Maskwa Environmental Consulting Ltd. (Maskwa) is a professional consulting firm based in Calgary, Alberta. We are searching for an Aquatic Biologist - Field Operations Lead to join our growing team. We specialize in planning, permitting, strategy development and implementation, and environmental services. We provide senior level expertise to help our clients navigate through the complex maze of environmental regulations and regulatory compliance required for projects across the energy sector. Our clients are diverse represent several market segments: renewable energy, electrical transmission and distribution, municipal, and oil and gas. We pride ourselves on our vibrant corporate culture and progressive work environment that offers flexible working arrangements, opportunities for training, and benefit programs.

Job description

The ideal candidate will employ their knowledge of aquatic species and habitats to support our clients in the planning and permitting of new projects, construction monitoring, and post-construction assessments. Their primary role will be in leading field assessments, construction/water quality monitoring, and fish rescues; however, it is expected that the successful candidate will assist in an interdisciplinary role where they will have aquatic biology responsibilities and other ongoing responsibilities (e.g., report writing, proposal strategy and development). They will assist interdisciplinary project teams with classifying watercourses, sensitive aquatic habitats, completing field studies, developing appropriate mitigations, and preparing relevant notifications and applications for submission to applicable regulators. The ideal candidate will be motivated to coach and mentor staff, helping foster an environment of effective knowledge transfer and continual improvement. The ideal candidate will have a great attitude, a willingness to grow as a professional, and can jump in to contribute to our continued growth.

Core qualifications

• University degree (e.g., B.Sc. or M.Sc.) in an environment focused program such as Environmental Science, Biology, or related discipline or a technical diploma in biological sciences.
• 3+ years of aquatic field survey experience focused on assessing fish presence, habitat, potential for negative effects, and mitigation measures.
• Meet the definition of a qualified aquatic environment specialist (QAES).
• Strong working knowledge of provincial and federal regulatory regime (e.g., Water Act, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Fisheries and Oceans Canada).
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize work.
• Effectively communicate aquatic species and habitat requirements to our diverse project teams and clients.
• Team-oriented and suited to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Self-directed and able to work independently.

The preferred candidate will have the following attributes to support our team and our clients:

• Experience in applying regulations to various energy-sector projects, with priority given to experience in pipelines, electrical transmission/distribution, and renewable energy.
• Electro-fishing training
• Working knowledge of regulatory regime in other western Canadian jurisdictions.
• Sense of initiative, with an open-minded approach to participating in different types of projects, tasks, and responsibilities associated with a growing business.
• An unwavering commitment to health and safety.

Core responsibilities

• Lead field assessments for aquatic species and habitat.
• Complete data entry and technical report writing for aquatic species and habitats including recommendations for mitigation measures to limit negative effects on the aquatic environment.
• Complete and submit regulatory applications and notifications, including but not limited to Fish Research License, Species at Risk permit, Fisheries and Oceans Canada request for review, Water Act Codes of Practice notifications, Water Act approval applications, and Transport Canada approval applications.
• Conduct fish rescues, water quality monitoring, and environmental inspection during instream work, providing ongoing QAES recommendations where appropriate.
• Mentor and train junior staff on established aquatic/fisheries survey techniques and protocols.
• Contribute to other biophysical assessment survey programs and reporting, project management, business development, as required (it is not expected that this role will only involve aquatic species and habitat tasks).
• Assist with proposal writing and cost estimating for proposals.
• Review, analyze and apply regulatory guidelines/legislation to project work; particularly from an aquatic and fisheries management/mitigation perspective.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely in remote settings.
• Deliver in a fast-paced, dynamic working environment.
• Collaborate with staff across the company and externally in completing deliverables.
• Complete required corporate operation and administrative activities (time entry, expense submissions, invoicing, reporting, etc.) as required, in a timely manner.
• Support Maskwa employees in day-to-day business operations.

Diverse perspectives and approaches make us stronger

Maskwa strives to create a fair, diverse, inclusive workplace where all voices are heard with respect and treated equally, where we are accountable to each other. Everyone should feel comfortable to be their true authentic selves.

Compensation package

Maskwa offers a competitive salary, bonus structure, and benefits that are reflective of skillset and experience.

Location

This is a full-time hybrid position, preferably based out of our Calgary office located at Avenue SE or the Edmonton field office located at Avenue NW. Within this role, travel throughout Alberta will be required. Remote work would be considered for certain candidates.

How to apply

To apply submit a cover letter and resume as a PDF attachment to with the subject line Aquatic Biologist.

Your application will be treated with the strictest of confidence. Only short-listed candidates that have submitted through the company email address that meet the core responsibilities/qualifications will be considered.