Intermediate Biologist

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee‑owned and operated firm, with over 1,400 staff members in 31 locations, we pride ourselves on providing qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities.

Our employees enjoy working here because of varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits, and collaboration with a team of great professionals.

McElhanney is seeking an experienced and motivated Environmental Biologist to join our Calgary, AB office. The successful candidate will be a full‑time key member of our environmental team and will work with a network of over 60 environmental professionals within the company, spanning a wide range of expertise.

In this role, you will work on a variety of projects across cities and communities, energy and resources, and transportation and transit. Your expertise will influence project execution and the coordination of project‑related tasks such as: field descriptions of wildlife species and their habitats, habitat suitability and capability assessments, fish and fish habitat assessments, synthesis of data into reports, and interpretation and application of environmental statutes including the Wildlife Act, Species at Risk Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Water Act, and Fisheries Act.

• Complete all stages of environmental studies from proposal preparation through data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
• Coordinate and execute baseline studies for wildlife and fisheries to characterize the natural environment within a project’s spatial and temporal assessment boundaries.
• Assess environmental impacts from proposed infrastructure and develop and integrate solutions that comply with regulatory requirements at all government levels.
• Provide environmental advice and solutions to guide engineering designs in accordance with applicable mitigation hierarchies.
• Design and implement terrestrial and aquatic habitat mitigation and compensation measures.
• Coordinate regulatory permitting for research and collection permits, SARA species, Water Act Code of Practice, DFO Project Reviews, Fisheries Act authorizations, and fish and wildlife salvages.
• Perform field work on tasks including biological inventories, environmental assessments, wildlife surveys (birds, reptiles, mammals, and sensitive species), fish and wildlife salvages, and environmental monitoring during construction.
• Mentor junior staff members on technical work, report writing, and interpretation.
• Coordinate or oversee environmental management and monitoring during project construction phases.

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in Biology, Ecological Restoration, or a related field.
• Experience with data collection standards for wildlife and/or fisheries surveys in Alberta.
• 5‑10+ years of Alberta experience in proposal preparation, terrestrial and/or aquatic habitat assessments, permitting, and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and mentor junior members of an integrated consulting team.
• Experience liaising with clients, First Nations, and government agencies.
• Proficiency with GIS, Arc Map, mobile data collection, and/or data management (considered an asset).
• Ability and willingness to work in challenging field conditions, including remote locations, rough terrain, variable weather, and environmentally sensitive or active project sites.

The salary range for this position is $72,000 – $107,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications.

• Work‑Life Harmony: balance personal and professional commitments with flexible hours.
• Comprehensive Benefits: maternity and parental leave top‑up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: a…