Senior Fisheries Biologist

The Opportunity

McElhanney is seeking a Senior Fisheries Biologist to join our growing team. In this position, you’ll play a key role in shaping the early design and planning of complex projects across the region. Your expertise will directly contribute to sustainable community development and infrastructure through work focused on fish and fish habitat – ranging from baseline and impact assessments to habitat restoration, regulatory permitting, and environmental management.

You’ll work across a diverse portfolio of projects in our core market sectors: cities and communities, energy and resources, and transportation and transit. As a technical leader, you’ll collaborate with senior leadership and provide mentorship to junior and intermediate team members, helping to shape the next generation of environmental professionals.

At McElhanney, we are a solution-focused team of environmental experts delivering integrated, multi-disciplinary services in planning, design, permitting, construction, risk mitigation, assessment, remediation, and reclamation. Recognized as trusted advisors to industry, First Nations groups, and municipal and private clients, we’re committed to protecting ecological integrity while meeting our clients’ goals with innovative, nature-based solutions.

• All stages of environmental studies, including study design, data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
• Providing environmental advice and solutions to guide design and assist with planning.
• Coordinating regulatory permitting for Approvals, Project Reviews, Authorizations, and Fish Salvages.
• Assisting other senior leaders with short- and long-term project planning.
• Designing and implementing habitat mitigation and compensation measures.
• Mentoring junior staff members of the environmental team.
• Coordinating or overseeing Environmental Management and monitoring during project construction phases.
• Assisting with proposal preparation, business development, and delivery of work that drives repeat business.
• Understanding, committing to, and promoting the McElhanney Quality Management System, ISO 9001, and all client quality, safety, and environmental management systems.

• 8+ years of fish and fish habitat experience related to baseline assessments, impact assessment, and aquatic habitat restoration and design.
• At minimum, a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecological Restoration, or a related field.
• Registration in good standing in British Columbia as an RPBio, or eligibility to register within 6 months, is required.
• Demonstrable experience with the following: environmental regulatory permitting, fish inventory, habitat classification, and environmental management.
• Proven report writing experience and strong communication abilities.
• Experience liaising with clients, First Nations, and government agencies.
• Possession of a valid BC driver’s license is required at the time of hire.

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $140,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

• Work-Life Harmony: Balance your personal and professional commitments. Flexible hours to fit your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A culture of respect and inclusion for all.
• Compensation: Attractive total compensation package including a generous bonus plan and share ownership potential.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, workshops, and committee involvement.
• Career Progression: Support and mentorship to shape a career path that fits your goals.
• Relocation Support: Financial assistance if applicable.

At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process.

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements outlined. We’re interested in getting to know you and explore the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney!