Senior Aquatic Biologist​/Water Quality Specialist

Position: Senior Aquatic Biologist / Water Quality Specialist
Overview   My client is a long-established Canadian environmental consulting firm with 30 years of experience, recognized for its deep technical specialization in mining and mining-adjacent projects. Originally founded as a boutique geochemistry practice, the firm has evolved into a highly integrated team of geochemists, hydro geologists, hydrologists, climate scientists, and aquatic specialists who focus almost exclusively on complex water, geochemistry, and regulatory challenges.
My client is seeking a  Senior Aquatic Biologist / Water Quality Specialist  to take on a senior technical role focused on water quality interpretation, aquatic risk, and mine permitting. Success in this role is measured by the ability to independently interpret water quality model outputs, produce regulator-ready technical deliverables, guide clients through high-scrutiny permitting pathways, and provide credible, strategic advice to both regulators and project teams.

This is a core role for a senior professional, with accountability for defensible science, regulatory risk reduction, and continuity of expertise across major mining projects.
Remote / WFH / Hybrid:  Hybrid, must live in lower mainland Vancouver
Travel:
Salary:  $110k - $170k DOE, plus health benefits, RRSP matching, annual performance bonuses.
The final salary will reflect the qualifications, relevant experience, expertise, and professional designations that each candidate brings to the role. Individuals who offer additional strengths or bring exceptional value to the team will be considered for compensation beyond the stated range, as our client recognizes and rewards unique contributions.
Role Scope    Water Quality and Aquatic Risk Strategically Interpreted :
Independently review and interpret water quality model outputs, baseline datasets, and predictive scenarios to determine aquatic risk, regulatory defensibility, and implications for mine permitting and environmental assessment.
Aquatic Toxicology Applied to Regulatory Decision-Making :
Evaluate predicted concentrations against provincial and federal aquatic life guidelines, site-specific benchmarks, and science-based environmental benchmarks, translating toxicological results into clear regulatory and mitigation decisions.
Mine Permitting and EA Inputs Delivered at Senior Standard :
Lead preparation of water quality and aquatic-related technical inputs for mine permitting applications, environmental assessments, and effluent discharge approvals under high regulatory scrutiny.
Initial Dilution Zones and Alternative Compliance Pathways Evaluated :
Assess the technical feasibility, regulatory acceptability, and risk associated with Initial Dilution Zones, mixing zones, and alternative compliance approaches, advising clients when such pathways are not viable.
Management Plans Developed With Clear Triggers and Outcomes :
Prepare and review selenium, nitrogen, ammonia, and other water-quality management plans, including Trigger–Action–Response Plans that are practical, defensible, and implementable.
Senior-Level Technical Author or Reviewer of Regulator-Ready Reports :
Produce or review water quality prediction reports, technical assessment reports, and permitting documentation to a senior author standard suitable for regulator and third-party review.
Cross-Disciplinary Integration Achieved :
Integrate water quality and aquatic risk interpretation with geochemistry, hydrology, hydrogeology, climate inputs, and mine planning to support defensible, whole-system decisions.
Client and Regulator Confidence Strengthened :
Provide credible, senior-level technical input in meetings with mining clients, engineers, regulators, and water boards, clearly explaining risks, uncertainty, and mitigation options.
Responsibilities
Lead interpretation and review of water quality model outputs, assumptions, uncertainty, and regulatory implications.
Apply aquatic toxicology principles to assess predicted effects on aquatic life and downstream environments.
Author and review water quality–related sections of:  Water quality prediction and modeling reports
Environmental assessment applications
Effluent discharge permit submissions

Develo…