Aquatic Ecologist

We are SLR Consulting (Americas), a 1500+ team of advisory, environmental, engineering, and regulatory professionals across Canada, the United States, and LATAM. We deliver environmental and sustainability services to our clients through the integration of over 30 advisory, technical environmental, and engineering disciplines to help clients address some of their most complex challenges around sustainability. We are Making Sustainability Happen.

As our new Aquatic Ecologist (Intermediate to Senior), you will play an important role on an established and growing team of professionals in SLR’s Ecology and Biodiversity practice. In this role, you will support work on mining and other infrastructure projects by providing technical expertise in surface water quality, aquatic assessments, and project management and coordination. Role You will take on the full scope of project management responsibilities, including proposal, design, and ongoing coordination.

You’ll also take on mentorship and leadership responsibilities with our junior team members, as well as field data collection, report writing, and client, Indigenous, and stakeholder communication.

Your role will include supporting existing large infrastructure projects at SLR as well as leading and developing new opportunities within British Columbia for future development, infrastructure, and mining projects. We’ll look to you to bring in-depth knowledge and interest in aquatic ecology, with strengths in surface water quality investigations and assessments, benthic studies, environmental and compliance assessment and monitoring, environmental permitting, and client liaison within federal, provincial, and municipal regulatory frameworks.

This is a unique opportunity to work on high-profile projects with a growing team - so if you’re entrepreneurial at heart, excited about growth, and ready to be given the space to really shine at what you’re good at, you’ll excel with us.
Responsibilities:
Project leadership and management: lead the full project lifecycle, including proposals, scope development, scheduling, budgeting, resourcing, and delivery.
Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage project risks, timelines, and deliverables.
Aquatic field program leadership: plan and lead aquatic field programs using recognized protocols, including water and sediment quality sampling related to fisheries and hydrology assessments, benthic invertebrate studies, and periphyton studies, often in remote locations.
Data analysis and reporting: analyze and interpret field data using statistical software and synthesize results into high-quality technical reports. Assist in preparing baseline reports, environmental assessments, and environmental management plans that meet regulatory and client expectations.
Regulatory compliance: navigate federal, provincial, and municipal regulatory frameworks. Support environmental permitting, compliance monitoring, and regulatory submissions, ensuring projects meet applicable legislative and permit requirements.
Team mentorship: mentor junior staff and field teams through technical guidance, review, and coaching, while promoting safe, efficient, and high-quality field operations.
Client and stakeholder communication: liaise between clients, stakeholders, and senior team members to ensure compliance and project objectives are met.
Business and practice growth:
Support the development of new opportunities and long-term client relationships, helping to grow SLR’s aquatic ecology presence across British Columbia.
Qualifications/Education/Memberships:
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, or Natural Sciences. Master’s degree is considered an asset.
7 to 10+ years of experience in ecological sciences, with at least 3+ years in consulting.
Registered or eligible to be registered as an RPBio.
Experience in surface water and sediment quality investigations and assessments, benthic and periphyton studies, and project management and coordination.
Strong knowledge of aquatic field protocols, including scientific study design and implementation.
CABIN and electrofishing certification is considered an asset.
Experience supporting environmental…