Environmental Scientist / Biologist

Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Education: Four-year degree required
Minimum Experience: 5 years
Travel Requirements: Approximately 80%
Supervisory Responsibilities: No formal management responsibility

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Environmental Scientist/Biologist to join a growing environmental consulting team. This role is suited to a detail-oriented professional with strong biophysical assessment skills, sound technical judgment, and a commitment to environmental compliance, safety, and continuous professional development.

The organization provides multidisciplinary environmental consulting services to clients across the energy, oil and gas, forestry, mining, agriculture, and municipal sectors. Services include environmental assessments, regulatory compliance, construction monitoring, permitting support, and environmental planning.

The successful candidate will contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects, working both independently and collaboratively with technical specialists, contractors, clients, and regulatory authorities. The position involves extensive fieldwork, including assignments in remote and forested environments, and may require extended periods away from the home office.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Competitive compensation, vacation, wellness days, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a health spending account.
• Employee incentive opportunities, including performance bonuses and retirement savings matching.
• Potential hybrid work arrangements when project requirements permit.
• A varied project portfolio with opportunities for professional development.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and safety-focused working environment.

General Qualifications

• Degree or diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution in Environmental Science or a related discipline; a four-year degree is preferred or required for the position.
• Five or more years of relevant environmental consulting experience in Alberta or British Columbia.
• Professional registration, or eligibility for registration, with a recognized provincial professional association, such as:
  • Professional Biologist (PBiol) or Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio).
  • Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Registered Technical Agrologist (RTAg).
  • Registered Professional Forester (RPF).
• Alberta Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist (QAES) certification and/or wetland specialist qualifications are considered assets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Current safety certifications are considered an asset.
• Valid Class 5 driver's licence and a clean driving record.
• Willingness to undertake extensive travel and field assignments in remote locations.

Required Competencies

• Strong biophysical assessment skills, including the identification and classification of waterbodies, wildlife, soils, and vegetation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of environmental legislation, regulatory requirements, permitting processes, and industry best practices.
• Effective project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, scope control, and client service.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance capabilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills when working with clients, regulators, contractors, and project teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Commitment to health, safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work effectively in remote, forested, and physically demanding field environments.
• Strong technical report writing, documentation, and quality assurance skills.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Assessments and Fieldwork

• Conduct field-based environmental assessments, including wildlife, vegetation, and wetland assessments.
• Complete pre- and post-construction site assessments, environmental monitoring, and construction inspection reports.
• Identify and classify watercourses and waterbodies and collect supporting environmental data.
• Conduct aquatic and fish habitat assessments.
• Work collaboratively with field teams in remote and forested locations.
• Undertake assignments requiring frequent travel and periods away from the home office.

Construction Monitoring and Environmental Compliance

• Review construction activities and provide direction to contractors regarding stream crossing installations, water quality protection, fish salvage, soil stripping, and erosion and sediment control.
• Work with project management and construction teams to verify compliance with environmental best practices, permits, regulatory requirements, and project commitments.
• Identify environmental non-conformances and recommend practical corrective measures.
• Support implementation of environmental protection measures throughout project construction and execution.

Technical Reporting and Environmental Planning

• Prepare and review technical reports covering wildlife, vegetation, wetlands, construction monitoring, site inspections, and watercourse and waterbody classifications.
• Develop and implement wildlife management plans, Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs), and erosion and sediment control plans.
• Maintain accurate field records, assessment data, and project documentation.
• Ensure technical deliverables meet applicable quality standards, regulatory requirements, and project objectives.

Project Management and Technical Leadership

• Coordinate and manage environmental consulting projects ranging from smaller assignments to more complex engagements.
• Support project planning, scheduling, budgeting, resource coordination, and scope management.
• Provide technical direction and guidance to junior and intermediate team members.
• Delegate assignments effectively, communicate expectations, monitor progress, and identify project constraints.
• Promote technical quality, consistency, and timely completion of project deliverables.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and internal stakeholders to support effective service delivery.

Client and Regulatory Relations

• Build and maintain positive client relationships through responsive communication and practical environmental solutions.
• Provide environmental regulatory expertise and support clients in meeting compliance obligations.
• Communicate with regulatory authorities and represent client interests in regulatory discussions as required.
• Collaborate with contractors, consultants, and project stakeholders to resolve environmental issues and support project objectives.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Stewardship

• Demonstrate a strong safety-first approach in all field and project activities.
• Identify, report, and support the resolution of hazards, near misses, and incidents.
• Provide health, safety, and environmental guidance to junior team members.
• Lead project-level hazard assessments and promote safe work practices.
• Support a culture of environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced environmental professional with a strong background in biophysical assessments, aquatic and fish habitat evaluation, environmental compliance, and field-based consulting. They combine technical expertise with project management capabilities, effective communication, and the ability to mentor colleagues while delivering high-quality work in demanding field conditions.