The Junior Aquatic Biologist will organize and perform field tasks in a safe and effective manner. The biologist will support various field components of small- and large-scale environmental projects in the utility, mining, port, oil and gas, government, and private sectors. Environmental projects will involve natural resource management, with a focus on freshwater/estuarine aquatic resources, as well as fish and fish habitat. The biologist will also periodically provide support related to construction environmental monitoring, water quality management, and erosion and sediment control, as well as support report and permit preparation working closely with Senior Professionals, Project Leads and other Intermediate and Senior Biologists.
This role is a mix of field and office roles and will require travel to field sites, sometimes remote, and sometimes for extended periods of time. Field work can be physical, and the successful candidate must be comfortable working outdoors throughout all seasons. Projects are located throughout BC and some travel out-of-town will be required. This position will work under supervision of an experienced Biologist but does require an individual that can take on tasks and work independently.
The successful candidate should meet the following requirements and will be expected to perform the following job duties:
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Minimum Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from a biology, environmental sciences, or other applicable University program. A Master’s degree is considered an asset.
- Registered or Eligibility for registration as a Biologist-in-Training (BIT) or Professional Biologist (RPBio) with the College of Applied Biology (BC).
- Minimum of 1-2 years experience (or a field-research graduate degree) in the field of aquatic or fish biology and/or environmental sciences.
- Proficient writing skills and statistical understanding.
- Data management and analyses in R would be an asset.
- Class Five drivers’ license with a clean driving abstract.
Additional Skill (preferred):
- Experience with fish and/or aquatic field work (i.e., sampling fish, fish handling, tagging, dissecting, water quality, lower trophic etc.).
- Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, and Geographic Information Systems software.
- Occupational First Aid Level 1.
- Electrofishing Crew Supervisor Certificate (an asset).
- Swift Water Rescue training (an asset).
Responsibilities:
- Collect, input, organize and analyze data, and plan/undertake/lead field activities, including scoping and implementing baseline field programs, salvage programs, and various surveys in different aquatic areas (i.e., riparian vegetation, aquatic resources, fish and fish habitat, watercourse and wetland delineation).
- QA/QC of data collection and analysis.
- Statistical analysis where applicable.
- Prepare or contribute to written reports to fulfill the specific requirements of an individual project including:
- Technical Memorandums, formal reports, regulatory approval applications,
- Digital presentations, and
- Peer reviewed journal articles.
- Act as an Environmental Monitor on construction projects involving natural resource management, including instream works and works in sensitive environments.
- Work with teams of environmental specialists responsible for scoping and conducting environmental baseline surveys and impact assessments in conformance with local, provincial, and federal regulations.
- Take the lead on specific tasks, taking direction from others, and collaborating with colleagues to maximize work productivity and quality.
- Maintain and calibrate equipment used for environmental field programs.
- Maintain positive relationships with existing and new clients.
- Anticipate and communicate when a task cannot be completed on time or on budget.
