Intermediate or Senior Aquatics Biologist

  • Grande Prairie, AB Fort St John, BC
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 months ago
Location: Grande Prairie, AB / Fort St. John, BC / Dawson Creek, BC regionsIf you're passionate about your work, thrive in a collaborative and values-driven culture, and are committed to delivering exceptional client experiences, this role may be for you!Growing AJM's Regional Presence:AJM Environmental is intentionally expanding its presence in Northeast British Columbia and Northwest Alberta in response to growing client demand and active project work in the region. We are taking a people-first approach by hiring experienced, locally based professionals who understand the landscape, regional regulatory environments, and the realities of working in northern and industrial settings.This role is ideal for someone who wants to help build AJM's presence locally, while being fully supported by a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team. We are seeking technically strong professionals with an entrepreneurial mindset - people who are comfortable working independently, building trusted client relationships, and contributing to how AJM grows in the region.About AJM Environmental:AJM Environmental provides aquatics, wetlands, vegetation, wildlife, and geospatial & data services in support of responsible development. Our work spans pre-development assessments, regulatory approvals, and environmental monitoring, with a focus on delivering fit-for-purpose solutions that simplify environmental and regulatory challenges while balancing economic activity and environmental stewardship. We are committed to delivering meaningful, high-value outcomes for our clients.AJM offers a fast-paced, flexible work environment with a high degree of autonomy. Our strong culture is consistently identified by our team as a key reason people choose to work - and stay - at AJM. We are an equal opportunity employer and value the diverse perspectives that drive innovation, creativity, and effective problem-solving. Safety is foundational to everything we do.Position Overview:This posting is for an Intermediate or Senior Aquatics Biologist based in Grande Prairie, Fort St. John, or Dawson Creek who will play a key role in supporting and expanding AJM's presence in the region.The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound professional judgment, and the ability to operate with a high degree of independence while remaining closely connected to AJM's multi-disciplinary team. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys balancing field execution, client engagement, and strategic thinking, and who is motivated by the opportunity to help grow a regional presence within a well-established firm.While the role is remote, it is locally rooted, requiring strong regional knowledge, comfort working in the field, and regular engagement with clients, regulators, and project teams operating in the area.You'll Thrive at AJM If You're Motivated By:
  • A fast-paced and dynamic consulting environment;
  • Being part of a growing company where individual efforts are recognized;
  • Opportunities to influence work beyond a narrow technical scope and learn about a variety of aspects of the environmental industry; and
  • A strong and supportive team culture grounded in trust, accountability, hard work and fun!
Roles & Responsibilities:
  • Lead or support the design, planning and implementation of aquatics field programs;
  • Conduct fieldwork in a safe, technically defensible, and efficient manner;
  • Lead field crews and take ownership of crew safety, mentoring junior staff on safety and leading by example;
  • Collaborate with wildlife, wetlands, vegetation, and regulatory specialists on integrated project delivery;
  • Provide mentorship to junior staff in both field and office settings, supporting their technical and professional development;
  • Analyze or supervise field data synthesis and develop responsible management and mitigation recommendations;
  • Write clearly and succinctly to convey environmental considerations and results to clients;
  • Develop or support the development of regulatory applications and liaise between regulators and clients as required;
  • Support, and in some cases lead, business development efforts through formal (e.g., proposal writing) and informal (e.g., networking events) avenues;
  • Maintain technical skills through formal and on-the-job learning; and
  • Work independently, including outside standard office hours when required, to meet project deadlines and client needs.
Mandatory Qualifications:
  • B.Sc. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline (candidates with a relevant technical diploma and considerable relevant work experience may be considered);
  • Registered, or ability to register as a Professional Biologist in Alberta and/or BC (P.Biol and/or R.P. Bio);
  • Minimum three to five-plus years (depending on the role) of relevant industry environmental experience (consulting experience preferred);
  • Meets criterium to provide Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist (QAES) (Alberta), Qualified Environmental Professional (BC) and/or Qualified Person (Saskatchewan) advise in support of responsible development activities;
  • Crew Lead Backpack Electrofishing Certification from Natural Resources Training Group (or other WorkSafe BC recognized vendor) and at least 3 years experience;
  • Experienced and confident in aquatic habitat classification/assessment for freshwater fishes of western Canada and spawning (e.g., redd) surveys - at least 3 years experience;
  • Capable of leading environmental monitoring during construction projects near water (e.g., pipeline crossings, instream isolations) and provision of QAES/QP specifications;
  • Experienced in fish passage/exclusion assessment of infrastructure (e.g., road crossings) and natural features;
  • Physically fit and enjoys performing demanding field work;
  • At least 3 years experience leading fisheries crews;
  • Available for extended field work (up to 14 consecutive days, remote settings); and
  • A valid class 5 drivers' license, clean driving record and a minimum of 3 years auto insurance history.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagging experience (2 years);
  • Benthic Invertebrate sampling certification and 2 years experience (e.g., CABIN);
  • Experience with habitat restoration/reclamation techniques (e.g., bioengineering);
  • Experience implementing habitat offsetting monitoring programs;
  • Valid WHMIS (2015), TDG, H2S Alive, Standard First Aid (with CPR) certification;
  • Technical report development (you may be asked to provide 2 samples as lead author);
  • Swiftwater Rescue Technician training; and
  • Snorkel survey competency training or related experience.
Core Competencies & Attributes:
  • A willingness to go the extra mile and a commitment to developing your career at AJM;
  • A self-starter who thrives in a demanding environment working both as part of a team and independently;
  • Great communication skills and strong technical writing competencies;
  • Experience providing guidance, mentorship and support to junior staff;
  • Ability to learn and apply new technology (and have fun while doing so!);
  • Personality that prioritizes finding solutions, takes initiative to apply troubleshooting skills, and an ability to fix equipment when working remotely;
  • Attention to detail and commitment to proper equipment care and maintenance;
  • Ability to prioritize competing initiatives, anticipate potential problems and deal with ambiguity;
  • Passion for an active lifestyle and working outdoors, particularly on or near water, in all seasons;
  • Excellent organizational skills and a strong sense of accountability; and
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and interest in helping grow AJM's regional presence!
Safety Requirement:This role is considered safety-sensitive and will require the submission or a drivers abstract and a claims experience letter for proof of driving history, as well as the successful completion of drug screenings at various times during employment.Interested in Joining AJM?If this sounds like you, we would love to chat. Submit your resume and cover letter to the link below and let us know why you are a great fit!This position will remain open until ideal candidates are found. We appreciate all applications received, but only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.Thanks for your interest!To learn more about AJM Environmental, please visit:

Alberta Society of Professional Biologists