Senior Fisheries Biologist

About McElhanney

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee-owned and operated firm, with over 1,400 staff members in 31 locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity

McElhanney is seeking a Senior Fisheries Biologist to join our growing team. In this position, you’ll play a key role in shaping the early design and planning of complex projects across the region. Your expertise will directly contribute to sustainable community development and infrastructure through work focused on fish and fish habitat – ranging from baseline and impact assessments to habitat restoration, regulatory permitting, and environmental management.

You’ll work across a diverse portfolio of projects in our core market sectors: cities and communities, energy and resources, and transportation and transit. As a technical leader, you’ll collaborate with senior leadership and provide mentorship to junior and intermediate team members, helping to shape the next generation of environmental professionals.

At McElhanney, we are a solution-focused team of environmental experts delivering integrated, multi-disciplinary services in planning, design, permitting, construction, risk mitigation, assessment, remediation, and reclamation. Recognized as trusted advisors to industry, First Nations groups, and municipal and private clients, we’re committed to protecting ecological integrity while meeting our clients’ goals with innovative, nature-based solutions.

What You’ll Be Doing

• All stages of environmental studies, including study design, data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
• Providing environmental advice and solutions to guide design and assist with planning.
• Coordinating regulatory permitting for Approvals, Project Reviews, Authorizations, and Fish Salvages.
• Assisting other senior leaders with short- and long-term project planning.
• Designing and implementing habitat mitigation and compensation measures.
• Mentoring junior staff members of the environmental team.
• Coordinating or overseeing Environmental Management and monitoring during project construction phases.
• Assisting with proposal preparation, business development, and delivery of work that drives repeat business.
• Understanding, committing to, and promoting the McElhanney Quality Management System, ISO 9001, and all client quality, safety, and environmental management systems.

What You’ll Bring

• 8+ years of fish and fish habitat experience related to baseline assessments, impact assessment, and aquatic habitat restoration and design.
• At minimum, a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecological Restoration, or a related field.
• Registration in good standing in British Columbia as an RPBio, or eligibility to register within 6 months, is required.
• Demonstrable experience with the following: environmental regulatory permitting, fish inventory, habitat classification, and environmental management.
• Proven report writing experience and strong communication abilities.
• Experience liaising with clients, First Nations, and government agencies.
• Possession of a valid BC driver’s license is required at the time of hire.

What Can We Offer You?

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $140,000 per annum. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

• Work-Life Harmony: Balance your personal and professional commitments. Flexible hours to fit your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program.
• Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A culture of respect and inclusion for all.
• Compensation: Attractive total compensation package including a generous bonus plan and share ownership potential.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, workshops, and committee involvement.
• Career Progression: Support and mentorship to shape a career path that fits your goals.
• Relocation Support: Financial assistance if applicable.

This role is designated as a safety sensitive position.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process. If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements outlined. We’re interested in getting to know you and explore the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney!

If this is the opportunity for you, apply now or visit to learn more. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about our recognition here: McElhanney Requalifies as a Gold Standard Best Managed Company!

Visit us on Glassdoor to learn more about our employee experience.

Our Purpose: Amaze our clients. Care for our communities. Empower our people.

McElhanney is aware of activities where individuals have received fraudulent job offers. Please be advised that McElhanney will not ask applicants for any form of monetary exchange at any point in the recruitment process. To learn more visit: . The disclosure of your information in accordance with this Policy and applicable law, including to third party service providers may result in your personal information being transferred outside of Canada, including to the United States. Such transferred personal information may be subject to the laws of these other countries and the laws of other countries regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information may be different from the laws of Canada.