AAR Environmental Services*
Trusted. Practical. Effective.
About the Role
AAR Environmental Services (AARES) is the terrestrial division of Applied Aquatic Research (AAR) Ltd. a full-service, natural resource, environmental consultancy based in Calgary. AARES provides regulatory and application support for the energy, mining, residential and municipal developments, transportation sectors, and governments across western Canada and the Arctic. A culture of support, balance, mentorship and continuous growth within a tightly knit and entertaining environment with opportunity to work across a wide variety of challenging and different experiences make for a unique place to work. This is a career, not just a job.
Our team seeks personable, committed and enthusiastic biologists. The individual(s) must enjoy working with people and be concise and clear communicators in both written and spoken media. Successful candidates will work as part of, or lead a multi-disciplinary project team and, depending upon experience, may undertake project management, client liaison, drafting reports and applications, and conducting technical reviews.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
AARES* is seeking both Wildlife and Fish Biologists to join our team at our Sunalta, Calgary office. Working under the general direction of experienced leads or senior management, this position will be responsible for participating in fish and wildlife related project field and office work and will provide an opportunity for the right candidates to learn much and grow professionally and personally.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Successful candidates will be personable, enthusiastic, and easy to work with in field and office settings. Depending upon experience, capability, and initiative, responsibilities may include:
• Participating in or leading fish and/or wildlife related fieldwork (e.g., sweeps, surveys, salvages, habitat assessments, monitoring programs)
• Data collection, management, and analysis
• Interpretation and assessment of species’ habitat requirements
• Assisting in proposal writing, study design and implementation
• Performing background research and analysis, including consultation with government agencies
• Drafting well-written reports and correspondences for senior review; drawing upon technical and scientific knowledge, training and experience
• Learning to manage small- to medium-sized projects, communicating with clients and reporting to senior staff
• Working within a team environment and communicate effectively with all levels of staff
• Learning to train and mentor junior staff
• Being flexible for short-notice field programs, ranging from 1-day to 3-weeks in length
• Willingness to work in the field for up to 12 hours per day, in sometimes remote locations, as well as stay overnight at hotels or camps as required (Note: no pets allowed)
• Other duties as assigned/required
Requirements
PREFERENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
• A University degree (B.Sc or M.Sc) in Ecology, Biology, and/or other Biological Science
• Registered as a Professional Biologist (P. Biol.) with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, or a Biologist in Training (BIT)
• A minimum of 3 seasons of field experience is preferred
• Experience working in ecosystems within Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, and/or the Territories
• Strong writing skills, including the ability to write well technically; some reporting experience is preferred
• Understanding the application of relevant legislation (e.g., Species at Risk Act, Wildlife Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Public Lands Act, Fisheries Act, Canadian Navigable Waters Act), as well as regulations and guidelines (e.g., Master Schedule of Standards and Conditions, Sensitive Species Inventory Guidelines)
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as within a team environment and under deadlines
• Excellent communication and organization skills (you are neat and tidy and respect your equipment)
• Developed computer skills with Microsoft including Excel, Word as a minimum
• A familiarity with driving 4X4 trucks, towing, and using field equipment such as ATVs, ARGOs, and GPS
• The ability to work collaboratively with a variety of other professionals in a small organization
• A passion for working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Wildlife Biologists with the following skills will be preferred:
o Strong bird identification skills, by sight and sound;
o Wildlife identification skills and experience in conducting field surveys in Alberta;
o Credible experience with sensitive species surveys in Alberta, including Breeding Bird Surveys;
o Experience with amphibian salvage;
o Experience and skilled in winter wildlife tracking; and/or
o Ability to identify sensitive wildlife features (i.e., dens, nests, leks, mineral licks).
• Fish Biologists with the following skills will be preferred:
o Strong fish ID skills (Alberta / western Canada);
o Experience with fish salvages including use of backpack / boat / float electrofishers;
o Experience with conducting Fish Habitat Assessments and Inventories; and/or
o Experience with conducting spawning surveys (e.g., redd and kick-net)
Offers of employment for safety-sensitive positions involving fieldwork are contingent upon candidates being able to perform key physical tasks of the job as described in the job posting and interview. This may include the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions (e.g., remote or isolated areas, active construction sites, established facilities), perform heavy lifting, hiking long distances through challenging terrain, working alone, and in inclement weather (within safe and reasonable limits). Successful candidates will also be required to meet client requirements regarding drug and alcohol testing.
HOW TO APPLY:
We offer a competitive wage, benefits and vacation packages. Please submit cover letter and resume to vlukasik@aares.ca. Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
About the Company
AAR Environmental Services (a division of Applied Aquatic Research Ltd.) is a Canadian full-service environmental consulting company based in Calgary, Alberta. Our talented teams provide a diverse suite of services, including aquatic and terrestrial biology, agronomy, hydrology, project management, archaeology, and environmental planning. We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic candidates who have a positive attitude, enjoy working in a dynamic and challenging team environment, and are interested in developing a professional career in the environmental sector.