Wildlife Biologist Discipline Lead

Owl Moon Environmental Inc. (www.owlmoon.ca) promotes the advancement of environmental research and monitoring based on sound scientific principles. We’re proud to use advanced technologies and analytical methods to examine wildlife populations and habitat use in the oil sands region. We encourage originality and innovation to improve knowledge of environmental effects and recovery of wildlife populations and the habitats that support wildlife, while meeting the regulatory requirements and scientific needs of our clients. To our team members, we offer the opportunity to work in a scientifically rigorous, safety-conscious and respectful environment. Our team members receive competitive compensation, including paid vacation and sick leave, life and health insurance benefits including a Health Spending Account, and an RRSP with employer contributions. We are looking for a Wildlife Biologist to be our discipline lead in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Duties include ensuring that the day-to-day operations of our field monitoring programs are completed safely with a high level of technical expertise within budget, schedule, and work scope. We are looking for someone to oversee the execution of our field programs, train, supervise and mentor team members, and support our COR-certified HSE program. Work would be from a home office and in the field. The successful applicant should have a post-secondary degree in zoology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field, and have team leadership experience. The successful applicant should also be registered or qualified to register as a Professional Biologist in Alberta. Some preferred candidate traits are a graduate degree in a related field, authorship of paper(s) published in peer-reviewed journal(s), and experience handling wildlife including banding birds. Responsibilities

• Mentor and supervise the wildlife team to ensure operational excellence and compliance with company safety and HR policies and procedures
• Execute field programs safely and within budget, schedule, and work scope with a high level of technical capability
• Train and coach team members with feedback on safe work performance, work planning, quality data collection, and strong technical performance
• Mentor team members in support of their professional development
• Build strong relationships with clients and ensure all site access and activities comply with site requirements
• Manage field schedules, adjusting plans and tasks when required, and approving short-term time-off requests
• Support the COR-certified HSE program through day-to-day communication of safety messages, oversight, responding to near misses and incidents, and support investigations as needed
• Participate in field programs to provide team support either as scheduled or when emergent needs arise
• Provide environmental data quality assurance and control, and database management
• Guide specialists conducting statistical analyses to be presented in reports, presentations, and manuscripts in scientific journals
• Manage an equipment inventory and ensure equipment repairs, service, and replacements are completed for field program mobilization and corporate insurance coverage
• Other duties as required

What you need to succeed

• Post-secondary degree in zoology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field from a recognized university
• 8 years of post-graduate experience in a consulting environment or equivalent
• Registered or qualified to register as a Professional Biologist in Alberta
• Experience leading and coaching small to medium-sized teams, promoting team wellness, unity, and performance
• Ability to manage budgets, logistics, and resources
• Strong writing skills for technical reports or peer-reviewed journal articles
• Experience presenting technical material to clients, regulators, communities, stakeholders and the public
• Thorough understanding of terrestrial environmental monitoring programs, protocols, procedures, and regulatory permitting requirements
• Thorough understanding of Alberta and Canadian environmental regulatory legislation, regulations, and client compliance reporting requirements
• Ability to identify boreal wildlife by sight, vocalization, and sign
• Experience conducting surveys for breeding or migratory birds, amphibians, and mammals
• Thorough understanding of wildlife habitat and habitat requirements across taxa
• Experience interpreting large, multiyear ecological datasets
• Computer proficiency, including formatting in MS Word, formulas and analytical tools in Excel, and styles in PowerPoint
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License, clean driving record, and a 3-year documented vehicle insurance history

What would give you an edge

• Graduate degree in a related field
• Authorship of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Experience with statistical modelling and spatial data analyses
• Wildlife handling and bird banding experience
• Experience driving 4WD trucks in 4WD conditions and ATV/UTVs, including loading/unloading and trailering