Wildlife Biologist - Department Builder
Location: Alberta or British Columbia
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: $85,000 - $125,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
Posting Open Until Suitable Candidate is Found
About Synergy Land and Environmental
Synergy Land and Environmental Services is a growing multi-disciplinary consulting firm providing archaeology, land, and environmental services across Western Canada. With offices in Calgary, Fort St. John, St. Albert, Prince George, Fort Macleod, and Regina, we serve a broad client base in energy, infrastructure, mining, and municipal sectors.
As we continue to expand, we are excited to announce the creation of a new Wildlife Biology department. This is a rare and impactful opportunity to help shape a new practice area from the ground up.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Senior Wildlife Biologist to take a lead role in establishing and growing our Wildlife Services division. This position will suit an entrepreneurial individual with strong technical credentials, field experience, and a desire to mentor staff and influence company direction. You will contribute to regulatory strategies, field assessments, mitigation planning, and client delivery - while building something meaningful in an organization that values initiative and leadership.
This is a field-forward position, with regular travel across Alberta and British Columbia for wildlife surveys and environmental assessments. Fieldwork will remain a core component of the role.
Responsibilities
- Design and lead wildlife field programs (migratory bird, amphibian, mammal, bat, nesting, and habitat assessments).
- Conduct and oversee fieldwork for environmental assessments, wildlife sweeps, and mitigation planning, until there is enough work to delegate to others.
- Prepare technical reports, mitigation plans, and regulatory submissions (both provincial and federal).
- Contribute to permit applications and Environmental Protection Plans.
- Build and mentor a team of junior and intermediate wildlife staff as the department grows.
- Collaborate with other service lines (archaeology, regulatory, vegetation, aquatics) to support integrated project delivery.
- Support business development, proposals, and strategic planning to expand the department.
- Maintain and promote a strong safety culture both in the field and in the office.
Qualifications
- B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related discipline.
- 5-10 years of wildlife biology experience, preferably in a consulting environment.
- Strong background in wildlife field methods and habitat assessments.
- Familiarity with Alberta and/or BC regulatory frameworks (Species at Risk Act, Wildlife Act, etc.).
- Demonstrated experience with report writing and data interpretation.
- Registration as a Professional Biologist (P.Biol. or R.P.Bio.) or eligibility required.
- Excellent interpersonal and mentoring skills; ability to lead teams and build client relationships.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License and willingness to travel regularly.
- Experience working on linear and industrial developments is an asset.
What We Offer
- A ground-floor opportunity to lead a new division within a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Flexible hybrid work model with fieldwork as an integral role element.
- Professional development support and mentorship opportunities.
- A dynamic team culture where your contributions will shape our services and future.