Senior Marine Biologist

Keystone Environmental is a dynamic and rapidly expanding environmental consulting firm based in Burnaby, BC. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top Small and Medium Employers for six consecutive years and certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, 2025, and 2026, we pride ourselves on providing a fun, challenging, and supportive environment where our people can achieve their professional goals while enjoying the journey along the way.

At Keystone, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package and are committed to fostering an exceptional employee experience built on collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful work.

We are currently seeking a Senior Marine Biologist with a minimum of 10 years of experience in environmental permitting and compliance monitoring for projects in and around aquatic habitats to join our growing team of dedicated professionals.

About the Role

The successful candidate will manage environmental permitting and compliance monitoring projects and lead multidisciplinary project teams. This role also includes mentoring junior staff, managing client relationships and expectations, overseeing project deliverables, and preparing and reviewing technical reports.

Projects may involve the construction, demolition, and dredging of marine and freshwater environments and adjacent upland areas throughout the Greater Vancouver Region, British Columbia, and occasionally other provinces and territories.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage environmental permitting and compliance monitoring projects from proposal through completion.
• Lead project teams and mentor junior staff.
• Manage client expectations and maintain strong client relationships.
• Prepare, review, and deliver high-quality technical reports and project deliverables on time and within budget.
• Coordinate and track permit requirements, environmental management plans, and contractual obligations.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, and colleagues.
• Conduct site visits and oversee field programs as required.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will:

• Possess a B.Sc. degree or higher in Biology or a related discipline.
• Be registered as a Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio).
• Have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in environmental permitting and monitoring for projects in and around aquatic habitats.
• Have a valid Class 5 driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle for site visits.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Be solution-oriented and able to communicate professionally and effectively with clients, regulators, and team members.
• Have a strong understanding of regulatory processes and technical requirements associated with environmental approvals for projects in and around water in British Columbia, including legislation such as: Fisheries Act, Water Sustainability Act, and other applicable provincial and federal legislation and regulatory requirements
• They will also be capable of scoping project tasks, managing budgets and schedules, and producing high-quality technical deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who:

Have experience leading the preparation of, or acting as the Professional of Record for, technical reports and plans required to obtain environmental approvals or comply with permit and contract requirements, including:

• Aquatic effects and residual impact assessments
• Environmental assessments
• Environmental management and protection plans
• Habitat offsetting plans and habitat balance tables
• Fish and fish habitat monitoring plans
• Construction environmental monitoring reports

Can demonstrate experience conducting and/or coordinating:

• Marine construction and dredging monitoring programs
• Water quality monitoring
• Sediment sampling
• Intertidal and subtidal biophysical surveys
• Underwater video and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys
• Species at risk desktop and field assessments
• Fish detection surveys
• Underwater noise monitoring
• Marine mammal observing programs

Why Keystone?

At Keystone Environmental, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside some of the industry’s leading environmental professionals on interesting and challenging projects while contributing to a workplace culture that values collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000, depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience. Keystone also offers RRSP Matching and annual bonus program as well as a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive and dynamic work environment.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a single PDF containing their cover letter and resume with the subject line: Senior Marine Biologist Position.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.