Senior Aquatic Scientist
About the role
Department Information
Aurora College's mission is to demonstrate leadership in the delivery of relevant and meaningful education and research rooted in strong connections to Northern land, tradition, community and people.
Job Information
The Senior Aquatic Scientist leads aquatic research initiatives at the North Slave Research Centre, part of the Aurora Research Institute (ARI). This position provides expert scientific and strategic leadership in freshwater ecosystems, climate change impacts, and environmental monitoring across the Northwest Territories (NWT).
This role supports critical environmental research and collaborates with northern communities, Indigenous governments, academic institutions, and government agencies to ensure that aquatic research aligns with territorial priorities and community needs.
Key Responsibilities
-
Lead field-based research on freshwater systems across the NWT.
-
Develop and manage long-term strategic and operational aquatic research plans.
-
Provide expert advice on aquatic science to governments, regulators, and project stakeholders.
-
Build strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, academic institutions, and funding agencies.
-
Secure research funding and manage a significant operating budget.
-
Supervise staff, students, and research teams, and ensure safe field operations.
-
Represent ARI and Aurora College on local, national, and international research committees.
Required Knowledge & Skills
-
Strong foundation in aquatic science, water quality, and climate change impacts.
-
Skilled in field data collection, environmental monitoring, and project management.
-
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities.
-
Proven experience in research leadership, including team supervision and budget oversight.
-
Ability to work collaboratively with Indigenous and northern communities.
-
Familiarity with the NWT¿s unique environmental and cultural context is a strong asset.
To be successful in this role, typically the qualifications would be attained by:
A Master of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Geography with a focus in the aquatic sciences supplemented by environmental geoscience or related sub-disciplines, and five (5) years of relevant experience including one (1) year of supervisory or team lead experience.
GNWT Inquiries
Inquiries Only:
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106
Fax (867) 873-0445
jobsyk@gov.nt.ca
Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.
About Government of the Northwest Territories
About the GNWT
The GNWT employs approximately 4,800 employees who provide programs and services for close to 44,000 residents. The size of our workforce allows our employees to champion projects that are acted upon to make a difference in communities. The ability to make a difference empowers our employees and allows them the freedom to work on projects that are meaningful. Our 33 communities are welcoming and friendly; it is not surprising that many of your colleagues may become lifelong friends.
Senior Aquatic Scientist
About the role
Department Information
Aurora College's mission is to demonstrate leadership in the delivery of relevant and meaningful education and research rooted in strong connections to Northern land, tradition, community and people.
Job Information
The Senior Aquatic Scientist leads aquatic research initiatives at the North Slave Research Centre, part of the Aurora Research Institute (ARI). This position provides expert scientific and strategic leadership in freshwater ecosystems, climate change impacts, and environmental monitoring across the Northwest Territories (NWT).
This role supports critical environmental research and collaborates with northern communities, Indigenous governments, academic institutions, and government agencies to ensure that aquatic research aligns with territorial priorities and community needs.
Key Responsibilities
-
Lead field-based research on freshwater systems across the NWT.
-
Develop and manage long-term strategic and operational aquatic research plans.
-
Provide expert advice on aquatic science to governments, regulators, and project stakeholders.
-
Build strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, academic institutions, and funding agencies.
-
Secure research funding and manage a significant operating budget.
-
Supervise staff, students, and research teams, and ensure safe field operations.
-
Represent ARI and Aurora College on local, national, and international research committees.
Required Knowledge & Skills
-
Strong foundation in aquatic science, water quality, and climate change impacts.
-
Skilled in field data collection, environmental monitoring, and project management.
-
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities.
-
Proven experience in research leadership, including team supervision and budget oversight.
-
Ability to work collaboratively with Indigenous and northern communities.
-
Familiarity with the NWT¿s unique environmental and cultural context is a strong asset.
To be successful in this role, typically the qualifications would be attained by:
A Master of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Geography with a focus in the aquatic sciences supplemented by environmental geoscience or related sub-disciplines, and five (5) years of relevant experience including one (1) year of supervisory or team lead experience.
GNWT Inquiries
Inquiries Only:
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106
Fax (867) 873-0445
jobsyk@gov.nt.ca
Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.
About Government of the Northwest Territories
About the GNWT
The GNWT employs approximately 4,800 employees who provide programs and services for close to 44,000 residents. The size of our workforce allows our employees to champion projects that are acted upon to make a difference in communities. The ability to make a difference empowers our employees and allows them the freedom to work on projects that are meaningful. Our 33 communities are welcoming and friendly; it is not surprising that many of your colleagues may become lifelong friends.