Wildlife Biologist (Field Lead)
About the role
About Us
At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.
“For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.
When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.
Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.
A Day in the Life
As a Wildlife Biologist (Field Lead), you’ll be responsible for overseeing field crew(s) at a northern Alberta mine site on a 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off rotation. In this role, you’ll lead wildlife and nest sweeps and related surveys, and work closely with the client to plan and coordinate daily/weekly field activities based on changing site requirements. This is a permanent role with a rotation-based schedule and on-site camp accommodations. This position is ideal for a hands on leader who thrives in a dynamic site environment, maintains a strong safety and compliance mindset, and delivers high quality data and clear communication.
The compensation range for this role is $31-$37, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location. Overtime will be required during rotation and is compensated per applicable policy.
To thrive in this role, you’ll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:
Lead Field Operations Plan and execute daily work scopes for bird surveys (including breeding bird, owl, and sharp-tailed grouse), nest and wildlife sweeps, amphibian capture and relocations, and deployment/servicing of acoustic recording units and/or wildlife cameras. Conduct tailgate meetings, risk assessments, and ensure stop work authority is exercised when needed. Prepare safety plans, maps, access routes, and equipment lists; confirm permits and access approvals. Client & Site Coordination Serve as the on site point of contact for the client; align daily and weekly plans with evolving site priorities, access constraints, and construction schedules. Coordinate field resources (personnel, vehicles, equipment) and request adjustments to crew size or work areas as conditions change. Reporting & Communications Ensure accurate digital data collection, photo documentation, and metadata; complete QA/QC and initial interpretation of results. Produce concise daily field updates for the client and Onterris PMs; escalate mitigation concerns promptly. Contribute to field summaries and technical reports, including figures, tables, and data appendices. HSE Leadership Champion Onterris’s safety culture; comply with mine site policies, PPE requirements, and pre access testing. Travel/Work Split: Full-time remote with approximately 80% field / 20% office (reporting, data review, planning). Camp-based accommodations are provided at site; travel and logistics follow client/site policy. Your Expertise and Skills
These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.
Education: B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree(s) in Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Science Experience: 4-7+ years of relevant wildlife experience. Technical Skills: Proven experience with breeding bird surveys, nest sweeps and wildlife sweeps Strong identification skills for key wildlife features for birds and other wildlife. Experience with sharp-tailed grouse, owl, amphibian capture and relocation is an asset Proficiency with GPS/GIS enabled data collection and digital field forms. Strong safety mindset; Valid Class 5 driver’s license. Comfortable with ATVs/UTVs, light truck operation; helicopter experience is an asset. Eligible for or registered as P.Biol. (ASPB). Work Environment and Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what’s typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.
Sitting, standing, and walking Lifting 50 pounds several times a day Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds Often works outdoors and may be exposed to hot and cold environments and extreme weather conditions, including sunlit, rainy and windy conditions Full-time remote with approximately 80% field / 20% office (reporting, data review, planning). Able to work 12‑hour shifts in remote conditions for 2 weeks rotational shift. Travel to remote project site will be required Work schedule is a minimum 14/14 day rotation Overtime will be required and is compensated per applicable policy.
This posting reflects a current vacancy that the company is actively seeking to fill.
As a note, we are not accepting third party agency applicants at this time.
Onterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress. For more information, visit www.onterris.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.
Not the right fit? Search for Wildlife Biologist jobs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
About Onterris
Onterris is a global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress.
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Wildlife Biologist (Field Lead)
About the role
About Us
At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact.
“For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive.
When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact.
Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.
A Day in the Life
As a Wildlife Biologist (Field Lead), you’ll be responsible for overseeing field crew(s) at a northern Alberta mine site on a 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off rotation. In this role, you’ll lead wildlife and nest sweeps and related surveys, and work closely with the client to plan and coordinate daily/weekly field activities based on changing site requirements. This is a permanent role with a rotation-based schedule and on-site camp accommodations. This position is ideal for a hands on leader who thrives in a dynamic site environment, maintains a strong safety and compliance mindset, and delivers high quality data and clear communication.
The compensation range for this role is $31-$37, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location. Overtime will be required during rotation and is compensated per applicable policy.
To thrive in this role, you’ll be comfortable taking ownership of the following responsibilities:
Lead Field Operations Plan and execute daily work scopes for bird surveys (including breeding bird, owl, and sharp-tailed grouse), nest and wildlife sweeps, amphibian capture and relocations, and deployment/servicing of acoustic recording units and/or wildlife cameras. Conduct tailgate meetings, risk assessments, and ensure stop work authority is exercised when needed. Prepare safety plans, maps, access routes, and equipment lists; confirm permits and access approvals. Client & Site Coordination Serve as the on site point of contact for the client; align daily and weekly plans with evolving site priorities, access constraints, and construction schedules. Coordinate field resources (personnel, vehicles, equipment) and request adjustments to crew size or work areas as conditions change. Reporting & Communications Ensure accurate digital data collection, photo documentation, and metadata; complete QA/QC and initial interpretation of results. Produce concise daily field updates for the client and Onterris PMs; escalate mitigation concerns promptly. Contribute to field summaries and technical reports, including figures, tables, and data appendices. HSE Leadership Champion Onterris’s safety culture; comply with mine site policies, PPE requirements, and pre access testing. Travel/Work Split: Full-time remote with approximately 80% field / 20% office (reporting, data review, planning). Camp-based accommodations are provided at site; travel and logistics follow client/site policy. Your Expertise and Skills
These requirements reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that help you do your best work here.
Education: B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree(s) in Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Science Experience: 4-7+ years of relevant wildlife experience. Technical Skills: Proven experience with breeding bird surveys, nest sweeps and wildlife sweeps Strong identification skills for key wildlife features for birds and other wildlife. Experience with sharp-tailed grouse, owl, amphibian capture and relocation is an asset Proficiency with GPS/GIS enabled data collection and digital field forms. Strong safety mindset; Valid Class 5 driver’s license. Comfortable with ATVs/UTVs, light truck operation; helicopter experience is an asset. Eligible for or registered as P.Biol. (ASPB). Work Environment and Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what’s typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.
Sitting, standing, and walking Lifting 50 pounds several times a day Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds Often works outdoors and may be exposed to hot and cold environments and extreme weather conditions, including sunlit, rainy and windy conditions Full-time remote with approximately 80% field / 20% office (reporting, data review, planning). Able to work 12‑hour shifts in remote conditions for 2 weeks rotational shift. Travel to remote project site will be required Work schedule is a minimum 14/14 day rotation Overtime will be required and is compensated per applicable policy.
This posting reflects a current vacancy that the company is actively seeking to fill.
As a note, we are not accepting third party agency applicants at this time.
Onterris is a leading global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress. For more information, visit www.onterris.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We acknowledge that these experiences and perspectives help to enrich our teams and contribute to our ongoing success. We are committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in our employment for all applicants. For US residents, click here to learn more.
Not the right fit? Search for Wildlife Biologist jobs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
About Onterris
Onterris is a global environmental solutions company partnering with organizations to solve complex challenges where environmental pressures, regulatory expectations and operational risks intersect. Guided by our mission to advance the way of life without compromising the integrity of our environment, we believe environmental responsibility and human progress are fundamentally connected. Our scientists, engineers, field teams and consultants apply systems thinking that unites science, data and practical expertise to deliver solutions that strengthen our clients’ resilience, mitigate risk and protect the air, water and soil that sustain communities, while uncovering responsible paths forward for planet and progress.