Aquatic Resources Specialist

Join an organization that plays a critical role in Canada’s economy. At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, we focus on doing the incredible work it takes to become the world’s most sustainable port.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is responsible for the stewardship of the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest and most diversified port. Our mandate as a Canada Port Authority, as set out by the Canada Marine Act, is to enable Canada’s trade objectives, ensuring goods are moved safely and responsibly through the Port of Vancouver. That means providing infrastructure and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of marine traffic and cargo within the port. It also means we carry out reviews of proposed activities and developments on federal port lands and waters to determine whether a project can go ahead without impacts to the environment and community that cannot be mitigated.

We are passionate about the work we do and what it contributes to our local communities, the region and our country. This is reflected in our values of collaboration, continuous improvement, accountability and customer responsiveness.

Be a part of a team that advances initiatives to promote economic prosperity through trade, a healthy environment and thriving communities for the future generations of Canadians. It’s a workplace where the intrinsic value of your contribution to help foster the continued growth of the Canadian economy becomes a tangible reality. Bring your unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences to the port authority and join us in charting a course toward a sustainable future.

The Aquatic resources specialist will play a key role in planning, developing, and leading core environmental programs relating to aquatic resources and ecosystem management, including habitat enhancement and offsetting programs, marine mammal programs, environmental monitoring programs, and adaptive management programs.

The Aquatic resources specialist will provide expert advice on the potential impacts of projects, the offsetting requirements, and mitigation strategies. Additionally, they will play a key role in developing guidelines and best practices, and managing environmental programs. They will be a key point of contact to internal and external stakeholders, and represent the port authority on interagency committees, working groups, and project-related negotiations. The role will be best suited for someone who is able to step into something new and bring energy and passion to the development of the program. Prior experience with wetlands, fisheries, or policy work will be beneficial to the long-term goals of our organization. This role presents an opportunity to create a great impact on the local habitat for years to come.

The Aquatic resources specialist will be responsible to:

• Plan, develop, implement and lead marine mammal programs to support the health and recovery of at-risk species alongside current and future port activities, including adaptive management programs, monitoring programs, research, and other collaborative initiatives
• Carry out special projects, studies and reviews related to ecosystems, water, groundwater, soils and sediment quality, toxicology
• Conduct environmental impact assessments of activities and project proposals with the potential to significantly impact aquatic resources as required under the VFPA’s Environment Policy, Project and Environmental Review (PER) Policy and Directive, and applicable legislation. Support and provide input on environmental review and permit reports, and environmental conditions and provide environment-related advice as required
• Provide subject matter expertise and collaborate with cross-functional teams and departments on environmental matters, as required
• Develop and manage fish and wildlife habitat stewardship and banking projects and programs, including habitat offset monitoring programs
• Liaise with internal and external customers and government agencies on habitat enhancement projects
• Identify habitat enhancement and restoration opportunities for the port authority
• Review proponent and port authority-led habitat offset plans and provide specialist advice to internal and external customers

Success Profile:

The successful candidate will be a graduate of a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, ecosystem management, environmental sciences, or another acceptable university degree, along with a minimum of five years of senior experience in fisheries biology, environmental impact assessment, environmental or ecosystem management, and monitoring. A registered professional biologist designation is an asset. They will be able to present diverse and technical information verbally, in presentations and in committees, and in writing. They will also be proficient in Microsoft Office tools. Experience with watershed systems, policy making, and building frameworks will be assets.

The successful candidate is a self-motivated individual with strong interpersonal, communication, technical writing, and negotiation skills. They demonstrate the ability to get new initiatives up and running while also being able to bring buy-in and support from different stakeholders. Their ability to be subject matter experts on projects outside of their jurisdiction will also be key to building relationships, internally and externally.

Terms & Hours:

The starting salary for this role is $112,424 per annum. The Port Authority offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including an RRSP matching program and an Earned Time Off program. This position works 40 hours per week.

The health and safety of our employees is a priority and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is committed to ensuring a safe workplace. Vaccinations, in combination with other preventative health and safety measures, offer the best available protection against COVID-19 and that is why port authority employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Providing proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment.

Candidates may be accommodated for this requirement if they are approved for a legal exemption; accommodation may be requested only for religious and medical reasons, or other protected grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act. If you’re seeking accommodation to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, please indicate your request during the recruitment process.

The Port Authority offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including an Earned Time Off program.

This work is Canadian-based employment and is expected to be performed from our Vancouver office location.

Please note this posting will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At the port authority, we are dedicated to employment equity and a workplace reflective of the diversity of our port community.