Intermidiate/Senior Wildlife Specialist – Direct Contractor
Location: Calgary, AB
Business Unit: Environment & Sustainability – Environmental Consulting
Job Type: Contract (Contingent Worker)
Contract Structure: Incorporated Independent Contractor
About the Role
Worley Consulting is seeking an experienced Wildlife Specialist (Contract) to lead field programs and support wildlife work focused on herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) and migratory birds.
This role is based in Calgary, AB and is intended for an independent, incorporated contractor who will provide specialized wildlife expertise on a project-by-project or seasonal basis.
The successful contractor will support pre-disturbance and habitat restoration projects, contributing to planning, field implementation, construction support, and monitoring programs. Work will be delivered in close collaboration with multidisciplinary consulting teams, Indigenous partners, regulators, and clients.
This role is best suited to an experienced, self-directed practitioner with strong experience in western Canada who is comfortable operating independently while integrating into project teams.
What Success Looks Like
- Safe, efficient delivery of field programs aligned with project schedules and regulatory requirements
- High-quality, defensible data collection suitable for regulatory submission
- Effective implementation of mitigation measures during construction and restoration activities
- Clear, concise, and regulator-ready reporting
- Strong collaboration with project teams, clients, regulators, and Indigenous partners
Key Responsibilities
- Lead wildlife field programs including migratory bird nest surveys, herpetofauna surveys, and amphibian salvage operations
- Provide wildlife mitigation recommendations and oversee implementation in the field, including direction of junior biologists
- Conduct field assessments to support planning, baseline characterization, and restoration feasibility
- Support construction through environmental oversight, monitoring, and adaptive management
- Analyze and interpret field data and support reporting and regulatory deliverables
- Prepare technical reports, memoranda, and regulatory deliverables suitable for submission
- Support permitting and regulatory submissions related to wildlife and project activities
- Work within applicable provincial and federal regulatory frameworks (e.g., Alberta Wetland Policy, Water Act, Public Lands Act, Wildlife Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Species at Risk Act)
- Collaborate with Indigenous partners, landowners, regulators, and clients in a professional and respectful manner
- Work collaboratively with ecologists, biologists, engineers, and project managers
- Mentor junior staff and field technicians, as appropriate
- Support business growth initiatives
Typical Work Scope
- Pre-disturbance wildlife surveys and constraints assessments
- Migratory bird nest sweeps and setback implementation
- Amphibian and reptile salvage and relocation programs
- Habitat restoration monitoring and adaptive management
- Construction monitoring and environmental inspection support
- Contribution to Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) and mitigation strategies
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Biology, Forestry, or a related discipline
- Minimum 8-10+ years of experience in ecological data collection focused on wildlife surveys or environmental consulting
- Strong field skills, including ability to work in remote locations and variable conditions
- Valid Class 5 driver’s licence and ability to conduct fieldwork
- Professional designation (e.g., P.Biol., RPBio.)
- Familiarity with GIS, GPS/data collection tools, and digital field data management
Preferred
- Experience working on oil sands, pipeline, or linear infrastructure projects in Alberta
- Authorization to hold or support provincial and/or federal wildlife permits
- Experience leading amphibian salvage or herpetofauna mitigation programs
- Strong working knowledge of provincial and federal regulatory processes as it pertains to wildlife management
- Experience with data analysis or spatial tools (e.g., R, Python, advanced GIS)
Work Environment & Field Requirements
- Fieldwork will require travel and may include extended stays in remote locations
- Work schedules may vary seasonally, with increased field demands during spring and summer
- Combination of field and office-based work, depending on project needs
Nature of Engagement (Contractual Requirement)
This position is available only to incorporated independent contractors.
Applicants must:
- Operate through their own legally incorporated company
- Be able to enter into a professional services contract with Worley
- Provide standard contractor documentation upon engagement, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Proof of GST registration
- Proof of WCB coverage (or equivalent)
- Appropriate insurance as required
Additional expectations:
- The contractor will operate as an independent entity, embedded within Worley systems.
- The contractor is responsible for their own taxes, remittances, benefits, and business expenses unless otherwise specified in the contract
- Work may be assigned on a project-specific or seasonal basis depending on business needs
Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Why Work with Worley (as a Contractor)
- Opportunity to contribute to large-scale, multidisciplinary environmental projects in North America
- Integration with experienced teams spanning ecology, engineering, and environmental planning
- Exposure to complex regulatory and restoration-focused projects
- Flexible engagement model, allowing independent professionals to contribute specialized expertise
Diversity & Inclusion
Worley is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
