Principal Technical Consultant, Marine Scientist
at ERM Consultants Canada Ltd.

Job Description

Lead groundbreaking marine science initiatives that shape the future of Canada's oceans and coastal environments.

As a Principal Technical Consultant, Marine Scientist — based in Calgary (primary), with consideration for Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, or Ottawa — you will play a strategic leadership role in delivering high‑impact environmental projects across Canada, including Arctic monitoring programs and large‑scale capital developments. In this position, you will sit at the intersection of science, strategy, and environmental stewardship, guiding decisions that influence major development projects, advancing best‑in‑class marine practices, and shaping the future of ERM's global Marine Centre of Excellence. Your leadership will help safeguard ecosystems, support responsible development, and mentor the next generation of marine scientists.

Why This Role Matters

ERM is recognized globally as a leader in environmental, health, safety, risk, and social consulting, supporting many of the Global Fortune 500 companies as they navigate emerging sustainability challenges. With over 40+ years of experience and the recent acquisition of MarineSpace, ERM's Marine Centre of Excellence now brings together world‑class expertise across marine ecology, geosciences, EIA, offshore renewables, seabed minerals, subsea cables, ports, and harbours.

In this role, you will apply your deep technical understanding to shape influential environmental assessments, monitoring programs, and permitting strategies for transformative capital projects across Canada - often in remote, sensitive, or complex marine environments.

What Your Impact Is

• Lead the design and execution of marine field programs nationwide, including challenging Arctic locations.

• Oversee multidisciplinary marine monitoring efforts spanning water quality, sediment, benthic epifauna/infauna, macroflora, and broader ecological indicators.

• Provide senior technical oversight, quality control, and expert scientific guidance to clients and internal teams.

• Contribute to environmental impact assessments, fisheries programs, baseline studies, offsetting/mitigation plans, and regulatory processes.

• Drive high‑quality data management, interpretation, and reporting to support evidence‑driven decision‑making.

• Support and mentor junior staff, helping build technical excellence across ERM's marine, aquatics, and fisheries communities.

• Shape major project outcomes while ensuring adherence to schedules, budgets, and ERM quality standards.

What You'll Bring

Required

• B.Sc. in Marine Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related marine science discipline.

• Registered Professional Biologist.

• 6+ years of environmental consulting experience.

• Technical expertise in study design, statistical analysis, and field programs related to marine water quality, sediment, benthic infauna/epifauna, macroflora, and related biological datasets.

• Experience coordinating complex field logistics in remote locations and managing multi‑team operations.

• Strong understanding of federal, provincial, and territorial regulatory frameworks for marine environments in Canada.

• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, regulators, and the public.

• Proven success within multidisciplinary project teams supporting shipping operations, environmental assessments, monitoring programs, and compliance initiatives.

• Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability to operate a company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.  

Preferred

• M.Sc. in Marine Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related marine science discipline; Ph.D. an asset.

• 8+ years of experience, including 6+ years in environmental consulting.

• Experience with marine infrastructure (e.g., ports, harbours) or offshore wind/power projects.

• Project management experience overseeing marine monitoring programs.

• Experience with database management and advanced analytical tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the design and implementation of marine field programs across Canada, including the Arctic.

• Provide field support for monitoring programs, shipping operations, and construction activities.

• Offer scientific expertise and strategic advice to clients and internal teams.

• Lead the development of marine offsetting, mitigation, and environmental management plans.

• Compile, analyze, and manage marine water quality, sediment, benthic, macroflora, and related biological data.

• Perform senior technical oversight and ensure quality control of data and deliverables.

• Strong commitment to Health & Safety protocols.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Draft and review monitoring reports, permitting documents, and impact assessments.

• Demonstrated ability to manage deadlines, adapt to fast‑paced work, and operate with minimal supervision.

• Proven capability mentoring and guiding junior staff.

• Ensure deliverables meet ERM's quality, budget, and timeline standards.

• Contribute to proposal development, including technical scopes and cost estimates.

• Lead project phase management activities such as task delegation, subcontractor oversight, H&S compliance, and client interaction.

• Actively engage with ERM's international marine, aquatics, and fisheries technical communities.

For the Principal Technical Consultant, Marine Scientist position, the anticipated annual base pay is $117,540–$174,235 (CAD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).