Job Title: Fisheries Biologist

Job Requisition ID: 86175

Ministry: Environment and Protected Areas

Location: Cochrane

Full or Part-Time: Full Time

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Permanant

Scope: Open Competition

Closing Date: August 17, 2026

Classification: Natural Resources 8

Salary: $3,165.58 to $4,088.56 bi-weekly ($82,621 - 106,711/year)

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities.

The Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas is dedicated to safeguarding Alberta’s natural resources and ecosystems while balancing environmental and economic priorities. Through wildlife conservation, protected area management, environmental policy development, research, and public education, the Ministry is committed to sustainability and the responsible stewardship of Alberta’s landscapes and resources for future generations. Within the Ministry, the Resource Stewardship Division plays a key role in managing Alberta’s land, water, and biodiversity through science-based planning, policy development, regulatory oversight, conservation initiatives, and support for responsible resource development.

The Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Branch provides leadership in species and population assessment, habitat policy and stewardship, species at risk conservation, fish and wildlife disease management, aquatic invasive species programming, and land‑use planning support. The Branch also fosters robust partnerships to collect, share, and apply information that supports effective management and stewardship decisions across Alberta.

For more information about the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/environment-and-protected-areas.

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about supporting healthy fish populations and aquatic habitats? As a Fisheries Biologist, you will advance the management, conservation, and recovery of fish populations and habitats through scientific assessment, stewardship initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based decision making. Reporting to the Senior Fisheries Biologist, you will play a key role in informing fisheries management, conservation and recovery actions, and land‑use decisions.

- Provide fisheries expertise for major flood and drought mitigation projects and lead collaborations on offsetting initiatives such as habitat restoration, non‑native species management, and recovery stocking.
- Support the development of land use plans and other regulatory processes by providing subject matter expertise on fish populations and habitats.




- Plan and deliver fish population monitoring and assessment programs to support fisheries management decisions.
- Support native trout and other threatened fish species recovery initiatives, including species status assessments, recovery planning, and project implementation.
- Support the development and continuous improvement of fisheries monitoring approaches, protocols, and data systems.
- Review licence applications, reporting submissions, and related documentation to support stewardship and regulatory objectives.
- Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, First Nations, Métis communities, partners, and collaborators to promote positive fisheries stewardship.
- Contribute to occupational health and safety, work planning, budgeting, reporting, procurement, contract management, and administrative activities.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.
- Systems Thinking: Takes a long-term and holistic view of fisheries management challenges and opportunities. Considers environmental, social, and economic impacts when assessing fish populations, habitat conditions, stewardship actions, and land‑use decisions. Seeks diverse perspectives and supports sustainable outcomes through informed decision-making.
- Build Cooperative Environments: Builds and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders, First Nations and Métis communities, regulators, researchers, industry representatives, and program partners. Encourages open communication, collaboration, and shared accountability to achieve stewardship and conservation objectives.
- Creative Problem Solving: Applies scientific expertise, critical thinking, and sound judgment to address complex fisheries management issues. Identifies practical solutions to challenges related to fish populations, habitat conservation, species recovery, invasive species management, and competing interests.

Qualifications

- Required Education: A bachelor's degree in a related discipline such as Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.




- Experience: Minimum 4 years of experience in fisheries management, fish population and habitat assessment, fisheries conservation and stewardship, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and technical report writing.
- Other: A valid Class 5 Driver's Licence (or equivalent).
- Equivalency: A related two-year diploma and 6 years of related experience will be considered. Additional related education may be considered in lieu of experience on a one-for-one basis.

- Experience assessing fish populations using a range of sampling and monitoring techniques, including index netting and electrofishing.
- Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of provincial and federal legislation, regulations, and policies related to fisheries management and fish habitat conservation.
- Experience assessing the effects of infrastructure, water management, agriculture, energy development, timber harvest and other land‑use activities on fish and fish habitat.
- Experience preparing technical reports, managing and analyzing data, and communicating scientific information to diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of the ecology and management of native trout and other cold‑water fish species in Alberta.

Notes

This full‑time, permanent position is based in Cochrane, Alberta; however, other suitable locations within Southern Alberta may be considered. The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM (36.25 hours per week). The role involves a combination of office and field work and may require travel to support fisheries monitoring, habitat assessments, stewardship activities, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery. Field work may involve operating boats, rafts, trucks, ATVs, trailers, and specialized fisheries equipment in a variety of environmental conditions.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

- Working for the Alberta Public Service
- Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
- Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
- Professional learning and development
- Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
- Positive workplace culture and work‑life balance.

Closing Statement

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Jane McEwen at [email protected].

📌 Fisheries Biologist (Cochrane)
🏢 Government of Alberta
📍 Cochrane