Job Summary

The Senior Environmental Specialist at the Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) is a high-impact leadership role within the Climate and Environment Department. Based on Sea Island, you will be a primary architect of YVR’s goal to become a Zero Waste airport by 2040. This position requires the “wit” to navigate complex federal and provincial environmental legislation and the “grit” to manage large-scale sustainability projects, budgets, and multidisciplinary consultant teams in a fast-paced aviation hub.

Job Details

Employer: Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR).
Location: Richmond, BC (On-site at Sea Island).
Position Type: Full-time Term (Contract until May 2027).
Salary Range: $102,693 to $134,213 per annum (based on a 37.5-hour work week).
Reporting To: Manager, Climate & Environment.
Core Mission: Executing the Environmental Sustainability Plan, focusing on waste diversion, carbon reduction, and ecosystem protection.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership: Take the lead on critical environmental portfolios, including Waste Management, Water Conservation, and Sustainability Strategy.
Project & Budget Management: Manage complex environmental projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget while overseeing external consultants.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all operations align with federal, provincial, and local environmental legislation, protecting the sensitive Sea Island ecosystem.
Training & Awareness: Develop and implement environmental training programs for airport employees and partners to foster a culture of sustainability.
Stakeholder Liaison: Act as a key communicator, bridging the gap between industry, government officials, and the local community to report on program goals and results.
Analytical Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate program performance data to drive continuous improvement in YVR’s carbon and waste metrics.

Candidate Profile

Experience: 7 to 10 years of senior-level experience in an environmental context.
Education: University degree in Science, Environmental Studies, or Engineering (Master’s degree preferred).
Professional Designation: Must hold a relevant designation (e.g., RP.Bio, P.Eng, P.Geo, P.Ag, or MCIP/RPP).
Technical Wit: Extensive knowledge of environmental law and advanced computer skills for data analysis and reporting.
Soft Skills: Exceptional presentation skills and the “Integrity-first” judgment required to make informed decisions in a high-pressure environment.
Language: French language skills are considered a strong asset but are not mandatory.

Technical Insights: Circular Economy & Airport Sustainability

YVR’s “Zero Waste by 2040” goal is part of a broader shift toward a Circular Economy in aviation.

- Waste Diversion Strategy: This involves moving beyond simple recycling to “Upstream” intervention—working with tenants to eliminate single-use plastics and optimize organic waste collection.

Water Conservation: In an airport context, this includes low-flow infrastructure and the potential for greywater reclamation for non-potable uses like cooling towers or landscaping.
Ecosystem Management: Sea Island is a unique environment; the role involves balancing airport safety (wildlife strike hazard management) with the protection of local biodiversity and archaeological heritage sites.

Job Description

Do you believe that the future of global travel must be as green as the province we call home? The Vancouver Airport Authority is seeking a Senior Environmental Specialist to help lead our journey toward Zero Waste. We aren’t just managing an airport; we are pioneers in a “Resilient Future,” ensuring that every flight and every facility respects the land on which we operate. If you have the “grit” to manage million-dollar environmental budgets and the “wit” to turn complex data into actionable sustainability programs, you belong in our Climate and Environment department.

In this role, you are a “Sustainability Trailblazer.” You understand that achieving zero waste by 2040 requires more than just better bins—it requires fundamental shifts in training, awareness, and project execution. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Stewardship,” ensuring that YVR remains a global leader in environmental innovation. We look for “Integrity-first” professionals who are passionate about creating measurable change and are ready to collaborate across a diverse, multidisciplinary team.

Joining YVR means joining an organization that values flexibility, innovation, and your unique lived experience. We offer a competitive salary tailored to your expertise and the chance to work on projects that directly impact the health of our community and economy. If you are an environmental leader with a commitment to “Innovation and Inclusion,” we invite you to apply and help us build a greener future at YVR.

Vancouver Airport Authority | British Columbia’s Premier Global Gateway

The Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages and operates Vancouver International Airport. As of 2026, YVR is recognized as a “Gateway to the New Economy,” balancing its role as a critical transportation hub with a focus on digital innovation, reconciliation, and aggressive climate action. The Authority is currently preparing for its role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, driving significant infrastructure and technology upgrades across Sea Island.

Company Culture: “Purpose, Belonging, and Safety”

The culture at the Airport Authority is defined by its commitment to being more than just an airport operator—it is a community leader.

The Living Wage Commitment: YVR is a certified Living Wage Employer, ensuring that all Airport Authority workers earn a wage that reflects the actual cost of living in Metro Vancouver.
Safety First: In late 2025/early 2026, the Authority earned Canada’s first Health + Safety Culture Award. Every meeting begins with a safety discussion, and employees are treated as the primary experts in risk assessment for their own roles.
Reconciliation in Action: The culture is deeply influenced by the Musqueam-YVR Agreement. This includes a 30-year revenue-sharing commitment and a “talent agreement” that provides specific training, scholarships, and development opportunities for Musqueam members.
Innovation Hub @ YVR: The Authority fosters a “Living Lab” environment where employees work alongside partners like BCIT to trial Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and digital twin technology to solve regional challenges beyond aviation.

2026 Strategic Pillars: The “2025–2027 Strategy”

Associate Benefits: “The Holistic Remuneration Package”

Working for the Vancouver Airport Authority offers a comprehensive suite of rewards that prioritize long-term well-being:

Competitive 2026 Salaries:
- Co-op Students: $24.80 – $27.33/hr.
- Electricians/Technicians: $80,000 – $105,000+ per year.
- Corporate Functions: Market-leading salaries with performance-based incentives.
Flexible Work: Depending on the role, the Authority offers a hybrid model (e.g., 2 days per week from home) to support work-life balance.
Health & Wellness: 24/7 access to an on-site fitness facility, along with medical and dental clinics directly at the airport.
Financial Protection: Includes a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, income protection, and corporate matching for charitable giving.
Green Commuting: Financial incentives for employees who use transit or other green commuting options to get to Sea Island.
Professional Growth: Heavy investment in training through the “talent-first” organization model, hiring for potential and training for specific technical skills.

2026 Milestone: FIFA World Cup Readiness

As Vancouver prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Airport Authority is focusing on “Humanizing the Digital Experience.” This involves deploying AI-driven “live selling” in retail zones and curated local brand pop-ups to showcase British Columbia’s culture to the thousands of international fans arriving for the tournament.

To apply for this job please visit careers.yvr.ca.