ABOUT ME

I am a Senior Natural Resource Management Specialist, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Terrestrial Ecologist, and Environmental & Conservation Consultant with a Ph.D. in Biology, a Professional Biologist (P.Biol.) designation in Alberta, and more than 15 years of international and Canadian professional experience spanning wildlife biology, biodiversity conservation, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, ecological restoration, and sustainable natural resource management.

My multidisciplinary expertise encompasses wildlife and fisheries management, terrestrial and aquatic habitat assessment, ecosystem conservation, watershed stewardship and restoration, geospatial analysis, remote sensing, vegetation ecology, environmental consulting, Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK), and strategic environmental program and project leadership. I bring extensive research and applied experience across diverse ecological landscapes in Western Canada and Africa, integrating scientific knowledge, environmental legislation, Indigenous perspectives, and practical field-based approaches to address complex natural resource and environmental challenges.

I specialize in translating complex ecological information, environmental legislation, scientific evidence, and resource management priorities into practical, defensible, and data-driven strategies and recommendations. My work supports responsible resource development, environmental protection and regulatory compliance, biodiversity conservation, wildlife and fisheries stewardship, watershed and habitat restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable land and natural resource management.

With a strong foundation in scientific research, technical assessment, project development, funding acquisition, stakeholder collaboration, and interdisciplinary leadership, I am committed to advancing evidence-based environmental decision-making, responsible resource stewardship, and long-term ecological sustainability. I value collaborative approaches that integrate scientific expertise, Indigenous Ecological Knowledge, community priorities, and effective environmental governance.

I am also pursuing registration as a Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio) in British Columbia through the Labour Mobility pathway, reflecting my commitment to professional standards and continued contributions to wildlife conservation, environmental consulting, and sustainable natural resource management across Western Canada.

Applied Leadership in Canada

As Fisheries and Wildlife Manager for the Adams Lake Indian Band in British Columbia, I led complex terrestrial and aquatic conservation initiatives grounded in Indigenous stewardship priorities and community interests. Through grant development, strategic proposal writing, and collaborative funding partnerships, I led and contributed to securing more than $600,000 in environmental and conservation project funding. These efforts supported major regional initiatives, including the Sinmax Creek watershed restoration and the Columbia Valley remote wildlife camera-trap studies.

My responsibilities also included overseeing caribou road deactivation and habitat restoration initiatives, analyzing caribou telemetry and movement data using R and GIS, and leading salmon habitat assessments and limnological and water-quality investigations. I supported environmental regulatory compliance through technical referral reviews under applicable legislation, including the Fisheries Act, Wildlife Act, and Species at Risk Act (SARA). Additionally, I represented the Band in multidisciplinary working groups, collaborated with government and external partners, and mentored local field technicians to strengthen community-based environmental monitoring and stewardship capacity.

Global Research, Publications & Academic Contributions

With postdoctoral research experience at the University of Calgary and the University of Oslo, my expertise spans wildlife ecology and management, landscape ecology, population genetics, and geospatial modelling. I have led and contributed to multidisciplinary wildlife research, habitat assessment, and conservation initiatives focused on protecting species at risk, conserving biodiversity, and sustaining critical terrestrial ecosystems.

My professional and research career includes 44 peer-reviewed publications, contributions to IUCN Red List assessments, and leadership and collaborative involvement in securing and advancing 30+ internationally funded research and conservation grants and projects. Through partnerships with government agencies, Indigenous organizations, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), I translate scientific research and ecological evidence into practical conservation strategies, informed environmental decision-making, and meaningful policy outcomes.

Academic Teaching & Professional Service

I have extensive experience in university-level teaching and academic instruction, delivering courses in environmental science, ecology, wildlife biology, and related disciplines at international academic institutions, including the University of Calgary and Addis Ababa University. My academic contributions also include serving as an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Primatology (Springer Nature) from 2018 to 2025, supporting scholarly publishing, scientific peer review, and the advancement of research in primatology and conservation biology.

Academic Affiliations

Addisu Mekonnen Kassie, Ph.D.

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Bahir Dar University, Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Professional Opportunities & Independent Consulting

Available for:

• Full-time senior professional, management, and leadership positions.
• Independent environmental consulting and technical advisory assignments.
• Professional biological reviews, technical assessments, and sign-offs within my professional scope of practice.
• Short- and long-term consulting contracts and project-based engagements.
• Environmental assessment, wildlife biology, terrestrial ecology, and natural resource management assignments.

For senior opportunities, consulting engagements, and professional collaborations, please contact:

Email: addisumekonnen@gmail.com