CONSERVATION FIELD TECHNICIAN - GREATER SAGE-GROUSE PROJECT

DESCRIPTION

Take the next step in your career by joining the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and grow your experience in Conservation Research at a globally recognized conservation organization!  The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is looking for 2 Sage Grouse Field Technicians to support our Greater Sage Grouse Project as part of our Reintroduction portfolio.  Sage Grouse Field Technicians will assist with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Greater Sage Grouse Project that is working to maximize species recovery and reduce the risk of extinction.    
Contract Term : 

March 24, 2022 to June 30, 2022 with possibility of extension

What You Will Do:

Primary duty will be assisting with the release and radio-tracking of Greater Sage-Grouse by driving to and from field sites (highways, back roads, gravel tracks) and hiking through sagebrush dominated grasslands under variable weather conditions

Setting up field cameras, reviewing, and archiving photos

Nest finding and vegetation surveys

Maintaining high standards of accurate data collection and entry

Collaborating with other organizations and interacting with local communities and landowners

Complying with the zoo’s health and safety program

Other duties as assigned

What You Will Bring: 

Possess or working towards a BSc or equivalent education

Minimum 2 years’ experience with biological field work (e.g., GPS, wildlife and vegetation surveys)

Class 5 driver’s license

Standard First Aid Certificate required; Wilderness First Aid is preferred

Ability to follow detailed protocols, and accurately and precisely record and collect data

Ability to work in remote locations for long periods

Flexibility and adaptability to adjust to changing work requirements and field conditions

Demonstrate a passion for wildlife conservation

Demonstrate a love of working and/or recreating outdoors

Excellent interpersonal skills

Experience living with co-workers in close quarters

Ability to take direction and complete work and solve problems with minimal supervision

A high level of physical fitness

A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices

Additional Requirements:

All candidates must be eligible to work in Canada

Working Conditions:

Field work is located in Val Marie, SK and Manyberries, AB

Extensive driving on highways, back roads, and gravel tracks for 2-3 hours daily (up to 7 hours occasionally) and hiking in sagebrush dominated grasslands for up to 20 km under variable weather conditions (heat, high winds, snow, rain, etc.)

Food expenses covered while at field sites

Crew members are expected to be sufficiently conditioned to complete the required driving, hiking, and field work in a safe and effective manner and be capable of providing support to teammates in the event of an emergency

Days off and work hours are variable depending on project requirements and weather. Work schedules normally consist of working for 4 days on and 3 days off at 10 hours/day OR 5 days on and 2 days off at 8 hours/day, but candidates should expect variable work hours and days depending on weather conditions and work requirements

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues. 

What’s in it for You:  

Competitive compensation ranging from $18.00 to $21.00/hour, depending on experience

Opportunity to work hands-on with one of our conservation projects and one of Canada's most endangered species

Food allowance and housing provided at field sites

Discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

The opportunity to work with a great team dedicated to supporting wildlife conservation

Application Process:

Are you ready to join one of Canada's leaders in wildlife conservation?  If this position suits your skills, experience, and personal attributes, we want to talk to you!  To start your career journey with us: 

Spend 1 minute watching this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://youtu.be/ewuP6xA-yiA)  

Review the following application questions. The online application form requires you to answer a questions specific to this role which are provided below so you can review them and prepare your responses. 

List any vacation requirements for the length of the contract and any requirements to be away from the field site for the length of the contract (weekend trips, etc.). 

Do you have experience working in remote areas? Please describe. 

Do you have experience working alone or without close supervision? Please describe. 

Describe your experience hiking on or off maintained trails. 

Do you have experience driving large trucks or driving off-road? Describe other driving experience. 

Do you have previous experience working with wildlife (detail any telemetry, GPS, trail camera, survey experience)? 

Please describe any other experience that may be relevant (work or recreational) or any other aspects you wish to note. 

        3. Submit your resume and answers to the application questions via our online application system.  Follow this link: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Careers - Conservation Field Technician - Greater Sage-Grouse Project (jobvite.com)

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter no later than February 19, 2023 @ 4:00pm MST. Interviews will begin as applications are received. 

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the Zoo’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.  
 
All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.