Field Technician, Conservation Research - Limestone Barrens Ecosystem Program

Develop your skills and contribute to the vital conservation of a unique ecosystem in Newfoundland this summer with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a full-time seasonal Field Technician, Conservation Research for the Limestone Barrens Ecosystem Project.

While a challenging landscape, many rare species call Newfoundland's Limestone Barrens home - including three endangered plants found nowhere else on earth! The Field Technician will work directly on this biologically significant ecosystem, splitting their time between fieldwork (including habitat restoration, sample collection, data collection) and outreach (including planning and carrying engaging educational programming for the local community). All of this will be done in close collaboration with partners at other organizations and within Wilder Institute. The exact time spent on tasks will depend on biological events (e.g. blooming and seeding of species at risk plants), community engagement opportunities in Newfoundland, and partner timelines.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

Contract:

• Start Date: early May 2025
• End Date: either late August or late October 2025 (flexible depending on availability of the successful candidate)
• Wage Range: $17.50-$24.00/hour
• Location: Northern and Western Newfoundland; remote field locations in Newfoundland

What you will do:

Field and Outreach duties (~50%)

• Conducting plant inventory surveys, following established protocols and focusing for species at risk plants
• Collaborating with representatives from other conservation organizations, government, academia, and industry
• Working in small groups, often with members from partner organizations
• Identifying and sampling species of risk plants, including seed collection (under permit)
• Data collection and entry
• Hauling gear and supplies over rough terrain (~15-30 pounds)
• Coordinating with volunteers, donors, or other field visitors as needed
• Aiding in the planning and carrying out/delivery of outreach and educational events for local community members, including Indigenous community members, such as interpretive walks, school presentations, and interactive workshops and activities
• Participating in and providing support for the 2025 Limestone Landscapes Priority Place Bioblitz
• Collecting meaningful feedback from outreach participants and adapting programming to better meet the needs of community members
• Adhering to the organization's stringent health and safety procedures

Office duties (~50%)

• Self-directed learning and familiarization with landscape and relevant species
• Analysis of data
• Report monthly Purchase-card purchases in-line with project budgets
• End of season reporting and field protocol updating
• Maintaining and inventorying field equipment
• Creation of outreach and education materials
• Logistical planning such as coordination and booking of required accommodation for field and outreach aspects
• Report on outreach events
• Support other conservation programs in Eastern Canada as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

What you will bring:

• Candidates working towards a Bachelor of Science or Arts Degree will be considered, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in fieldwork and/or outreach,
• Minimum 1 year experience with biological field work and data collection,
• Minimum 1 year experience with public outreach and science communication, whether through coursework, certifications, or relevant experience, is an asset,
• Class 5 driver's license or equivalent Canadian license is required,
• Standard First Aid Certificate is required; Wilderness First Aid preferred,
• Experience with data entry, management (in Microsoft Access or other) an asset,
• Demonstrate a passion for conservation and a love of working outdoors,
• An eye for detail and understanding of standardized research designs, as accurate and precise data collection and entry are essential,
• A moderate to high level of physical fitness to carry loads and hike into remote fieldwork areas,
• Ability to take directions, complete work and solve problems with minimal supervision,
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort working in small groups, including delegating and sharing responsibilities, resolving conflicts, and communicating clearly,
• A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily field- and outreach-based in various locations across the northern regions of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula with work that may involve hazards such as insects, persistent wind, sunburn, heat exhaustion, or frostbite,
• Prolonged exposure to the elements, including very hot or cold temperatures with limited shade available, strong winds, and heavy rainfall,
• Food and shared housing are provided while in the field,
• Extensive driving including highways, rough forest service roads, and two-track trails,
• Days off are highly variable and weather-dependent,
• Long field days up to 12 hours, including driving, hiking, surveying, or conducting other field work or meeting outreach needs,
• May require early morning and evening field for outreach tasks,
• Working independently or in a team,
• Hiking in remote locations under various weather conditions,
• Living in close quarters, including periods of living with colleagues,
• Carrying equipment over long distances,
• Office work can involve long periods of sitting at computer workstations.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise when visiting the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts in Canada.

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.

Apply by doing the following;

1. Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
2. Read about the Limestone Barrens project here: https://wilderinstitute.org/conservation/limestone-barrens-ecosystem/
3. Submit your resume and a cover letter via our online application system.
4. Fill in the Application questions:
   • If hired, when would you be available to start?
   • If hired, would you be available to work until late August or late October (please identify your preferred end date)?
   • Do you have any vacation/time off requirements for the duration of the contract that we should know about?
   • Do you have a Class 5 Driver's License or equivalent?
   • Describe any time you have spent in Newfoundland, including whether you have resided, worked, and/or attended school in the province.
   • Please confirm that you are willing and able to be in Newfoundland while working for the duration of the contract.
   • Please briefly describe your experience conducting biological/ecological fieldwork.
   • Please briefly describe your experience in public outreach and/or science communication.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by March 21, 2025 at 4pm MST.

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 organization'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.