Job 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 seeking a full-time permanent Conservation Research Associate to join our team. The successful candidate reports to and assists various Population Ecologists in conservation translocation and/or community conservation projects, publications, presentations, and field-work related to conservation translocation and/or community conservation programs and the overarching needs of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. This role will advance the mission of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo by using hands-on research activities that can advance the conservation and recovery of species or ecosystems.
The Conservation Research Associate may be asked to assist with any project within the Conservation Science portfolio and it is expected that the projects they focus on will change from year to year. However, initially the associate will primarily focus on the Burrowing Owl and Half-Moon Hairstreak projects. You can read more about all of the projects here.
Our Mission | Take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places
Our Values | Effective collaboration and communication, honesty and integrity, customer focus, safety, and conservation
What you will do:
Assist on a variety of conservation translocations and/or community conservation projects(s) within the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo including tasks such as:

• Collaborating on the design, development and implementation of projects
• Conducting background research and literature reviews
• Developing field and research protocols
• Leading pre-field season(s) planning and wrap-up
• Performing field work, including examples such as: animal/plant capture/handling, transport and releases; collection of biological samples, surveys, transects, radio-tracking, behavioral observations, species identification, setting up and using wildlife cameras, etc.
• Assisting with hiring and training field technicians/volunteers
• Leading field camps and day-to-day supervision of field technicians/volunteers in the field
• Data collection, entry, and management
• Maintaining and improving data collection systems
• Using software for processing data
• Summarizing and analyzing data
• Writing permit applications and reporting to permitting authorities
• Assisting with and preparing publications of reports and scientific papers
• Purchasing, maintaining equipment and managing inventory
• Assisting with managing pre-approved project budgets
• Reporting monthly P-card purchases in-line with project budgets
• Assist with funding proposals, donor reports/presentations, as needed
• Delivering presentations to the public, donors and zoo staff, as needed
• Participating in meetings with internal and external partners, as needed
• Complies with the zoo\xe2\x80\x99s health and safety program
• Other duties as assigned

What you will bring:

• MSc in Biology or Zoology plus a minimum of 3 seasons of field experience is required however candidates with a BSc plus a minimum of 9 seasons of field experience will be considered
• Class 5 Driver\xe2\x80\x99s License
• Demonstrate a passion for wildlife conservation and a love of working outdoors
• Ability to follow directions and work well with others
• An eye for detail, as accurate and precise data collection and entry is essential
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• A high level of physical fitness
• Excellent communication and leadership skills in a team environment
• Proven track record in publishing scientific papers

Additional Requirements:

• All candidates must be eligible to work in Canada
• The successful candidate must be eligible to obtain Reliability Status level personnel screening through the Government of Canada for work on CFB Suffield

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based
• Long periods of time sitting at computer work stations
• Occasional travel may be required
• Occasional field work that may involve hazards such as dangerous animals, insects, sunburn or frostbite, working with field equipment such as trucks or ATVs, heavy lifting of field equipment, exposure to wildlife diseases

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff 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.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is a no smoking environment including vaping. What We Offer:

• A chance to make a direct impact on the conservation of various iconic Canadian species
• Competitive compensation
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of animals from around the world

Are you ready to join one of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s 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:
Step 1: Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DVBNXBhlCE&t=2s)
Step 2: Submit a cover letter and resume via our online application form.
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 no later than January 22, 2023 @ 4:00pm MST. All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Job Type: Full-time