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 looking for a Conservation Wildlife Research Scientist to support the study design, analysis, and publication needs of our conservation programs. You can learn more about the work done by this team by clicking here.
The Conservation Wildlife Research Scientist will support the Conservation & Science team to increase its collective conservation impacts and scientific profile. This position will work closely with the Conservation Program Managers and other collaborators to provide expertise in study design, modeling, analysis, and publications across multiple conservation programs, with a focus on quality of research that will inform applied conservation of species-at-risk. The Research Scientist will provide the conservation team with data analysis and publication writing expertise in some of the following fields: conservation translocations, population ecology, biological monitoring, ecological restoration, and related topics. This role will directly manage the Conservation Analyst staff members, and work closely with the Animal Care, Health and Welfare team and external collaborators on joint study designs, analyses and publications. They will also act as a learning leader to share technical knowledge, network with academic and technical partners, and act as a spokesperson for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo at national and international conferences. The Conservation Wildlife Research Scientist will report to the Associate Director, Conservation & Science, and work closely with the conservation team\xe2\x80\x99s Senior Managers.
What You Will Do

• Work with the Conservation Program Managers, Population Ecologists, and/or other internal and external collaborators to develop research questions and guide study design for the collection of biological, ecological, and habitat data impacting of species at-risk to inform quality decision-making to maximize conservation impacts
• Perform data analyses and interpretation of biological data, either directly, via oversight and mentorship of other conservation staff members, or via advising of external collaborators or contractors, to fill critical knowledge gaps
• Guide framing, writing, editing, submission and response to reviewer comments for peer-reviewed publications
• Act as a spokesperson for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo while presenting conservation research at national and international conferences
• Work with Conservation Program Managers, Population Ecologists, and Conservation Analysts to help prioritize analyses and publications
• Work with other senior staff members to develop partnerships, as needed, and work collaboratively with academics and other research-focused and technical collaborators, including involvement in multi-partner workshops on program research directions as required
• Serve on the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo\xe2\x80\x99s Welfare, Ethics and Research Committee to provide study design expertise
• Supervise, direct work, and evaluate performance of Conservation Analysts, and/or students, including co-supervision and collaboration with external agencies as appropriate.
• Contribute to budget development for line items related to computing and analysis tools, publication fees, etc.
• Assist with other priority needs across the Conservation & Science Department and/or other Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo initiatives as needed.

What You Will Bring

• PhD in a relevant discipline
• 5+ years of experience in conservation biology, ecology, zoology, population ecology, data analysis for wildlife conservation, or related field
• Excellent statistical analysis and study design skills
• Significant experience managing, analyzing, interpreting data, and a proven track record of publishing peer-review scientific papers
• Experience working in a collaborative, team environment towards a common goal
• Experience working on publications and other initiatives with collaborators from multiple organizations
• Experience developing and fostering partnerships across academic institutions
• Experience presenting at scientific conferences
• Experience supervising/mentoring graduate students or staff members
• Passion for evidence-based advancement of nature conservation
• Knowledge of ex situ conservation work is an asset
• Experience contributing to the development of budgets for analysis and publication expenses is an asset
• Committee experience is an asset

Working Conditions

• Extensive office work involving long periods of sitting at computer workstations
• Field visits may be required which could 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
• Occasional travel may be required, including to remote communities and field locations: this could include program locations or the Conservation Breeding Centres of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

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\xe2\x80\x99s in it for You

• Opportunity to work hands-on with one of our conservation projects
• The opportunity to work with a great team dedicated to supporting wildlife conservation
• Competitive compensation, vacation, and flex day entitlement
• Employer matching RRSP program
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit Program

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 the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo:
1. Review the application questions. The online application form requires you to answer a few questions specific to this role. We have provided them here so you are able to review them and prepare your responses.

• Please describe your experience related to study design for biological systems.
• Briefly summarize your knowledge of conservation biology.
• How many peer-reviewed publications have you been: (A) a primary author or co-author on, and (B) how many publications have you been a contributing author on?
• Have you supported the research needs of a team, beyond your own individual research/degree?
• How many years of management experience do you have and how many direct reports have you managed?
• This is a Calgary-based position. Can you confirm you are able to work in-office at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, including relocating to Calgary if needed?
• What are your salary expectations for this role? (please provide a range)
• If selected, when would you be available to start?

2. Prepare a cover letter and resume for your application. 3. Submit your application which will include your Cover Letter, Resume, and the online application form.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Online applications will be accepted until November 24, 2023 @ 4:00pm 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 Zoo\xe2\x80\x99s 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.