Position: Nest Monitoring Technician
Organization: Wildlife Preservation Canada
Project: B.C. Wetlands Recovery
Location: Deroche BC (near Abbotsford, Mission, Lower Mainland BC)
Type of Position: Full-time (30-40 hr/wk), temporary (10 weeks)
Rate of Pay: $13.85/hr
Anticipated Start: May 8th 2019
Hours of Work: 30-40 hrs/week. Daily and weekly schedule varies to suit project needs and weather conditions. Working evenings and weekends will be required.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This position provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in endangered species recovery with B.C.’s wetland species at risk, specifically the Pacific coast population of Western painted turtles. As part of the Western Painted Turtle Recovery Program, the Nest Monitoring Technician will monitor nesting beaches and collect eggs as part of a headstarting program operated by Wildlife Preservation Canada in collaboration with the Greater Vancouver Zoo. This effort is an integral part of the program with headstarted turtles used to supplement wild populations. The position is based at Nicomen Slough, in Deroche B.C. Frequent travel to the Greater Vancouver Zoo, in Aldergrove B.C, will be necessary.
RESPONSIBILITIES
After a period of training by the Program Biologist, the Technician will be responsible for surveying nesting areas for female turtles and collecting a set of standardized data. Select nests will be excavated and transferred to the Greater Vancouver Zoo for artificial incubation and headstarting. Remaining nests will be caged and protected in-situ. There may be opportunity to assist with ex-situ activities and additional research.
Specific duties include:
- Monitor nesting grounds and locate nesting female Western painted turtles.
- Safely handle, mark, and accurately measure and record data from nesting females.
- Excavate select nests and safely transfer to Greater Vancouver Zoo with required data.
- Install protective caging around remaining nests.
- Accurately collect all required nest/nesting data and complete all required data forms.
- Clear invasive plant species within nesting habitat.
- Maintain regular and good communication with the Program Biologist
- Additional tasks as required related to data entry, database management, and data analysis.
- Assist with public education and create content for the program blog as directed.
- Adhere to all project protocols, as well as health and safety regulations, legislation and policies.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Recent university/college graduate in a relevant environmental/biology field.
- Strong interest in conservation biology and B.C. wildlife; comfortable handling turtles.
- Previous experience with B.C. reptiles is an asset.
- Experience with field work, particularly population monitoring and habitat assessment.
- Excellent data collection skills
- Experience using GPS
- Excellent communication skills, including ability to ask for clarification if needed.
- Ability to follow direction, and to follow project protocols after on-site training.
- Ability to complete set tasks independently and cooperatively within a team.
- The candidate must be able to think critically and come to animal care and handling decisions based on nesting female activity and the surrounding habitat.
- Willing to work flexible hours to maximize days and hours of sunshine, which are critical for nesting observation.
- Physically fit and able to endure working in variable weather conditions with exposure to biting insects
- Willing to make frequent trips between Deroche and the Greater Vancouver Zoo as required.
- Experience in the use of Microsoft Office (i.e. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, time management and analytical skills.
- Access to a vehicle which can be used for work purposes.
- Valid Class 5 BC drivers’ license and willing to provide a driver’s abstract.
- Valid OFA level 1 First Aid or equivalent is desirable.
- Meet the requirements of the Canada Summer Jobs program (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2018/12/backgrounder-canada-summer-jobs-2019.html).
To apply please send a cover letter and resume to: Maja Hampson, Program Biologist – B.C. Wetlands Recovery, maja.hampson@wildlifepreservation.ca . Please submit your application as a single PDF or MS word file and include the email subject heading “Nest Monitoring Technician Application”. Application deadline is midnight (EST) April 15th, 2019, and all candidates will be considered after this date. This position is contingent on funding from the Canada Summer Jobs wage subsidy program.
We thank all who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.