Conservation Associate

Conservation Research Calgary, AB Calgary, Alberta

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Description

Make direct impact on conservation efforts at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a full-time permanent Conservation Associate to join our Conservation & Science team, focusing on the Whooping Crane program. This is your chance to help these magnificent birds to overcome challenges to their population and ecosystem through conservation breeding and research in wild populations.
 
The Conservation Associate reports to and assists the Conservation Program Manager in field work, conservation management activities, and research. This position works to reverse the loss of plants, animals, and their habitats through careful and considered program delivery. The Conservation Associate furthers these efforts by collaborating across departments while equally delivering on our commitment to an Inclusive Conservation Framework. This commitment involves supporting public outreach and youth education, consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Nations, and capacity sharing with external partners. The Conservation Associate will draw from their strong theoretical and practical science background to communicate, consult, and liaise on the Whooping Crane Program with audiences, collaborators and partners with diverse backgrounds.
 
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:   
  • Support one or more WICZ conservation programs in field and office-based needs to achieve conservation impact 
  • Collaborate on the design, development and implementation of conservation programs 
  • Conduct background research and literature reviews to support the program delivery 
  • Develop field and research protocols to support the specific species and environment of the program 
  • Lead pre-field season planning and post-field season wrap-up, 
  • Perform 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. 
  • Assist with hiring and training field technicians and volunteers 
  • Lead field camps and day-to-day supervision of field technicians and volunteers in the field 
  • Perform data collection, entry, and data analysis to create summaries to inform internal and external collaborators 
  • Maintain and improve data collection systems 
  • Write and submit permit applications, and reporting to permitting authorities
  • Liaise and work collaboratively with both internal staff and external collaborators, such as the Animal Care, Health and Welfare team 
  • Assist with preparing publications of reports and scientific papers 
  • Purchase, maintain equipment and managing inventory 
  • Assisting with managing pre-approved project budgets and reporting monthly purchases for projects 
  • Collect photos and stories from fieldwork activities for program communications purposes 
  • Support funding proposals and donor reports/presentations as needed 
  • Deliver presentations and engage in outreach to the public, donors, and internal staff and volunteers 
What you will bring:    
  • At least 3 years’ experience in a science and research capacity 
  • A bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or other relevant areas of study with 9 seasons of biological field work is required. A master’s degree in noted areas with 3 seasons of biological field work is considered equivalent. 
  • A valid Class 5 Driver’s License is required 
  • A valid Wilderness First Aid is preferred 
  • Ability to perform all physical requirements of field work, including hiking into remote areas through diverse terrain while carrying equipment 
  • Ability to interpret and apply scientific knowledge from publications and other sources, and to contribute towards scientific writing 
  • 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 to ensure an accurate and precise data collection and entry is essential 
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills in a team environment 
Working Conditions:    
  • Long periods of sitting at computer workstations.  
  • May involve long periods of standing, walking, crouching, bending, pulling, and other field-work related activities. 
  • Travel to program field locations will be required. 
  • Field work that may involve hazards such as dangerous animals, insects, sunburn or frostbite, transport in small aircraft/helicopters, working with field equipment such as trucks or ATVs, heavy lifting of field equipment, exposure to wildlife diseases, and travel and work in remote Canadian or international communities. 
  • This position includes significant amounts of both field-based and office-based work. The exact percent allocation will depend on the conservation program(s) the Conservation Associate is presently supporting and may change depending on field needs each year. 
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 the Zoo Offers:    
  • Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement 
  • Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account 
  • Employer matching RRSP program 
  • Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise 
  • Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan  
  • A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals  
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. Learn more about the Whooping Crane here: https://wilderinstitute.org/conservation/whooping-crane/
  3. Submit your resume with an optional cover letter via our online application system.  
 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 January 20, 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. 

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