Description

Now is your chance to join our team and help take action for wildlife as a permanent, full-time Associate, Wilder Canada Action Plan (WCAP)! The Wilder Institute is responding to Canada’s call to action with a visionary 10-year biodiversity action plan to initiate targeted conservation translocations for imperiled animals and plants. The WCAP provides a coordinated, inclusive, and science-driven approach to deliver species-specific solutions for the restoration of Canada’s wildlife species. WCAP aims to transform both the pace and scale of species recovery in Canada, while making significant contributions to global biodiversity goals and targets. WCAP sees us growing our portfolio of conservation programs across Canada, while delivering a competitive grant program to enable diverse actors, including Indigenous Peoples, local communities, smaller conservation non-governmental organizations (NGOs), grassroots groups and others to implement effective, evidence-based conservation translocation programs by providing financial support, conservation mentorship, training, and other capacity-strengthening/sharing initiatives.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, WCAP, the Associate, WCAP will support the assessment of potential new WCAP programs, assist WCAP grant program administration, and generally execute work related to WCAP and the overarching Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. The WCAP Conservation Associate will work collaboratively across other zoo departments, the public, donors, partners and all relevant people to advance conservation goals of the program Some on-the-ground communication with local communities, Indigenous Nations and/or other potential collaborators may occur.

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.

Location: Calgary, Alberta or Greater Toronto Hamilton Area/Peel Region in Ontario.

What you will do: 

• Provide leadership, coordination and other support for the assessment of new WCAP program opportunities through our Species Prioritization Process (SPP), including compilation of information through various methods, internal and external knowledge gathering, data entry and synthesis of results.
• Maintain and improve SPP information collection protocols
• Maintain up-to-date guidance on SPP application and support external collaborators in the use of this tool
• Collaborate on the design, development and maintenance of a relational database for the SPP
• Assist with hiring and training of WCAP Interns
• Lead day-to-day supervision of WCAP Interns as directed
• Support the Senior Manager, WCAP in relationship-building with potential collaborators
• Contribute to work-planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, tracking of progress, reporting, fundraising and any other aspects as needed for WCAP activities
• Assist with managing pre-approved project budgets
• Conduct background research and literature reviews
• Help coordinate and schedule meetings; participate in meetings with internal and external partners
• Contribute to the development of project proposals, program plans, reports, PPT presentations, graphs and figures
• Deliver presentations and support outreach and engagement to the public, donors, and zoo staff, as required
• Liaise and work collaboratively with other WICZ staff and Conservation & Science teams, as well as with external collaborators
• Travel domestically as necessary to carry out any of the responsibilities above
• Other tasks supporting operations of the Conservation & Science department as requested

What you will bring: 

• A master’s degree in biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Conservation, or another related program. A bachelor’s degree in these fields with experience equivalent to a master’s degree will also be considered.
• At least 3 years’ experience in science research or related experience.
• Experience gathering and summarizing information from a variety of different sources
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, at least at a basic level; experience developing and/or using relational databases an asset
• Experience in scheduling meetings and taking meeting notes an asset
• Experience communicating with local communities and Indigenous Nations an asset
• Field work experience in a conservation or environmental capacity an asset
• Familiarity/knowledge of species at-risk (SAR), and general awareness of SAR legislation and initiatives in Canada
• Knowledge of Conservation Standards and/or other conservation planning processes an asset
• Familiarity with GIS (ArcGIS) an asset
• Demonstrate a passion for wildlife conservation
• Ability to take direction, and complete work and problem-solve independently or in small groups
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Able to be flexible/adaptable to potentially changing deadlines, pace of work and time pressures
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills in a team environment
• Ability to interpret and apply scientific knowledge from publications and other sources
• The ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
• A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices

Working Conditions: 

• Working in the office (on site at Calgary Zoo) and/or remotely (home office)
• Long periods of computer-based office work
• Working both independently and in a team
• Occasional local and national travel for in-person meetings
• Field visits to potential collaborator sites which may involve hazards such as dangerous animals, insects, heat exhaustion, sunburn or frostbite, working with field equipment such as trucks or ATVs, heavy lifting of field equipment, exposure to wildlife diseases and/or wildfire smoke, and working in rural areas and/or remote communities
• Driving on highways, dirt roads, or occasional air travel.
• Changing deadlines and priorities

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 support with the conservation of incredible Canadian species.

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. Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.
3. Fill in the Application questions:
   • If hired, when would you be available to start?
   • If hired, what would be your salary expectations for the position?
   • Please describe your familiarity wit species-at-risk and related legislation and initiatives.

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 December 29, 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.