Job Title: Wildlife (Amphibian) Conservation Field Technicians
Number of Positions: 2
Job Term: June 5 to September 29 (the dates can be flexible if candidates are not available for the full term).
Hours: 35 hours per week, evenings and night shifts required.
Salary: $25-$28 per hour – commensurate with experience and funding availability.
Location: Creston, BC, with travel throughout the Kootenay Boundary Region.
- Applicants must have accommodation in Creston, BC, between Monday and Friday (we can help the successful candidates find accommodation).
Job Description:
The British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF) is looking to fill two seasonal positions for Wildlife Conservation Field Technicians in the Creston Valley. Technicians will assist the American Bullfrog Action Team (ABAT) in carrying out the environmental fieldwork component of the Kootenay Boundary American Bullfrog Control Program based in Creston, BC, with occasional travel throughout the area. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Forests (FOR) project leads, successful candidates will work in a team and on a flexible schedule to monitor and control amphibian populations in wetland and riparian habitats. This is a fieldwork-based position with irregular shifts (night work) required. Experience working outdoors in adverse weather and environmental conditions is necessary. This job may also require fieldwork in adjacent wetlands in the United States (pending travel restrictions), so the ability for cross-border travel is preferred.
Position Duties Include:
- Deployment/retrieval of Acoustic Recording Units (ARUs).
- Monitoring of amphibian populations in wetland and riparian habitats – targeting invasive American bullfrogs for eradication.
- Nocturnal calling and eyeshine surveys, egg mass surveys, trapping, and active capture using electrofishing units, dip nets, and other methods.
- Access sites via canoe, power boat, hiking through thick brush, wading through wetlands in all weather, and at night.
- Capture and euthanasia of invasive American bullfrogs in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care’s guidelines on the care and use of wildlife.
- ID and recording observations of all herpetofauna while on survey.
- Collect and record environmental data.
- Analysis of stomach contents of captured bullfrogs.
- Use of inReach communications devices and safety monitoring systems.
- Maintenance and repair of field equipment.
- Adherence to BC’s Hygiene Protocols for Amphibian Field Staff and Researchers to prevent the spread of invasive species and diseases.
Please Note: much of the work associated with this position occurs after dark and sometimes into the early morning hours. Flexibility in scheduling, a sharp focus, attention to detail, and safety in the field are essential.
Minimum Qualifications/requirements:
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Valid First Aid (Worksafe BC Level 1)
- Valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence
- Electrofishing Certification – or the ability to obtain one (we will reimburse successful candidates for the cost of the course if a new certification is required)
- Experience with boating and safety – canoes, kayaks and/or motorized craft
- Competent working with tablets and computers
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience working in the outdoors, in adverse weather and environmental conditions
- Competent navigating through complex terrain
- Ability to work independently, in a team, and remotely
Asset Qualifications and skillsets:
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card
- Valid passport
- Familiar with field survey procedures and equipment
- Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and technical challenges
- Experience in mobile data collection, use of GPS, measuring tools, dissection
- Familiarity with interior BC native frog species
- Extremely strong attention to detail
- A degree, diploma, or enrollment in the natural sciences
- A passion for conserving native herpetofauna species
Please note: Technicians will need accommodation in Creston BC for the duration of the field season (we can help the successful candidates find accommodation). Per Diem allowances are available for shifts outside of the Creston Valley.
Closing Date: Position Open Until Filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Using the form below, please submit a cover letter and a complete resume including 3 references with contact information. These must be submitted as two separate documents. Please submit in .pdf format with your name in the file title (e.g. John_Smith_Coverletter.pdf). Please clearly state how you meet the qualifications for this position in your application, as only candidates deemed qualified will be contacted for interviews.
We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage Indigenous People(s), First Nations, and Métis candidates, women, members of visible minorities and persons with different abilities to apply.
COVID-19:
While the BC Conservation Foundation does not currently have a mandatory COVID-19 policy, we take The BC Public Health Officer’s guidelines seriously. Many of our clients have enacted mandates that stipulate vaccination requirements be met by their workers and contractors. In light of this, we require all BC Conservation Foundation employees, our contractors and volunteers to be fully vaccinated before entering client mandated worksites, unless having a properly supported human rights exemption reflected under the provisions of the BC Human Rights Code.
The BC Conservation Foundation respectfully acknowledges that we operate on the traditional and unceded territory of many Indigenous Peoples throughout British Columbia.