Applied Ecologist

Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) seeks a senior scientist to lead mammal monitoring and remote camera–based biodiversity analysis programs across Alberta. You will apply advanced modeling, collaborate with partners, and guide staff in data processing and tool development.

Responsibilities include developing occupancy and distribution models, designing monitoring strategies, and communicating results through manuscripts, reports, and presentations to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in ecology, wildlife biology or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in ecological modeling or related analytics.
• Strong background in statistical modeling with environmental data.
• Experience with remote camera data and mammal monitoring workflows.
• Proficiency in R for ecological analyses and data visualization.
• Experience preparing technical reports or scientific manuscripts.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of mammal and remote camera monitoring programs.
• Analyze remote-camera and mammal data to evaluate trends and species responses.
• Develop occupancy and distribution models for Alberta.
• Design and test new monitoring techniques and data collection methods.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and methodological docs.
• Maintain ABMI analytical workflows and software tools for reproducibility.

Skills

Statistical modeling

R programming

Python

SQL

Git

Remote camera data

Mammal monitoring

GIS software

Data analysis

Manuscripts & reports

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BSc) in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Statistics, or a related field.

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

GitHub

Job description

Competition No: 4337 Department: Faculty of Science - University of Alberta Job Category: College of Natural And Applied Sciences Position Type: Support Staff - Regular Salary Range: $75,304.32 to $104,223.60 Grade: 10 Hours:40

APPLY BEFORE SEPTEMBER 25, 2026, 11:55 PM

About the Job

Location - This position offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing for a combination of remote and/or in-office work based on work preferences. We welcome applicants from across Alberta. In the event that you need to work on-site, you may have the flexibility to attend either the Edmonton or Calgary offices based on your location and convenience. Preference will be discussed during the recruitment process.

ABMI is dedicated to tracking changes in biodiversity across the entirety of Alberta for the next 100 years, and this resultant information provides Albertans the ability to make informed decisions about the state of their environment in ways never before possible.

This position is part of ABMI’s Science Centre and is responsible for leading the development and implementation of mammal monitoring and remote camera–based biodiversity analysis programs across Alberta. The role includes applied research, species modeling, and analytical tool development, carried out in collaboration with academic partners, government agencies, Indigenous communities, environmental NGOs, and industry representatives.

Responsibilities

Applied Research and Monitoring

• Analyze remote‑camera and mammal monitoring data to evaluate trends, species responses, and relationships with human development.
• Develop and maintain provincial mammal habitat, occupancy, and distribution models.
• Design and test new monitoring techniques, including camera deployment strategies and sensor‑based detection methods.
• Conduct programming tasks to clean, store, and analyze large datasets using R, Python, SQL, and Git.
• Perform spatial analyses and produce mapping products using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and methodological documentation.
• Maintain ABMI analytical workflows and software tools to ensure reproducibility and transparency.

Program Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead development of monitoring priorities for mammal and remote camera programs, including protocol updates and best practices.
• Provide guidance to staff working on mammal monitoring, camera data processing, and analytical workflows.
• Collaborate with academic researchers, Indigenous communities, government agencies, industry partners, and NGOs.
• Co‑develop study designs with Indigenous communities that integrate traditional knowledge and western science.
• Support partners in applying ABMI mammal monitoring products to planning, policy, and resource management.
• Contribute to annual work planning within the Science Centre.
• Assist in preparing funding proposals and research grants.

Knowledge Sharing

• Present results and recommendations to ABMI staff, collaborators, and external partners.
• Deliver presentations at meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.
• Support creation and dissemination of reports and information products led by the ABMI Information Centre.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BSc) in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Over 5 years of experience in ecological modeling, environmental analytics, or related fields.
• Equivalencies in education and experience will be considered.
• Strong background in statistical modeling using environmental or ecological data.
• Experience with remote camera data, mammal monitoring, image classification workflows, or sensor‑based wildlife monitoring.
• Proficiency in R programming for ecological analyses.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and publishing technical reports and/or scientific manuscripts.
• Demonstrated analytical expertise in environmental or ecological studies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s (MSc, MA) or PhD or advanced training in terrestrial ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Advanced programming skills, particularly in R, with experience using GitHub.
• Expertise in modeling species responses to human activities and disturbances.
• Experience working with large datasets across diverse species and ecological systems.
• Strong research background in mammal ecology or community ecology.
• Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Alignment with ABMI’s mission, values, and vision, demonstrating commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.