Bat Technician

British Columbia Conservation Foundation; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

Position: Field technician – bat capture, telemetry, and habitat description

Location : Peace region – Dawson Creek to Hudson’s Hope

Term : Jun 23 – early October. Shorter terms may be available to the right candidate.

Anticipated Start Date: June 23, 2025

Job Description

Do you want to work with a team of exceptionally talented and bright people to make a real difference in the world? Are you detail-oriented, love the outdoors, interested in conservation of bats, and enjoy the challenges in working on rare and elusive species at night?

The Field Technician – Bat Capture, Telemetry, and Habitat Description will report to the Field Lead and be on assignment to the BC Gov (Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship) to conduct fieldwork within the Peace region of British Columbia, and specifically near the Kiskatinaw river and Hudson’s Hope. The project aims to increase understanding of roost features and habitat types to contribute to habitat protections for bat species at risk.

Fieldwork includes night work mist-netting for bats and attaching radio-tags, emergence counts at known roosts, and day work radio-tracking bats to roosts and doing habitat description plots. When not in the field, the technician will assist with gear maintenance and decontamination and data entry.

British Columbia Conservation Foundation’s vision is for thriving fish and wildlife populations in British Columbia. Our mission supports fish and wildlife through education, collaboration and habitat conservation. The Foundation is a mission-driven, registered non-profit and charity. We are one of the most active environmental non-profits in the province and were established in 1969.

BC Conservation Foundation is seeking an energetic, organized, and adaptable person to fill a fast-paced role doing fieldwork focused on fish and wildlife, and our communities. The ideal candidate will possess both work and lived experience in the natural environment and enjoy working in applied wildlife conservation. This role ideally includes education and experience in the environmental sector (i.e., a student or graduate in biology, ecology, geography, sciences, or another environmental post-secondary program).

The individual brings a positive can-do attitude to the job, as well as a willingness to learn, adapt and respond quickly while maintaining a high standard of attention to detail. The Technician reports to the Field Lead.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with bat capture using mist-nets, following BC protocols for bat capture and handling, and all necessary decontamination procedures
• Tracking radio-tagged bats on foot through forested areas to identify roost microsites
• Completing habitat description plots and data collection according to provided WLRS guidance

Qualifications

• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Valid class 5 BC driver’s licence
• Valid first aid (WorkSafe BC Level 1)
• Experience working outdoors, in adverse weather and environments
• Competent navigating through complex terrain
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Excellent hearing and verbal and written communication skills
• Fitness to carry heavy gear on day-long hikes

Skills:

• Knowledge of bats
• Radiotelemetry, preferably land-based tracking to microsites
• Plant identification in BC
• Experience mist-netting bats and/or birds
• Comfortable working in a group in forests at night
• Wildlife handling and morphometric assessment

Assets

• Familiarity with habitats and plant species of northern BC
• Experience with habitat plots and BEC zones
• Interest in bats and conservation
• Experience with backcountry travel and camping
• Housing provided; some camping may be required

To apply for this job

Please apply using the form below.

Applicants are asked to submit aresume and cover letter in .pdf format with your name in the file name. In your cover letter, tell us why you are passionate about wildlife conservation in BC, your experience with mist-netting, radio-telemetry, and remote field work.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage Indigenous People(s), First Nations, and Métis candidates, women, members of visible minority groups and diverse ability persons to apply.

British Columbia Conservation Foundation recognizes, acknowledges and appreciates that we are able to live, work and learn on the traditional territories of the First Nations and Indigenous Peoples of BC. Acknowledging the principles of truth and reconciliation, we recognize and respect the history, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all Indigenous Peoples of Canada whose presence continues to enrich our lives and country.

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