Field Technician Burrowing Owl Project

Calgary Zoo; Calgary; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in Alberta is seeking Field Technicians for the Burrowing Owl Project. This position involves conducting vital fieldwork for burrowing owls in southeastern Alberta, requiring at least one year of science-related experience and a passion for wildlife conservation. Responsibilities include preparing sites, monitoring these owls, and ensuring data accuracy. This role offers shared housing and food while working in the field and includes opportunities for significant hands-on experience with wildlife.

Benefits

Shared housing and food during fieldwork

Hands-on experience with wildlife

Qualifications

• Completed or working towards BSc. or Wildlife Technician/Technologist Diploma.
• At least 1 year of experience in a science-related role.
• Experience with biological fieldwork preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork for burrowing owls in Alberta.
• Prepare release sites and monitor burrowing owls.
• Collect data and support field logistics.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Passion for wildlife conservation

Physical fitness

Education

BSc. or Wildlife Technician/Technologist Diploma

Job description

Overview

Take the next step in your career by joining the Wilder Institute and grow your experience in conservation science at a globally recognized conservation organization. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking Field Technicians for the Burrowing Owl Project team for the 2026 season.

Burrowing Owl Field Technicians will be based in Suffield, Alberta and will conduct fieldwork throughout south-eastern Alberta on privately managed ranches and within the CFB Suffield National Wildlife Area. The purpose of this program is to contribute to the conservation and recovery of burrowing owls in Canada. Visit our website to learn more about the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s conservation efforts!

Our Purpose and Core Values

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.

Contract

• Start Date: April 2026
• End Date: Either end of August 2026 or mid-October 2026 (please indicate availability/preference in your application)

What you will do

• Preparing release sites.
• Releasing and monitoring burrowing owls.
• Supplemental feeding burrowing owls.
• Driving throughout south-eastern Alberta to conduct surveys for burrowing owls.
• Complete surveys for birds at various times throughout the day while listening for and observing the bird's responses.
• Trapping, banding, and blood sampling burrowing owls.
• Occasional overnight trips may be required.
• Collecting data on all aspects of fieldwork.
• Office duties including, but not limited to: data entry, remote transmitter monitoring, end of season reporting, and protocol updates.
• May provide support planning field logistics.

What you will bring

• Completed or working towards a BSc. or Wildlife Technician/Technologist Diploma or similar (or higher).
• At least 1 year of experience in a science related role, with experience with biological field work (e.g., wildlife and/or vegetation surveys).
• Experience with avian surveys preferred.
• Avian blood sampling experience an asset but not required.
• Standard First Aid certification is required
• Class 5 Driver's License is required
• A passion for wildlife conservation and a love of working outdoors.
• An eye for detail, as accurate and precise data collection and entry are essential.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience living with co-workers in tight quarters.
• A high level of physical fitness for conducting field work.
• A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices.

Additional Requirements

• Successful candidates must be eligible to obtain Reliability Status level personnel screening through the Government of Canada for work on CFB Suffield.

Working Conditions

• Fieldwork is located throughout southeastern Alberta.
• Requires working in the evening, at night, and long hours.
• Requires extensive highway driving throughout southeastern Alberta.
• Involves driving between field sites on back roads with loose surfaces and occasional wet conditions.
• Working independently and in a team.
• Working outdoors in rural areas under varied weather conditions.
• Living in close quarters with field team; room sharing may be necessary. Housing and food will be provided while in the field.
• Requires animal handling (live trapping and transporting burrowing owls).
• Carrying heavy equipment over long distances.
• Days off are variable and weather-dependent.
• Occasional overnight trips may be required.

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

• Shared housing and food will be provided while working in the field
• A chance to work hands-on with an iconic Canadian species
• A fun, rewarding work environment with other passionate conservationists

Apply

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:

• Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
• Please confirm eligibility to work in Canada
• If hired, when would you be available to start?
• Which work term (indicated in the posting) is your preference?
• Do you have a valid Standard First Aid certification or higher?
• Do you have a valid driver’s license?
• How many months experience of cumulative experience do you have conducting biology fieldwork?
• Please describe your experience conducting bird surveys including what you studied, methods used, location, and duration of study.
• Have you conducted grassland fieldwork? If yes, please describe your experience including where you worked, what you did, and for how long?
• If hired, what are your wage expectations for this position?

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 February 18, 2026.

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.