NBM Research Assistant

Wildlife Conservation Society Canada; Whitehorse; On-site; CAD 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in Whitehorse seeks a motivated NBM Research Assistant to support applied research and conservation in Yukon and northern BC. This 18-month full-time position emphasizes Indigenous-led initiatives and requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, proficiency in geospatial analysis, and strong data management skills. Competitive benefits and a hybrid work model offered.

Benefits

4 weeks vacation

Paid sick and personal emergency leave

Health and dental care

Life insurance

RRSP match

Weekly wellness sessions

Qualifications

• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro for spatial analysis and mapping.
• Strong quantitative skills with experience in data management and statistical analysis.
• Experience conducting field research.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with First Nations to advance Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA).
• Support field research logistics, equipment management, and data collection.
• Perform statistical analyses on ecological datasets.

Skills

Geospatial analysis

Data management

Statistical analysis

Field research

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Job Description

Salary : $75,100 annually

Position Title : NBM Research Assistant

Position Type : Full-time, Term

Program : Northern Boreal Mountains (NBM)

Term : 18 months

Position Level : 6

Date Written / Revised : August 21, 2025

Location : Whitehorse, Yukon (Hybrid)

Reports to : Dr. Hilary Cooke, Co-Director of Northern Boreal Mountains program

Supervises (Direct supervision only) : Field Staff on occasion

Start Date : October 6, 2025

Position Contact : Dr. Hilary Cooke, Co-Director of Northern Boreal Mountains program

Benefits : 4 weeks vacation, Paid sick and Personal emergency leave, Self-care days, Health and Dental care, Life insurance, RRSP match, DEIJA Team, Weekly Wellness sessions, Mentorship program and Annual Northern Travel Allowance.

Application Closing Date : September 12, 2025 at 6pm PST.

Position Summary

The WCS Canada Northern Boreal Mountains (NBM) program seeks a motivated candidate to support our applied research and conservation program in Yukon and northern British Columbia. The Research Assistant will be involved in creating Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), and supporting biodiversity, climate change, and cumulative effects research. Candidates should have a background in wildlife conservation and/or northern ecology, with experience in geospatial analysis, data management, statistical analysis, and field research. This is an 18-month position with potential extension pending funding.

The NBM program focuses on maintaining the ecological integrity and resilience of landscapes and biodiversity in Yukon and northern BC. Our approach emphasizes reconciliation, Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, and integrating biodiversity into decision-making processes. We aim to support land use planning, conduct targeted research on threats to biodiversity, and engage in policy development and reform.

Position Objectives

• Collaborate with First Nations to advance Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) by developing geospatial databases mapping important ecological, cultural, and resource areas, climate resilience, and land use conflicts.
• Support Land Guardian programs, including environmental monitoring and community engagement activities.
• Advance studies in northern ecology and conservation through data analysis and supporting field programs.
• Contribute to reports, publications, and outreach efforts.

Principal Responsibilities

• Digitize and compile geospatial data on ecological and cultural values from Indigenous communities and remote sensing sources.
• Support field research logistics, equipment management, and data collection, including remote camera and acoustic data management.
• Perform statistical analyses on ecological datasets, including avian migration and community dynamics studies.
• Prepare literature reviews, reports, scientific publications, and multimedia content.
• Participate in team meetings and represent WCS Canada at external events.
• Support Indigenous-led conservation and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Required Qualifications / Skills / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related field.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro for spatial analysis and mapping.
• Strong quantitative skills with experience in data management and statistical analysis.
• Experience conducting field research.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, managing multiple projects.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.

Preferred Qualifications / Skills / Experience

• Knowledge of boreal ecology or northern conservation issues.
• Experience with remote camera and acoustic data.
• Experience working with northern communities and understanding of land claims and Indigenous rights.

How to apply

Submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your qualifications and motivation for this position. For questions, contact Hilary Cooke at [contact information].

Application deadline: September 12, 2025, at 6 pm PST.

WCS Canada is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Applicants with disabilities or special needs may request accommodations at any recruitment stage.