Wildlife Field Technician

WEST Inc; Calgary; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a dedicated individual for an ecological survey role in Calgary. This position involves extensive fieldwork, conducting ecological and avian surveys, and requires strong bird identification skills. The role demands long hours and travel to remote locations, ensuring quality data collection and adherence to safety protocols. Candidates must possess a relevant degree and demonstrate critical thinking and organizational skills. Join a team committed to environmental management and conservation.

Qualifications

• Legal authorization to work in Canada required.
• Experience with avian point counts and biological fieldwork preferred.
• Ability to identify >75% of bird species by sound.

Responsibilities

• Conduct various ecological and avian surveys including bird migration.
• Field data QAQC, processing, and data management.
• Monitor raptor nests and conduct amphibian, reptile, and mammal surveys.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Critical Thinking

Education

Diploma or Degree in Ecology

Environmental Science/Management

Tools

Tablet Data Collection Systems

Field Maps

Survey123

Job description

Job Description

This position involves conducting various ecological and avian surveys, including bird migration, breeding bird, sharp-tailed grouse lek, burrowing owl, and other avian use surveys. Responsibilities also include raptor nest monitoring, construction monitoring, amphibian, reptile, and mammal surveys, species-specific surveys for Species of Management Concern (SOMC), bat acoustic detector and thermal camera setup and maintenance, pre-disturbance nest surveys, and other ecological assessments such as wetland, soil, and vegetation evaluations. Additional duties encompass field data QAQC, processing, demobilization, data entry and management, weekly timesheet and expense report completion, bird and bat fatality monitoring at renewable energy facilities, carcass handling, reporting support, and office administrative assistance.

Position Details

The role is predominantly field-based (95%) with travel between the field sites and Calgary office. Fieldwork involves long days (up to 12 hours), overnight stays in remote locations, and extended periods (up to 3-4 weeks).

Fieldwork Requirements

• Demonstrate strong bird identification skills in boreal, parkland, and prairie habitats.
• Start survey work early mornings (around 3 AM) or late evenings (around 10 PM), as needed.
• Work weekends and holidays as required.
• Work long shifts, potentially up to 22 consecutive days.
• Overtime work in the field is expected.
• Work effectively independently or in small crews.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Walk long distances (up to 20 km/day) over uneven terrain.
• Operate in various environmental conditions (heat, cold, wind).
• Operate four-wheel drive vehicles off-road.
• Work around rural hazards (livestock, dust, mud, snow, wind, extreme temperatures).
• Work in habitats with rattlesnakes, bears, cougars, wolves, and in areas with limited cellphone service, using satellite and radio devices for communication.
• Handle field equipment with care, collect quality data, and adhere to safety and administrative protocols.
• Meet deadlines and work efficiently following protocols.

This description is not exhaustive of all duties associated with this position.

Job Requirements

• Legal authorization to work in Canada (citizens, permanent residents, or valid VISA; US citizens require a Canadian work visa).
• Relevant diploma or degree in ecology, zoology, environmental science/management, or related field.
• Valid driver’s license without restrictions.
• Ability to rent a vehicle and obtain a suitable driver’s abstract.
• Pass a drug and alcohol test per WEST and client standards.
• High initiative and critical thinking skills.
• Adherence to health and safety requirements.
• Durable field equipment including steel-toed boots, waterproof hiking boots, snake gaiters, and binoculars (8x42 or 10x42).

Desired Skills

• Experience with avian point counts and other biological fieldwork.
• Ability to identify >75% of bird species in western Canada by sound and >90% by sight.
• Experience with tablet data collection systems (e.g., Field Maps, Survey123).
• Experience leading field crews and conducting the specified surveys.

WEST is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital or family status, or other protected characteristics.