WILDLIFE FIELD ASSISTANT POSITION

DESCRIPTION
The University of Regina is seeking to fill a Wildlife Field Assistant posi􀆟on based out of Medicine Hat, Alberta, primarily working nights to assist a MSc student with research focused on the Ord’s kangaroo rat. Our study aims to understand the Endangered Ord’s kangaroo rat ecology to assist with the conserva􀆟on of the species.

POSITION ACTIVITIES
You will meet only kangaroo rat species in Canada and work in some amazing sand dune and na􀆟ve grassland habitats in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. The posi􀆟on involves conduc􀆟ng fieldwork as a group of two or more primarily throughout southeastern Alberta, with some work in southwest Saskatchewan within privately managed ranches and the Canadian Forces Base Suffield Na􀆟onal Wildlife Area. Fieldwork involves travelling long distances on highways to remote areas, rural roads, and trails for animal mark-recapture and vegeta􀆟on sampling. At least half the fieldwork will be conducted at night, and weather condi􀆟ons can vary. We will frequently encounter various unique grassland species, including prairie ratlesnakes.

ANTICIPATED START AND END (TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT)
May 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024

HOURS OF WORK
Due to animal ac􀆟vity, intensive, nightly mark-recaptures are based on the new moon schedule and working some weekends will be required (~12 consecu􀆟ve days). Hours of work will switch to days for vegeta􀆟on sampling.

PAY RATE
$16-19 hourly pay based on experience.

POSITION REQUIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

  • Possess or working toward an undergraduate degree or diploma involving conserva􀆟on, ecology, and environmental studies
  • Strong interest and passion in ecology, conserva􀆟on, and outdoor fieldwork
  • Good communica􀆟on and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to hike, work long hours, carry heavy equipment
  • An eye for detail, especially for accurate and precise data collec􀆟on
  • Highly mo􀆟vated and organized
  • Willingness to adhere to safety and animal care protocols and procedures
  • Ability to work independently and as a team
  • Knowledge and use of Microso􀅌 Suite
  • Ability to think cri􀆟cally and problem-solve
  • Able to work in a variety of weather condi􀆟ons and adapt to bi􀆟ng insects
  • Eligible to obtain Reliability Status level personnel screening through the Government of Canada
  • Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent
  • Is a Canadian ci􀆟zen

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience working in the grasslands
  • Small mammal handling experience
  • Vegeta􀆟on iden􀆟fica􀆟on skills
  • Familiarity with standard vegeta􀆟on sampling methods
  • Naviga􀆟onal skills to remote areas using Military UTM, topographic maps, compass and GPS
  • Experience driving a 4X4 vehicle on grid roads and trails
  • Experience with GIS so􀅌ware
  • Data entry experience
  • Standard First Aid cer􀆟fica􀆟on

INCLUDED IN THE POSITION

  • $150 per month for groceries
  • Living accommoda􀆟ons if not from Medicine Hat

TO APPLY
Please send a cover leter, resume/CV, and contact informa􀆟on for two references to Jessie Bainbridge at jessiebainbridge92@gmail.com. Even if you do not meet all the asset qualifica􀆟ons, please apply. Only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted, and references will not be contacted unless you are selected for an interview. Please submit your applica􀆟on as a single PDF atachment and name the email subject 􀆟tle “Wildlife Field Assistant Posi􀆟on 2024.” The applica􀆟on deadline is on February 19, 2024, at 23:59 MST.