Senior Wildlife Biologist

Role Responsibilities

Are you searching for an exciting career opportunity that offers personal growth and the chance to work with a passionate team of wildlife biologists?

As a Senior Wildlife Biologist reporting to the Regional Wildlife Manager, you will spearhead initiatives to monitor and manage wildlife populations, conduct fieldwork, and provide expert advice on wildlife management and mitigation strategies. Your work will play a crucial role in the sustainable management of Alberta’s natural resources, ensuring wildlife values for generations to come.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct wildlife population assessments and habitat studies.
• Develop and implement wildlife management and monitoring plans and policies.
• Collaborate with government agencies, stakeholders, and the public to promote wildlife objectives.
• Engage and consult with First Nations and Metis communities.
• Provide expert guidance on wildlife management issues.
• Analyze data and prepare reports.
• Collaborate with wildlife biologists within the region and across the province to support and advance wildlife related goals and priorities.
• Represent Alberta in consultations, stakeholder meetings, and public forums.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Agility: Ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, manage resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
• Drive for Results: To organize a diverse workload, work independently and take ownership of all assigned projects to help achieve organizational goals while striving for excellence.
• Build Collaborative Environments: By sharing ideas, valuing input from others and working collaboratively and productively to achieve the desired outcomes.
• Systems Thinking: Decisions you make could have significant impact to industry and the environment alike, and you will need to work within a broadly defined conceptual legislative framework.

Qualifications

Requirements

Education:
University degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Sciences, Biology, Ecology, Renewable Resources, Conservation Sciences, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Experience:
Minimum of 6 years of directly related experience in wildlife biology and conservation, including:

• Biology and management of wildlife populations and habitats. 
• Designing and conducting wildlife population and habitat assessments.  
• Data collection, analysis, modeling, and reporting.  
• Leading teams, mentoring staff, and coordinating complex projects. 

Other:

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license (or equivalent).

Equivalencies:
Additional related education considered in lieu of experience on a one-for-one basis.

Assets:

• Completion of a post-graduate degree (MSc or PhD) in a related field such as Wildlife Management.
• Experience with Geographical Information Systems (GIS), particularly ESRI ArcGIS platforms.  
• Experience in the design, coordination, and delivery of wildlife surveys using rotary and/or fixed-wing aircraft is preferred.  
• Knowledge of legislation guiding wildlife management, including the Alberta Wildlife Act, Public Lands Act, Forest Act, Alberta Land Stewardship Act and related regulations, along with OH&S.
• Willingness to operate a wide range of equipment and machinery, including but not limited to: Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs), snowmobiles, and 4X4 trucks and to work in field conditions at all times of the year.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a full-time, permanent position that can be based in Bonnyville, Athabasca, Lac La Biche or St. Paul. The work schedule is Monday to Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., totaling 36.25 hours per week.

The role requires travel within the province (less than 25% of work time) and fieldwork in various weather and terrain conditions. Travel may include fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft and off-road vehicles (e.g., quads, snowmobiles). Use of firearms may be required for some field activities. Occasional evening or weekend work may be needed to meet operational demands.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.