Hay-Zama Bison Technician

Role Responsibilities

The Hay-Zama Bison Technician supports senior and area Wildlife and Species at Risk (SAR) Biologists in the delivery of the Wood Bison Conservation and Recovery Program in northwestern Alberta.

This position plays a key role in coordinating and supporting all aspects of the Hay-Zama bison harvest season, including engagement with Indigenous and non-Indigenous harvesters, issuing licenses and registration certificates, collecting and processing disease monitoring samples, and liaising with local communities and stakeholders.

The role also contributes to the implementation of approved recovery actions for Wood Bison, such as population surveys, habitat monitoring, and conflict mitigation measures.

Key Responsibilities

•    Support the delivery of the Hay-Zama bison harvest season by issuing Indigenous hunter licenses and compulsory registration certificates, collecting and processing biological samples for disease monitoring, and providing information and coordination support to harvesters.
•    Conduct and assist with wildlife surveys, data collection, and field monitoring activities (ground-based and aerial).
•    Compile, organize, and manage biological data for entry into the Fish and Wildlife Management Information System (FWMIS).
•    Support human-bison conflict management and safety awareness initiatives.
•    Collaborate with Dene Tha’ First Nation partners, Indigenous communities, and municipal stakeholders to advance bison conservation and recovery objectives.

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.

How Competencies will apply to this role:

Systems Thinking: Understands how individual actions and data collection contribute to broader conservation outcomes. Anticipates long-term implications and adjusts work to support program goals.

Build Collaborative Environments: Fosters respectful relationships with colleagues, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders. Encourages open communication and teamwork to achieve shared objectives.

Agility: Adapts effectively to changing priorities, field conditions, and timelines. Maintains composure and initiative in dynamic work environments.

Drive for Results: Takes responsibility for delivering quality outcomes and meeting commitments. Seeks feedback and applies learning to improve performance.

Qualifications

Required:
•    Two-year diploma in Natural Resources Technology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, or a closely related field.
•    Valid Driver’s License (Class 5).

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered based on:

1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
1 year of experience for 1 year education

Assets:
•    Current First Aid certification (CPR Level C). 
•    Experience in wildlife or natural resource fieldwork, including data collection, sampling, and monitoring.
•    Experience using GPS, GIS (ArcGIS), and data management tools for recording and analyzing field data.
•    Experience preparing technical summaries, reports, or database entries related to wildlife or environmental programs.
•    Experience participating in aerial or ground-based wildlife surveys is considered an asset.
•    Experience operating field equipment such as 4x4 vehicles, ATVs, and boats in remote or rugged environments.

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, temporary wage position that would begin November 1, 2025 and end March 31, 2026 (5 months), based in High Level, Alberta, with a work schedule of 10 days on and four days off (Monday-Thursday days off), working 7.25 hors per day.

The role is primarily field based in remote and rugged areas of northwest Alberta. Fieldwork may require extended stays in camps with limited amenities, exposure to variable weather, and physically demanding tasks. Field operations involve the use of 4x4 vehicles, ATVs, boats, and helicopters. Flexibility in work hours is required to support seasonal bison management activities.

Please submit your cover letter and updated resume, including clear and concise specific examples that demonstrate how your qualifications meet the advertised requirements and competencies.

Resume Guidelines:

Please submit a cover letter and an updated resume. In your resume, clearly indicate the duration of each position by specifying the month and year, along with your employment status (for example, casual, part-time, or full-time). For instance: Wildlife Technician, January 2020 to September 2023, Full-time (40 hours per week).

For your post-secondary education, include the credential earned, major or area of study, length of the program, and year of graduation. For example: Diploma in Environmental Science, 2 years program, Graduated 2019. Your cover letter and resume should clearly demonstrate how your education and experience relate to the duties and qualifications of this position.

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
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance