Wildlife Technician

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to make a difference in species at risk recovery efforts? Alberta Environment and Protected Areas is seeking a Wildlife Technician to support our team in the South Saskatchewan Region. If you have a background in wildlife biology, natural sciences, or a related field and thrive in a dynamic, field-based environment, this opportunity is for you!

As a Wildlife Technician, you will play a key role in implementing species recovery actions, conducting field inventories, and supporting conservation initiatives. This position is part of a dedicated team responsible for the management and recovery of species at risk, with a particular focus on sage-grouse conservation efforts.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Conduct field surveys and monitoring programs for species at risk.
•    Assist in species recovery actions such as predator management programs and habitat modification initiatives.
•    Collect, analyze, and enter ecological data into provincial databases, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
•    Support wildlife habitat protection by assisting in the development of habitat inventory and monitoring programs.
•    Maintain field equipment, track expenses, and complete administrative tasks such as timesheets and expense claims.
•    Ensure all activities adhere to Occupational Health and Safety guidelines and protocols.

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:

Building Collaborative Environments: Collaboration is key to successful wildlife conservation. This role requires working closely with biologists, field technicians, government agencies, and external partners to implement species recovery strategies. The ability to foster teamwork, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive work environment is essential.

Develop Networks: A strong professional network is crucial for advancing conservation efforts. This role involves engaging with internal and external stakeholders, landowners, researchers, and environmental organizations to coordinate projects, share data, and enhance conservation initiatives.

Agility: Wildlife conservation often requires adapting to changing field conditions, shifting priorities, and emerging challenges. The Wildlife Technician must be flexible, open to new approaches, and capable of adjusting strategies based on scientific findings and environmental factors.

Drive for Results: The success of species recovery programs depends on dedication, efficiency, and a results-driven approach. This role requires setting clear objectives, meeting deadlines, and ensuring that fieldwork, data collection, and conservation actions lead to tangible outcomes.

Creative Problem Solving: Addressing conservation challenges requires innovative thinking. The Wildlife Technician must apply scientific knowledge, analytical skills, and creativity to develop and implement effective solutions for habitat management, predator control, and species recovery.

Qualifications

Required:
•    Diploma or Degree in Natural Sciences, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field. field.
•    Valid Driver’s License (Class 5).
•    Current First Aid certification (CPR Level C).

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:
•    Experience with wildlife monitoring techniques, data collection, and field survey methods.
•    Familiarity with the Wildlife Act, Species at Risk Act, and related policies and guidelines.
•    Proficiency in using computer programs such as ArcGIS, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

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 for a duration of 6 months, based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, with a work schedule of 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Work Conditions:
•    Flexible Work Schedule: The position requires a flexible schedule, including travel, shift work, and weekend work, potentially extending throughout the spring and into late fall. This may involve working outside of regular business hours.
•    Physical Demands: The role involves heavy lifting (over 20 kg) and driving long distances (more than 1000 km or 12 hours in a single shift) in varying weather and road conditions.
•    High-Pressure Environment: Ability to perform under pressure with tight deadlines and high demands.
•    Independence and Teamwork: Capable of working independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaborating effectively in team settings.
•    Outdoor Work: Must be comfortable working outdoors in adverse weather conditions.

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:
Employment Experience:
•    Indicate the duration of employment (month, year).
•    Specify the employment status (e.g., casual, part-time, or full-time).
•    Example: Youth Worker, Jan 2006 - June 2009, Part-time (three 8-hour shifts/week).

Post-Secondary Education:
•    Specify your major and the length of the program.
•    Indicate the year of graduation.
•    Example: Bachelor of Social Work, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017).

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.