Wildlife Recovery Biologist

Role Responsibilities

Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving Alberta’s wildlife! As a Wildlife Recovery Biologist, you will play a crucial role in supporting the recovery of at-risk species like Woodland Caribou and Wood Bison. Reporting to a Senior Wildlife/Species at Risk Biologist, you will work independently and collaboratively in the field and office to conduct population assessments, implement recovery actions, and analyze wildlife data. This is your chance to make a real impact on the conservation of Alberta’s iconic wildlife species.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement work plans for population assessments, including data collection on size, recruitment, and mortality.
• Conduct field operations such as collaring, surveys, and mortality investigations for Woodland Caribou and Wood Bison.
• Analyze and model wildlife population data using modern statistical methods (R, etc.).
• Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, including scientific publications and plain-language summaries.
• Collaborate with Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and government agencies to foster recovery efforts.
• Implement recovery actions to mitigate threats such as predation and disease, with emphasis on population recovery plans.
• Ensure compliance with provincial and federal wildlife legislation and contribute to range planning and risk assessments. 

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. 

Creative Problem Solving: Engages the team and available resources to address issues, improve workflows, and enhance wildlife data collection. Encourages debate to solve complex problems, ensuring scientific credibility in population assessments.

Agility: Proactively adapts to changes in priorities, weather, and equipment malfunctions, ensuring operational continuity. Quickly adjusts plans to maintain efficiency and effectiveness in wildlife recovery activities.

Drive for Results: Anticipates challenges and proactively seeks solutions to meet project goals. Mobilizes resources and removes barriers to deliver outcomes, ensuring successful wildlife population recovery despite obstacles.

Build Collaborative Environments: Fosters a collaborative and open environment, encouraging team members to challenge processes and contribute to continuous improvement. Facilitates communication and teamwork to drive progress in wildlife recovery efforts.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.  
• 4 years of experience in wildlife management, including fieldwork and data analysis.  
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent.  
• Willingness to fly in small aircraft.  

   
Equivalency:

• Equivalencies will be considered on the basis of additional education considered in lieu of experience on a one-for-one basis. E.g. one year of additional education above the minimum requirements may be considered as one year of experience.  
   

Assets:

• Proficiency in geospatial analysis, including the use of GIS software, data management, spatial analysis, and statistical modeling.  
• Experience with wildlife telemetry and wildlife data collection methods, including aerial surveys, remote cameras, radio telemetry, and biological sampling. 
• Experience working with Woodland Caribou and Wood Bison ecology, particularly in disease management and population recovery. 
• Familiarity with provincial and federal wildlife management policies and legislation. 
• Graduate degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience working in remote areas with animals and inclement weather conditions. 
• Experience operating ATVs, snowmobiles, and firearms.

Candidates who do not yet meet all the qualifications may be considered for a position at a lower classification level, with the opportunity to advance to the higher classification once all criteria are fully met. 

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 position for a term until March 31, 2027.

The position is located in Peace River, with standard work hours of 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM.

Working and living in Slave Lake: 55th to 57th parallels retention allowance: Eligible employees (salary, temporary salary, contract of employment) who work and reside in locations between the 55th and 57th parallels (excluding those eligible for the Fort McMurray Allowance) shall be paid an annual retention bonus of $6,000.00, less all lawful deductions.

This position will require occasional travel for field work and business, work in evenings and weekends, as well as work away from home for extended periods of time (multiple days -1 week), with advanced notice.

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.
• 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.