Burrowing Owl Field Technician - Conservation Research Canada
Location
Suffield, Alberta, Canada (Field-based position)
Organization
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Contract Type
Seasonal contract with two options:
- April 14, 2025 to August 22, 2025; or
- April 14, 2025 to October 3, 2025
Salary & Benefits
- Wage: $22-24 per hour
- Housing and food provided while in the field
- Hands-on work with an iconic Canadian species
- Fun, rewarding work environment
Position Description
Join the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's Burrowing Owl Program team for the 2025 season. This position contributes to the conservation and recovery of burrowing owls in Canada, conducting fieldwork throughout south-eastern Alberta on privately managed ranches and within the CFB Suffield National Wildlife Area.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare field sites for burrowing owl releases
- Monitor released burrowing owls and survey nests throughout breeding season
- Transport owls between Calgary and field sites in SE Alberta
- Conduct bird surveys at various times throughout the day
- Trap, band, and collect blood samples from owls
- Perform data entry, remote transmitter monitoring, and end of season reporting
- Update protocols and maintain health and safety procedures
- Adhere to animal welfare policies
Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- Completed or pursuing post-secondary degree/diploma in wildlife, conservation, or biology
- Minimum 1 year of biological field work experience
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License
- Standard First Aid certification
- High level of physical fitness
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong data accuracy and entry skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in bird surveys
- Bird banding and avian blood sampling experience
- Experience living in shared spaces with co-workers
Additional Requirements
- Must be eligible for Reliability Status level personnel screening (Government of Canada)
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
Working Conditions
- Rural work environment with variable weather conditions
- Variable work schedule including longer days, evenings, nights, and weekends
- Shared living quarters with co-workers (room sharing may be necessary)
- Extensive driving on highways, rural gravel roads, and trails
- Occasional overnight trips
How to Apply
Applications due by February 17, 2025 @ 4:00pm MST
Application Process:
- Review the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo website to learn about their burrowing owl conservation work
- Prepare responses to the following questions:
- Which work term is your preference?
- Do you have any vacation requirements?
- How many months of biology fieldwork experience do you have?
- Describe your bird survey experience (methods, location, duration)
- Detail any grassland fieldwork experience
- Submit online application including:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Responses to application questions
Note: Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workplace.
