Reptile and Amphibian Biology

Position: Reptile and Amphibian Program Biologist
Organization: Wildlife Preservation Canada
Location: Wildlife Preservation Canada’s head office is located in Guelph, Ontario. Flexibility to be home-based and/or work remotely. This position will require periodic multi-day travel for field work and Indigenous community visits within Ontario south of Sault Ste. Marie.

Project: Reptile and Amphibian Initiative
Anticipated Start Date: May 13-27, 2024
Position Type: Full-time (37.5 hr. /wk.), 6 months fixed term contract, with possibility of renewal or extension subject to performance and funding
Wage: $18 /hour plus 4% vacation pay
Hours of Work: Flexible daily and weekly schedule to suit project needs and weather conditions. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Reports to: Reptile and Amphibian Program Development Coordinator

BACKGROUND

According to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), more than 40 amphibian and reptile species are currently threatened or endangered. More than a third of these species have been identified as requiring some form of hands-on intervention to recover. Wildlife Preservation Canada’s national reptile and amphibian program develops and promotes best practices for four key conservation techniques: translocation, headstarting, conservation breeding, and in-situ intervention.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) is seeking a Reptile and Amphibian Program Biologist to assist with activities related to their Reptile and Amphibian Initiative. Working under the direction of the Reptile and Amphibian Program Development Coordinator, the Reptile and Amphibian Program Biologist will contribute to various projects related to herpetofauna species at-risk recovery. After an initial orientation and training session, the position will be mostly remotely supervised by WPC’s Reptile and Amphibian Program Development Coordinator with regular meetings. This position provides a unique opportunity to gain diverse experience across a wide range of active amphibian and reptile projects in Ontario, while developing new holistic and collaborative opportunities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with planning and logistics of in person, virtual, and hybrid meetings, workshops, and events (e.g., Canadian Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Recovery Implementation Group, Ontario Turtle Conservation Network – Working Group for the Conservation of Ontario Turtles)
• Assist with partner coordination on collaborative projects, e.g., genetic sampling in priority areas
• Data compilation to assist with prioritizing and developing projects as part of long-term planning for WPC’s Reptile and Amphibian Initiative
• Contribute to compilation and review of Beneficial Management Practices documents as needed (e.g., Ontario turtle ex-situ conservation action)
• Contribute to WPC’s communication efforts, including social media, blogs, newsletter articles, outreach materials, etc.
• Contribute to the writing of funding applications, prepare reports as required in grant agreements, and ensure that expenditures are kept within budget.
• Give presentations to WPC’s supporters or other groups about the work of WPC and/or specific projects that WPC is involved with.
• Participate in other projects and duties as requested

ELIGIBILITY

This position will be funded through ECO Canada’s Science Horizons Youth Internship (https://eco.ca/environmental-professionals/employment-funding-and-job-board/science-horizons-program-shi/). To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be age 30 or under
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold refugee status in Canada
• Be a post-secondary graduate

Please indicate in your application if you meet these criteria.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• An undergraduate university degree/college diploma in Biology or Project Management or related field (or equivalent).
• An understanding of amphibian and reptile biology and conservation issues
• Strong interpersonal skills, including facilitation, and fostering smooth relationships with co-workers, superiors, Indigenous peoples, governments, partner organizations, and volunteers
• Hands-on field research experience in biological conservation of herpetofauna, such as:
  • Safely hiking or doing physical labour for ~5 hrs./day for multiple days in a row, in poor weather with biting insects and in challenging habitats.
  • Conducting biological surveys/inventories, adhering to data collection protocols, and recording detailed & legible field notes.
• Good data management and analysis skills
• Strong time management skills
• Excellent organizational and project management skills (e.g. managing budgets and schedules)
• Strong work ethic (focus, professionalism, punctuality, and honesty)
• Familiarity with animal husbandry practices and captive breeding programs
• Familiarity with re-introduction and translocation techniques and practices
• Experience in fundraising and grant writing

ADVANTAGEOUS SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Graduate degree in a biologically related field
• Demonstrated ability to publish results in peer-reviewed journals
• Track record of partnership projects in nature/wildlife conservation
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Valid G-class Ontario driver’s license
• Standard or wilderness first aid certification
• Skilled at safely identifying Ontario snakes
• Experience surveying for and working with Massasauga rattlesnake (or other venomous snakes).
• Completion of relevant training courses (e.g. herpetofauna survey course, project management course).
• Experience conducting public outreach and education.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION:

Saving endangered species is strengthened by and requires contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, heritage, knowledge, experiences, and identities. WPC values the people we employ and that we work with and strive to promote equity and inclusion in our workplace. We are committed to selecting and developing employees to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization and therefore encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

TO APPLY

If you have a Google Account (more preferred), please fill out this Google Form (https://forms.gle/3cywsAyWRRmzB3Br9) and upload your cover letter and resume as a single pdf or MS word file attachment.

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

If you do not have a Google Account and do not wish to create one (less preferred), please submit your cover letter and resume as a single PDF or MS word file attachment to: Hannah McCurdy-Adams, Reptile and Amphibian Program Development Coordinator, reptileamphibian@wildlifepreservation.ca, and use the email subject heading ‘Reptile and Amphibian Program Biologist Application’. In the body of your email, please answer these questions:

1. What is your phone number?
2. Are you legally eligible to work in Canada in accordance with relevant legislation and regulations?
3. Do you have a valid Ontario driver’s license, and if so, what level?
4. Do you have access to a vehicle for the duration of the contract?
5. What city would you live in for the duration of the contract?
6. What is your project management experience?
7. Have you ever facilitated a meeting, seminar, or workshop for over 30 participants?
8. Have you participated in science communication outreach or education (e.g. social media, presentations, events, etc.)?
9. Have you ever been involved in writing funding applications or reports?
10. How did you find out about this position?

The application deadline is May 3, 2024 at 11: 59 pm ET, but all applicants will be assessed as they are submitted, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. All applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada. We thank you for your interest and for applying. Please note that only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.