Endangered Species Conservation

Position: Conservation Research Assistant
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: Wildlife Preservation Canada
Location: Remote, within Canada

• Type of Position: Full-time (35hr/wk), temporary (8 weeks)
• Rate of Pay: $18.60/hr, plus 4% vacation pay
• Anticipated Start: July 6, 2026
• Hours of Work: Flexible daily and weekly schedule to suit project needs

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) is seeking a summer researcher to carry out background research on endangered species with our Conservation Planning team. WPC hosts the Regional Resource Center in Canada for the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG), part of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. To enhance national conservation efforts and save species, we use CPSG's globally recognized planning tools and processes, provide technical and facilitation support for planning workshops, and build capacity for conservation planning in Canada. Our work focuses on species specific workshops that bring together governments at all levels, Indigenous Peoples, environmental not-for-profits, universities, landholders and stewards, and conservation breeding facilities (aquariums and zoological institutions) to develop species conservation plans under CPSG's "One Plan Approach". The One Plan Approach guides the process to ensure that all necessary partners are involved at the initial planning stage through to the implementation phase of recovery programs, creating holistic, feasible, and effective plans and removing siloes across implementing organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Conservation Research Assistant will support the Conservation Planning coordinator to gather information on endangered species from scientific papers, grey literature, and online sources and prepare materials and presentations for workshops focused on species conservation planning. The applicant will gain important skills and experience in the behind-the-scenes work required to set up and facilitate inclusive and participatory workshops and will gain a strong understanding of how endangered species recovery programs and networks are developed at the ground level.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in a biology related discipline
• Interest in biology and endangered species conservation
• Demonstrated science communication skills, including written, virtual, and in-person presentations
• Experience researching and compiling data from scientific papers, grey literature, and online sources
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively with only virtual supervision
• Good interpersonal skills
• Professional attitude and interest in working with representatives from a range of partners across Canada that are involved in endangered species conservation
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and step into ongoing projects
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software (specifically Google Drive and/or Microsoft Office) for the development of written and visual materials

TO APPLY

To apply, please complete this form and attach a cover letter and resume as a single PDF or MS word file attachment: https://forms.gle/LEbiMTiEFYjJSWQ46

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.

Applications will be assessed as they are submitted, and positions may be filled ahead of the deadline, so early applications are encouraged. Applications will not be considered after midnight (PST) May 31, 2026.

Saving endangered species requires contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, heritage, knowledge, experiences, and identities, though many of these voices have been excluded from conservation. WPC is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in our organization, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. We encourage those from historically marginalized groups—including racialized, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, those with differing abilities, and other equity-deserving groups—to self-identify in their cover letter, if they feel comfortable, so we may consider their application accordingly.

This position will be funded by Canada Summer Jobs, a government youth employment initiative, which require candidates to be:

• between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
• a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and
• legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial legislation and regulations

Please indicate in your application if you meet these criteria.

We thank all who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.