WINDSOR JOBS

Position: Field Technician - Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery
Type: Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program / age 30 & under
Organization: Wildlife Preservation Canada
Location: Windsor, Ontario

Type of Position: Full-time (37.5 hr. /wk.), 4-5 months (possibility of extension subject to performance review and secured funding)
Anticipated Start: 5 - 12 April 2021
Rate of Pay: $16.00/hr
Hours of Work: Flexible daily and weekly schedule to suit project needs and weather conditions. Working weekends will be required.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) is seeking a Field Technician to assist with implementation of activities related to the OPRREC program. The position will be based out of downtown Windsor, with field work occurring at the Ojibway Prairie Complex and Greater Park Ecosystem (OPCGPE) in west Windsor and LaSalle. The ultimate goal of this program is to recover the Ojibway population of Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, while providing recovery benefits to a suite of other species at risk (SAR) reptiles, plants, and insects. Working under the direction of the Lead Biologist and Lead Field Technician, the Field Technician will conduct field work related to the following components of OPRREC: 1) Massasauga and SAR snake population monitoring, 2) threat monitoring and mitigation (e.g., road mortality, intentional killing, illegal collection, and habitat loss), 3) habitat assessment/inventory and enhancement, and 4) public outreach and education. Supervision will be provided on-site by the Lead Biologist based on an initial orientation and training session, followed by regular updates during the field season to discuss progress and problem-solve. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct standardized visual encounter, artificial cover object, road mortality, and/or barrier fence surveys targeting Eastern Massasaugas, Eastern Foxsnakes and Butler’s Gartersnakes to monitor distribution, abundance, threats, and/or effectiveness of threat mitigations and habitat enhancements (45%).
2. Participate in threat mitigation and habitat enhancement projects targeting SAR reptiles (e.g., install and maintain barrier fencing, create microhabitats for snakes, translocate snakes from conflict situations, etc.) (35%).
3. Conduct outreach with local residents and park users, and contribute regularly to WPC’s social media accounts and field blogs (10%). 
4. Assist with data management and report preparation (e.g., data entry), and other related tasks as required (10%).
5. The Field Technician will use the following equipment
   a)Snake handling tools (snake hooks, tubes, and tongs
   b)Hand-held GPS units, two-way radios, digital cameras, borescope, and/or trail camera
   c)Laptop computer

REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• A college diploma in a related field (e.g., ecosystem management). Exceptional candidates without a diploma and pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related field (e.g., Biology) will be considered.
• Minimum of 1 field season conducting snake surveys/inventories, and skilled at safely identifying, capturing, handling, and processing Ontario snakes. Priority will be given to candidates with prior experience surveying for and working with Massasauga rattlesnakes (or other venomous snakes).
• Strong interest in conservation biology, herpetology, and biology-based field work.
• Proven ability to adhere to data collection protocols and record detailed & legible field notes.
• Strong verbal communication skills and work ethic (focus, professionalism, punctuality, honesty, and attention to detail).
• Experience using snake handling tools and other equipment (see 'Duties and Responsibilities').
• Physically fit and able to:  a) Lift heavy objects (e.g., woody debris and small logs), b) Ride a bicycle on city streets alongside busy traffic, and c) Work safely outdoors on your feet for extended periods of time, in poor weather (e.g., rain, extreme heat) and/or in challenging habitats (e.g., thorns, thickets, & biting insects).

ADVANTAGEOUS SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• An undergraduate university degree in a related field (e.g., Biology).
• Experience conducting road mortality surveys and identifying a range of vertebrates found dead-on-road in Ontario (e.g., birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles).
• Experience installing and/or monitoring threat mitigation or habitat enhancement structures (e.g., snake barrier fencing, nesting cribs).
• Experience PIT tagging vertebrates, and specifically snakes.
• Experience safely using hand tools (e.g., loppers, pruning saw, rake, shovel, auger, hatchet, etc.)
• Completion of Ontario chainsaw safety training course.
• Completion of Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Survey Course (or equivalent).
• Experience using mapping software to display data and create maps (e.g., ArcGIS, Google Earth).
• Experience conducting public outreach and education.
• Experience identifying Ontario plants (Species at Risk and invasive species).
• Standard or wilderness first aid certification.
• G-class driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Health and safety training will be provided by the Lead Biologist and will include identification of safe practices while working with venomous snakes, in the field, during a pandemic, and while travelling to field sites. The location of first aid supplies will be identified. The Field Technician will be covered by Ontario Workers' Compensation and will travel in vehicles with adequate insurance during employment.

TO APPLY

Please submit your cover letter and resume as a single PDF or MS word file attachment to: Jonathan Choquette, OPRREC Lead Biologist, ojibwayreptiles@wildlifepreservation.ca, and use the email subject heading “OPRREC – Field Technician”. Application deadline is 9 March 2021 at 11:59 PM, however, applications will be assessed as they are submitted. Only individuals considered for an interview will be contacted.