CONSERVATION JOBS

Positions: Field Crew Technicians
Organization: BC Wildlife Federation
Location: anywhere in BC

About BCWF and Wetlands Workforce (WW)

The B.C. Wildlife Federation is British Columbia’s leading conservation organization. As a province-wide member-driven charitable organization, with over 43,000 members and more than 100 member clubs, our organization represents the interests of all British Columbians who aim to protect, enhance and promote the wise use of the environment for the benefit of present and future generations.

We are pleased to announce this exciting opportunity for you to join our project and make a BIG impact on watershed and wetland health in B.C. The Wetlands Workforce (WW) project will deploy work pods in the field to support the maintenance, monitoring and inventory of restored wetland sites across B.C., engage in planning activities related to the restoration of future wetland restoration sites and inventory of natural wetland sites for the development of better wetland management tools. The WW Project is supported through the Province of BC’s economic stimulus fund and will provide temporary employment for a minimum of 100 people.

The BCWF is accepting applications for our own field crews, as well as accepting applications on behalf of our multiple partnering organizations across B.C. Applicants will be considered for either a position with the BCWF or with a partnering organization based on location, availability and skillset. By applying for this position, you acknowledge that your application may be shared with parties outside the BCWF who are part of the Wetlands Workforce project. Please see notes at the bottom of this posting regarding indicating the region of B.C. you are applying from.

The BCWF is hiring multiple Field Crew Technicians and several positions for the Wetlands Workforce project. Other positions include:

• Field Crew Supervisors - More experience required
• Wetland Research Coordinator

Other positions may also come open throughout early 2021. Interested parties can see all openings at https://bcwf.bc.ca/current-opportunities/.

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

Applicants will first be considered for the position for which they have applied. If the applicant’s experience is suitable for one of the above roles, they may be invited to interview for this role in addition to or in lieu of the role applied for.

Role Details

This is a full-time, contracted position. Staff will be hired on a rolling basis from March to May, 2021, with the WW program coming to an end in December of 2021. End dates for this position range from August to November 2021. Start and end dates will be discussed with applicants at the time of interview. Although this is a temporary position, it should be noted that there are many skills and training opportunities as part of this position that will help towards your career path.

Evenings, weekends and/or extended hours may be required to accommodate travel schedules, field placements, training and other events.

Work conditions will primarily be outdoors, in various weather conditions throughout the season, with wildlife encounters and insect activity likely. Work can be physically demanding and applicants should be capable of and prepared to work on their feet for extended periods, in adverse conditions, to regularly carry loads up to ~22 kg (50lb), and to work with power tools and machinery on a regular basis.

Field Crew Technicians will meaningfully contribute to the health of wetlands in B.C. by removing invasive vegetation, planting native species, maintaining structures such as dykes, dams and boardwalks, and conducting wildlife and vegetation surveys. Other duties and responsibilities may be added throughout the work term, based on project needs.

You will be expected to travel within B.C. to complete the duties of this position. Some positions will be regionally focused within different locations around BC. Regions we are hiring in include:

• Lower Mainland
• Okanagan
• Vancouver Island
• Kootenays
• Peace

Wage Range: $18-22/hour (To be reviewed based on experience)

Core Responsibilities

• Invasive plant management
• Planting native vegetation
• Maintenance/ construction of signs, trails, boardwalks, dams, dykes and other structures
• Conducting surveys of vegetation, wildlife and water quality
• Conducting mapping surveys to contribute to a BC Wetland Ecosystems Services Protocol (WESP) and B.C. predictive wetlands map
• Adhering to safety requirements and protocols in the field
• Respectful interaction with members of the public, private landowners, representatives of partnering organizations and members of participating First Nations
• Other duties as directed by the Field Crew Supervisor and Wetlands Workforce Project Manager

Competencies and Skills

The WW aims to primarily hire those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn. This position is entry level, experience in the following areas is considered an asset but training will be provided to ensure that those unfamiliar with maintenance and restoration work are comfortable and safe in their duties:

• First Aid
• Cultural Sensitivity Training
• Wildlife Safety
• Plant Identification
• Wetland Ecosystem Classification
• Wetlands Vegetation Planting
• ATV Operation
• Chainsaw Operation
• Wildlife Monitoring
• Drone Operation
• GIS Mapping

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to be flexible in assigned duties and learn new skills as needed by the Project
• Ability to meet physical demands of the job and traverse outdoor spaces
• Ability to endure long days, challenging climatic conditions, and rigorous fieldwork
• Willing to travel extensively throughout B.C. or within a region of BC
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully in a small team
• Class 5 BC driver’s license with a clean driving record is an asset

Education

• A diploma or degree in a relevant program (e.g., Ecological Restoration; Environmental Science) is an asset

How to Apply

To apply, send a combined PDF file including a current resume or CV, cover letter, and references to: Jobs@bcwf.bc.ca

In your subject line, please include the title “WW Field Crew Technician” as well as the region of B.C. from which you are applying. For example, if you are living and working in the East Kootenay region, write “WW Field Crew Technician – East Kootenay”.

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until March 2021. Only applicants who are considered for an interview will be contacted. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, interviews will be conducted over video conferencing.

We kindly ask that applications be sent by email only – no fax, mail or phone calls please.