Wildlife Research Technician Position description: Parks Canada in collaboration with the Western Transportation Institute (Montana State University), the Miistakis Institute for the Rockies (University of Calgary) and US- and Canadian-based conservation foundations, are carrying out long-term research in the Canadian Rocky Mountains investigating the ecological effects of roads on wildlife populations and the efficacy of measures designed to reduce their impacts. The wildlife research technician will be expected to assist in a variety of road ecology research; primarily data collection and management, and to a lesser extent data analysis, and communicating science. The long-term research (>13 years) takes place in the Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks (Banff, Kootenay, Yoho) and is centred in Banff National Park, Alberta and the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH). The position will start around February 15, 2010 and run for 6 months (approx August 15, 2010), with the possibility of extension depending on performance. Position duties: Primary: 1. Conduct weekly camera and track-pad monitoring of wildlife use at 34 crossing structures on the TCH in the Banff-Bow Valley. 2. Photo-classification and data entry from remote camera monitoring data. 3. Help maintain the track pads and camera monitoring systems. 4. Participate in large mammal species occupancy surveys in fall and winter, including use of snowshoes and backcountry skis. 5. During winter, conduct weekly data collection and monitoring of below-grade culverts used by small- and medium-sized mammals along the TCH. 6. Conduct weekly camera monitoring of wildlife intrusions at Texas gates (cattle guards) on paved roads in Banff National Park. Secondary: 7. Assist in analyzing and summarizing data on wildlife crossing use and incidence of wildlife-vehicle collisions. 8. Assist in preparing technical reports from research and monitoring. 9. Ability to effectively communicate with agency and academic colleagues. 10. Regularly communicate with project director and other wildlife staff on progress. Qualifications:
· Should be in excellent physical condition and capable of strenuous hiking, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing with a heavy pack in steep, rocky terrain. · Experience in GPS, backcountry navigation and the use of handheld computers (PDA). · B.Sc. degree in biological/environmental sciences. · Proficient in database use (MS Access, Excel) and basic statistical and ArcGIS analysis. · Personable and able to work in team environment. · Takes initiative to learn on their own, can work independently, and long hours if needed. · Clean driving record the last 3 years. Evaluation: There will be an initial 8-week trial period and at the end of this period the technician will have a performance review. Upon a successful performance review the contract will be continued to through to August 15, 2010. An unsatisfactory performance review will result in termination of the contract. Salary: $CD 15-17/hr depending on experience Benefits: Park housing provided with nominal rental fee. All applicants must be Canadian citizens or be students in Canada Deadline for applications February 10, 2010 Please send cover letter indicating your qualifications, current student status, citizenship, winter field work experience, resume and contact information for 3 references (must include email and phone) should be sent to: Tony Clevenger (e) apcleven...@gmail.com
