Grizzly Bear Inventory Field Technician (2 Positions) - Jobs in Surrey, BC

Job Description

Grizzly Bear Inventory Field Technician (2 Positions)Term: August 1, 2021 to October 9, 2021 (10 weeks)Hours: 400 hours – Shifts of 10 days on, 4 days off (5 sessions)Salary: $23.00-$25.00/hour commensurate on experienceLocation: Chetwynd, BC* - *Applicants must be willing to relocate to Chetwynd, BC for the duration of fieldwork. Accommodation support will be provided for non-local staff. BCCF in partnership with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD), is seeking two wildlife field technicians to conduct a grizzly bear inventory in the Peace region of Northeastern British Columbia.This inventory will install and maintain 75 sample sites in five study areas in the Peace region to generate a map of grizzly bear density in the area. This map will be used to evaluate the potential impact of macro and micro scale development impacts to bear density. The analysis also generates habitat relationships between density and limiting factors and creates a baseline for grizzly bear abundance in the impact area including areas that are currently mapped as unoccupied.This is a fieldwork-based position in remote mountainous areas requiring strong physical conditions and experience working in extreme weather conditions. Crews will work 10 days on, 4 days off to complete bi-weekly checks on all sample sites throughout the summer and early fall. Fieldwork will include long-distance hiking in rough terrain, the possible use of ATVs, and helicopter assistance to access remote sample sites. Crew members will work in teams of two or four and will be supported at all times by BCCF Safetyline services. Candidates should be positive team players, able to live and work with fellow field technicians throughout the term.Inventory logistics, plans and some supplies (i.e. wire, blood, fish oil, and lures) will be acquired in coordination with FLNRORD staff. Initial set-up and the first monitoring/sampling session will be completed with the assistance and guidance of experienced FLNRORD staff.Duties:

• Conduct fieldwork which may include: travelling to remote sites by vehicle, ATV, helicopter or hiking; overnight or extended stays in remote camp conditions; outdoor work in all weather conditions
• Create, install and monitor bear baiting / sampling stations
• Collect biological data including grizzly bear hair samples
• Collate samples and data sheets to prepare them for analysis
• Utilize GPS equipment and communication devices for route-finding and safety check-ins
• Communicate regularly with project leads regarding data collection and management
• Carry equipment and supplies in difficult terrain

Minimum Qualifications / Requirements:

• Valid Class 5 (BC) Drivers license with clean driving record
• Valid Occupational First Aid level 1 or higher
• Experience working in the outdoors / bear country, in adverse weather and environmental conditions
• Experience driving and navigating resource roads (Busy FSRs and secondary roads, maps, and VF radio use)
• Knowledgeable in safety procedures and GPS equipment, including check-in/out protocol
• Ability to work in a team and stay positive in challenging conditions
• Physically fit and capable of hiking to various locations while packing in supplies (e.g. 5 gallon jug)
• Working towards or in possession of a post-secondary diploma or degree in biological sciences, natural resources, wildlife conservation or a related field

Preferred Qualifications / Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to collect and record data in an efficient and accurate manner
• Comfortable navigating and travelling in aircraft (helicopter)
• Bear aware training
• Wilderness First Aid certification

Closing Date: June 30, 2021 – 4:30pm PSTPlease note that this position requires working with other crew members in close proximity (i.e. sharing accommodation and vehicles). Employees will be required to follow BCCF’s COVID policies. These policies may be subject to updates as the situation evolves and changes. At present, employees are subject to BCCF’s COVID-19 Policy to mitigate their chances of exposure and to ensure equipment and work areas are sanitized regularly. Masks are also currently required while working closely together in the field. Please see COVID-19 BCCF Safety Plan - June 2021.pdf for details. In addition to BCCF safety controls, successful candidates may be asked to adhere to or exceed FLNRORD’s COVID protocols and control measures.To apply for this job:Using the form below, please submit a cover letter and a complete resume including 3 references with contact information. These must be submitted as two separate documents. Please submit in .pdf format with your name in the file title (e.g. John_Smith_Coverletter.pdf). Please clearly state how you meet the qualifications for this position in your application, as only candidates deemed qualified will be contacted for interviews.The British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF) is committed to ensuring that no person is denied employment opportunities or benefits for reasons unrelated to ability and to achieving and maintaining a workforce that is representative of women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.The BC Conservation Foundation undertakes to identify and remove any discriminatory policies and practices found in the recruitment, selection and hiring, promotion, training, retention and termination of employees in all levels and categories of employment.Job Type: Full-timeSalary: $23.00-$25.00 per hour