JOB OPPORTUNITY

Position: Conservation Technician
Organization: Fraser Valley Conservancy
Location: Primarily field work across the Fraser Valley. Qualified candidates must reside in the Fraser Valley area, BC
Term: 10-months / possible extension / July 2 start date
Eligibility: age 30 & under (see below)

Do you have a passion for conservation? Do you like working outdoors, no matter what the weather throws at you? Do you have keen eye for detail? We want you to join our team!

About the Fraser Valley Conservancy:

The FVC is a local non-profit based in Abbotsford. We are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural environment across the Fraser Valley. Our focus is on stewardship – our responsibility to care for the world around us. We believe that anyone can help create happy, healthy environments for people and for nature. The FVC team consists of staff and contractors with a variety of backgrounds and skills. Together, we share a passion of caring for the environment.

Job Description Overview:

The Conservation Technician is an adaptable team member that supports a wide range of FVC initiatives. They work to enhance habitats, support the stewardship of species at risk, monitor and maintain sites of ecological importance, and report on project work alongside the FVC team.

Job Details:

Compensation and Time Commitment

• This is full-time work, averaging 37.5 hours per week, up to a maximum of 40. The rate of pay is $21.50/hour.
• FVC employees receive an annual hourly rate increase based on the indexed cost of living. Additional wage increases are performance-based and are assessed annually.
• We have a standard three-month probationary period including an initial review. After six months of successful employment, you will be eligible for the FVC staff benefits program. This currently includes payment in lieu of benefits and a paid sick day policy that exceeds BC employment standards.
• This is initially a 10-month work term starting July 2nd, 2024. If you are a good fit, there may be a possibility for extension.
• We pay a mileage allowance of $0.55/km when using your vehicle (doesn’t include commuting to office or to carpool meeting locations).

Eligibility Requirements

• You must have a driver’s licence and personal vehicle that you can use to travel to field sites across the Fraser Valley.
• You must currently reside in the Fraser Valley area, or be planning to move immediately upon receiving the position. Commuting from the Vancouver area for this position will not be acceptable.
• You must be able to engage in physical work (e.g., repeatedly lifting up to 40 lbs., manually removing invasive plants with hand tools).
• Canada Science Horizons Program funding requirements apply:
  • You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have been granted refugee status within Canada.
  • You must be legally entitled to work in Canada and be available to start work in person as of July 2, 2024.
  • You must be a post-secondary graduate between 15-30 years of age.

Work Environment

• Work will primarily be field based in all weather conditions. Some office work will be required. Staff are expected to be set up to work remotely as needed.
• This position will require variable days. Field work can start as early as 7 AM to beat the summer heat. Some field work takes place as late as 2 AM.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Habitat Enhancement, Maintenance, and Monitoring

You will spend the majority of your time working on our habitat enhancement sites. This includes installing native plants, removing invasive species by hand, and monitoring site conditions using photographs and vegetation surveys.

Species at Risk Stewardship Support

You will assist in monitoring projects that inform our understanding and stewardship activities of the Fraser Valley’s species at risk. These projects take place across wetlands, forests, and farmlands. You may support trapping, counting, measuring, and other forms of wildlife monitoring. Our projects primarily focus on amphibians, snails, or owls.

Reporting

You will create technical memos to report out on your work and assist with creating project reports using Microsoft Office suite and mapping tools (QGIS, ArcGIS Field Maps, etc.).

FVC Organizational Support

You will participate in public events, property visits, and organizational meetings to further our projects and support the work of the FVC.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Must have a post-secondary education (Bachelor’s degree or diploma) in the sciences (e.g., Biology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies).
• Must have at least one year of experience (work or volunteer) related to physical labour outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare for and adapt to changing conditions in work or volunteer positions.

Skills Required:

Teamwork

• Ability to follow instructions, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Effectively communicate with coworkers, volunteers, and the public.

Technical Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Superb attention to detail and notetaking skills.
• Ability to write in a technical manner using scientific terminology.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Teams).

Additional Qualifications of Interest:

• Experience with QGIS, ArcGIS, or data management software.
• Experience conducting biological surveys.
• Experience handling wildlife in a volunteer or work setting.
• Experience writing technical environmental/biological memos or reports.
• Knowledge of local native and invasive species, especially plants.
• Awareness of local environmental issues.

How to Apply:

Applications for this position require a resume and a cover letter.

Be sure to include the following in your cover letter:

• Showcase how your experience aligns with the minimum qualifications and required skills details in this job posting.
• Explain why you are a good fit for the Conservation Technician role.
• Share how your passions and goals align with the work we do at the FVC.

The content of your cover letter is evaluated when selecting applicants to interview. Please note: we do not arrange for interviews until after the application deadline. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your time!

Please email your application by midnight Sunday, May 19th, 2024 to Jon@fraservalleyconservancy.ca, subject: "Conservation Technician application"

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

Interested in viewing the detailed Job Description for this position? Find it here.