Summer jobs, Student jobs

Position: Reptile Recovery Field Technician (Intern)
Project: Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery Program (OPRREC)
Organization: Wildlife Preservation Canada
Location: Windsor, Ontario
Also hiring: Research Assistant | Field Technician

• Type of Position: Full-time (35 hr./wk.), seasonal (8 – 16 weeks; extension subject to funding availability and performance review)
• Rate of Pay: $17.20/hr., plus 4% vacation pay
• Anticipated Start: May 2025
• 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 Field Technician Interns to assist with implementation of activities related to the OPRREC program (wildlifepreservation.ca/ojibway-prairie-reptile-recovery/). The position will be based out of downtown Windsor, with field work occurring at the Ojibway Prairie Complex and Greater Park Ecosystem (OPCGPE) in Windsor and LaSalle, and elsewhere in the Windsor-Essex region. The ultimate goal of this program is to recover the Ojibway Prairie population of Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, while providing recovery benefits to a suite of other species at risk (SAR), with a particular focus on the Butler’s Gartersnake and Blanding’s Turtle. This is an entry-level position with the opportunity for advancement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Working under the direction of the Lead Biologist and Project Biologist, the Field Technician Interns will conduct field work related to some or all of the following components of OPRREC: 1) Species at risk reptile population monitoring, 2) threat monitoring and mitigation, 3) habitat inventory and enhancement, and 4) public outreach and education. Supervision will be provided on-site by the Lead Biologist, with support from the Project Biologist, based on initial orientation session, periodic training, and weekly meetings to discuss progress and problem-solve. This position offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on with endangered reptiles and gain experience with field-based recovery techniques.

Specific duties may include:

1. Assisting with standardized visual encounter, artificial cover object, road mortality, radiotelemetry, and/or barrier fence surveys targeting species at risk reptiles to monitor distribution, abundance, movement, and/or effectiveness of threat mitigations and habitat enhancements (50%).
2. Conducting habitat management activities to enhance species at risk reptile habitat and mitigate threats, including invasive species removal, installation and maintenance of barrier fencing, installation of woody debris features or nesting cages, creating artificial hibernacula, and removing litter and illegal dumping (40%).
3. Assisting with various other activities as required (e.g., snake captive care, data entry, outreach with park users, posting to WPC’s social media accounts, writing field blogs, etc.) (10%)
4. Using some or all of the following equipment:
   1. a) Venomous snake handling tools (snake hooks, tubes, and tongs)
   2. b) Reptile monitoring devices (PIT tags and automatic and handheld reader, VHF radio transmitters and receiver)
   3. c) Electronic data-recording equipment (hand-held GPS, digital camera, borescope camera, laptop computer, automatic data logger, water level meter, and/or trail camera)
   4. d) Hand tools (lopper, pruning saw, rake, shovel, auger, hammer, etc.)

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A college diploma in a related field (e.g., fish and wildlife management). Exceptional undergraduate students pursuing a university degree or college diploma in a related field will also be considered.
• Strong interest in conservation biology, herpetology, and biology-based field work.
• Strong verbal communication skills and work ethic (focus, professionalism, punctuality, honesty, and attention to detail).
• Desire to gain experience following data collection protocols, and recording detailed field notes.
• Desire to gain hands-on experience capturing, handling and identifying Ontario snakes and turtles.
• Familiarity with relevant equipment (see #7 under 'Duties and Responsibilities').
• Physically and mentally 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 (rain, extreme heat) and in challenging habitats with thorns, thickets, rattlesnakes & biting insects.

ASSET SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 1 field season conducting reptile surveys/inventories, and skilled at safely identifying, capturing, handling, and processing Ontario snakes and turtles.
• An undergraduate university degree in biology or a related field.
• Experience installing threat mitigation or habitat enhancement structures (e.g., snake barrier fencing, nesting cages, woody debris features, etc.).
• Experience writing scientific or technical reports.
• Completion of Ontario chainsaw safety training course.
• Completion of Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Survey Course (or equivalent).
• Experience conducting public outreach and education.
• Experience identifying Ontario plants (Species at Risk and invasive species).
• Standard or wilderness first aid certification.
• Familiarity with the natural and cultural histories of the Windsor-Essex region.
• Bilingual in French and English
• G-class driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume to: Dr. Jonathan Choquette, OPRREC Lead Biologist, jchoquette[at]wildlifepreservation.ca . Please submit your application as a single PDF or MS word file and include the email subject heading “OPRREC – Field Technician Intern”, by 11:59 PM 6 April 2025. Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca. Applications will be assessed as they are received, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Saving endangered species is strengthened by and requires contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, heritage, knowledge, experiences, and identities. WPC values the diversity of the people we employ and that we work with. We strive to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We are committed to selecting and developing employees to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization and therefore encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

We thank all who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

[La version française est disponible sur demande. Visiter notre site web en français ici: http://www.wildlifepreservation.ca/fr/retablissement-des-reptiles-de-la-prairie-ojibway]