Pollinator biology, conservation and ecology

Position: Bumble Bee Conservation Technician – Southern ON
Project: Native Pollinator Initiative
Organization: Wildlife Preservation Trust Canada 
Location: Based in Southern ON. The position will require regular commuting to WPC’s Bumble Bee Conservation Lab at African Lion Safari in Cambridge, Ontario

• Type of position: Full-time (37.5 hours /week)
• Duration: 16 weeks
• Anticipated start: April 28th, 2025
• Rate of pay: $18.50/hour, plus 4% vacation pay
• Hours of work: Flexible to suit project needs and weather conditions. Working some evenings and weekends will be required.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Wildlife Preservation Canada’s (WPC) Native Pollinator Initiative is seeking a Bumble Bee Conservation Technician to assist with activities related to their Native Pollinator Initiative in Southern Ontario. This multifaceted program combines expert research, annual large-scale population monitoring, conservation breeding, community science, and education and outreach to conserve at-risk bumble bees in Canada. This position will be assisting mainly with bumble bee population monitoring and conservation breeding efforts but may also assist with all aspects of the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technician will assist with bumble bee field work and assist with conservation breeding. The Technician will assist with frequent road-side and on-site bumble bee surveys at multiple locations within public and private properties in Southern Ontario, under the supervision of the Ontario Program Coordinator during the spring. Throughout the summer and early fall the Technician will be assisting primarily with bumble bee breeding but will have the opportunity to assist with community science and outreach and education initiatives as well. They will also assist with other tasks related to recovery efforts for declining bumble bees, including data entry and management and report writing. Training on all tasks will be provided, especially bumble bee surveying, identification, and conservation breeding techniques. This position offers a unique opportunity for hands-on work with at-risk and declining pollinator species while directly contributing to research and recovery efforts.

Specific duties will include:

• Assist with spring (late April to mid-June) wild bee population surveys and collections at many sites within Southern Ontario, mainly within the Greater Toronto Area
• Support WPC’s bumble bee conservation rearing, which includes detailed colony observations, mating, overwintering, colony care and husbandry including food preparation and feeding, data collection and entry, and cleaning
• Participate in other Native Pollinator Initiative program activities as required, including record-keeping of field data and data entry and analysis, data compilation, science communication and outreach programs, and preliminary report preparation

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant discipline (e.g., biology, ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology, zoology, or other similar disciplines)
• Possess a basic understanding of pollinator biology, conservation, and ecology
• Proven comfort handling bees in both field and lab settings
• Experience working independently in a laboratory environment
• Strong interest in ecological field research, including species at risk issues
• Ability to work both in a team and independently. Recognizes when clarification of correct procedures is necessary
• Detail-oriented and able to accurately enter, manage, and analyze data
• Willing and able to travel long distances across southern Ontario by car
• A valid Ontario driver’s licence (G-class) and access to your own vehicle. Mileage will be compensated for any field work at $0.53/km
• Physically fit and able to endure hiking outside in rough terrains, variable weather conditions, and with exposure to biting and stinging insects.
• Personable, with good communication skills, a positive attitude, and highly self-motivated
• Able and willing to work long hours (up to 12 hours/day), including some evenings and weekends
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

ASSET SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Animal husbandry experience, especially insects
• Science communication skills, including virtual and in-person presentations
• Plant and insect identification skills, with an emphasis on pollinators (especially bumble bees) and pollinator-friendly plants
• Experience conducting biological surveys and working with species-at-risk
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification is an asset

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE GAINED BY THIS POSITION

• Bumble bee and wildflower identification
• Population surveying
• Insect husbandry
• General lab skills
• Science communication
• Understanding species at risk recovery processes
• Problem solving
• Project management
• Leadership skills
• Data management

This position may be funded by government youth employment initiatives which require candidates to be:

• Between the ages of 15-30 (inclusive) at the start of the internship
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons granted refugee status in Canada
• Legally allowed to work according to the relevant provincial and Canadian legislation and regulations

Please indicate in your application if you meet these criteria.

Saving endangered species is strengthened by and requires contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, heritage, knowledge, experiences, and identities. WPC values the people we employ and that we work with and strive to promote equity 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.

TO APPLY

To apply, please fill out this form and attach a cover letter and resume as a single PDF or MS word file attachment: https://forms.gle/a9LTGXAqoz6XUSLt9

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Applications will be assessed as they are submitted, so early applications are encouraged.

Applications will not be considered after midnight (EST) March 10th, 2025

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