Pollinator biology, conservation and ecology

Position: Bumble Bee Conservation Technician – Sudbury
Project: Native Pollinator Initiative
Organization: Wildlife Preservation Trust Canada 
Location: Sudbury region, will require some overnight travel

• Type of position: Full-time (37.5 hours /week)
• Duration: Temporary position (8 weeks), with opportunity of additional contract with Science North (see below)
• 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 looking to hire a Bumble Bee Conservation Technician to assist with the implementation of activities related to their Native Pollinator Initiative within the Sudbury region. 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 collection efforts to support our conservation breeding program but may also assist with education and outreach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technician will conduct frequent road-side and on-site bumble bee surveys at multiple locations on public and private properties, under the supervision of a Regional Field Biologist. Training on all tasks will be provided, especially bumble bee surveying and identification. This position offers a unique opportunity for hands-on work with at-risk and declining pollinator species. The Technicians will be primarily responsible for field work and data collection but will also have the opportunity to assist with other tasks related to research and recovery efforts for declining bumble bees.

Specific duties will include:

• Assist with spring bumble bee population surveys and/or collection at many sites within the Sudbury region
• Participate in other Native Pollinator Initiative program activities as required, including record-keeping of field data, data entry, science communication, and assisting with the transfer of bumble bee queens to WPC’s Bumble Bee Breeding Lab

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Possess a basic understanding of pollinator biology, conservation, and ecology
• 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 and manage data
• Willing and able to travel long distances across the Sudbury region by car
• A valid Ontario driver’s licence (G-class)
• 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

• Access to your own vehicle is strongly preferred. Mileage will be compensated for any field work at $0.53/km
• Enrolled in, or possessing a background from, an applicable college or university program (e.g., biology, ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology, zoology, or other similar disciplines)
• Proven comfort handling insects, especially bumble bees
• 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 FROM THIS POSITION

• Bumble bee and wildflower identification
• Non-lethal population surveying
• Understanding species at risk recovery processes
• Time management
• Problem solving
• Data entry and management
• Science communication

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

• between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
• a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and
• legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial 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.

OPPORTUNITY TO EXTEND EMPLOYMENT WITH SCIENCE NORTH

Opportunity to extend employment with Science North from June 23rd, 2024 to September 2nd, 2024 as a Science Demonstrator to engage with visitors of all ages on various pollinator and garden related science experiences. Individuals should be comfortable with public speaking and passionate about the subject matter. 21-35 hours per week, $17.20 per hour

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/RSL1EFZiQDJCbdLi9

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.