Pollinator biology, conservation and ecology

Position: Bumble Bee Lab Technician
Project: Native Pollinator Initiative
Organization: Wildlife Preservation Trust Canada
Location: Based in Southern Ontario. The position will require regular commuting to WPC’s Bumble Bee Conservation Lab at African Lion Safari in Cambridge, ON. Collaboration will also be in place with Dr. Mathilde L. Tissier (U. Laval, QC), members of the QCBS working group “Healthy Bees are Well-Fed bees”, and Dr Valérie Fournier’s lab at Université Laval (U. Laval, QC).

• Type of Position: Full-time (37.5hr/week)
• Duration: 6 Months
• Rate of Pay: $18.50/hour, plus 4% vacation pay
• Anticipated Start: April 22, 2025
• Hours of Work: Exact schedule is flexible to meet the needs of the project. Some evening and weekend work will be required

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Wildlife Preservation Canada’s (WPC) Native Pollinator Initiative is seeking a Bumble Bee Lab 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, captive breeding, community science, and education and outreach to conserve at-risk bumble bees in Canada. This position will be assisting mainly with assisting with lab-reared bumble bee colonies and with developing methodologies to assess bumble bee health.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This Technician will be managed by WPC’s Lead Biologist and Lab Biologist. The main role of this position will be to assist with the daily care of bumble bee colonies at WPC’s conservation breeding lab located at African Lion Safari in Cambridge ON. The Technician will also lead bumble bee fecal sampling within the lab, including collecting samples and sample analysis using microscopy. This position offers a unique opportunity for hands-on work with at-risk pollinator species while directly contributing to research and recovery efforts. The Technician will be primarily responsible for daily colony care, fecal sample collection, analysis, and data management, but will also gain experience assisting with other tasks related to recovery efforts for declining bumble bees, including data collection, entry, and management, bumble bee breeding, and science communication.

Specific duties will include:

• Support WPC’s bumble bee conservation rearing program, including detailed colony observations, mating, overwintering, colony care and husbandry including food preparation and feeding, data collection and entry, and cleaning
• Lead bumble bee fecal sampling within the lab
• Opportunities to assist with field work during spring wild bee population surveys and/or collections at multiple sites within Southern Ontario, mainly within the Greater Toronto Area
• Participate in other Native Pollinator Initiative program activities as required, including report writing and science communication
• Additional tasks as required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Basic understanding of pollinator biology, conservation, and ecology
• Completion of or enrolled in a relevant college or university program (e.g., biology, ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology, zoology, or other similar disciplines)
• Ability to work both in a team and independently. Recognizes when clarification of correct procedures is necessary
• Basic lab skills, including experience using microscopes and pipettes
• Attention to detail and ability to accurately collect, enter, manage, and analyze data
• Strong interest in ecological research, including species-at-risk issues
• Willing and able to travel across southern Ontario by car
• Willing to work remotely with researchers in Québec to attend lab meetings, present on project progress and outcomes, and develop protocols as needed
• A valid Ontario driver’s licence (G-class) and access to your own vehicle, as the lab is not accessible via public transit. Mileage will be compensated for any field work at $0.53/km
• Able to endure hiking outside in rough terrains, variable weather conditions, and with exposure to biting and stinging insects.
• Ability to work long hours (up to 10 hours/day), including some evenings and weekends
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

ASSET SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven comfort handling insects, especially bumble bees

• Field work experience
• 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
• Personable, with good communication skills, a positive attitude, and highly self-motivated
• Science communication skills, including social media and blog writing skills
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification is an asset

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE GAINED FROM THIS POSITION:

• Lab skills and basic knowledge in molecular techniques to assess bee health
• Bumble bee and wildflower identification
• Population surveying
• Insect husbandry
• Understanding of parasites and pathogens
• Science communication
• Understanding species at risk recovery processes
• Problem solving
• Data management

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
• This position may be funded by Science Horizon, not being a previous participant is considered an asset

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/su5M2wwhufHeFfeu6 

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

Applications will not be considered after midnight (EST) March 17th, 2025.

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