Overview

Type of Position: Full-time (37.5 hr/wk), temporary (26 weeks)
Rate of Pay: $16 – $19/hr depending upon experience
Anticipated Start: 15 March 2020
Hours of Work: Flexible daily and weekly schedule to suit project needs and weather conditions. Working evenings and weekends will be required.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Wildlife Preservation Canada is seeking an endangered species technician to implement 2020 recovery activities for Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly. The primary focus of the position will be the captive management, rearing, and release of individuals to supplement and create wild populations towards recovery objectives. The position is based out of the Greater Vancouver Zoo, in Aldergrove B.C. The technician will also assist with field work, population monitoring, outreach initiatives and habitat stewardship; with locations including Vancouver and Denman Islands. This position offers a unique opportunity to work first-hand with a critically endangered species and gain experience in animal care and population recovery techniques in both a captive and field setting.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Lead Biologist, the technician will be responsible for the ex-situ rearing and husbandry of Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies (TCB), and will participate in releases of post-diapause larvae. Additional field-based activities may include population surveys, monitoring and collection.
Specific duties include:
Daily reporting to Lead Biologist on all aspects of the conservation program
Daily cleaning and rearing of all TCB life stages, and maintenance of appropriate environmental conditions for each developmental stage.
Cultivation harvesting of food plants
Pairing of butterflies and monitoring breeding behavior
Data collection and record keeping
Work with Lead biologist and team to adapt and improve rearing and breeding protocols as required, with the goal of improving production of larva and increasing breeding success; implement any new strategies efficiently and in a timely manner.
Direct and train co-op students in animal care and husbandry procedures.
Collect and preserve biological samples according to protocols.
Maintain high standards of maintenance and care for the animal collection.
Additional tasks as required related to data entry, database management, data analysis, public education and preparing content for the program blog
Participate in outreach and education events at the Zoo and in Frazer Valley as directed, as well as specific community events on Denman and Hornby Islands.
Participate in field activities as required and directed, including population surveys, monitoring, habitat assessment and restoration, and associated data collection. Field work may include overnight travel.
Work collaboratively with local program partners on outreach and habitat stewardship initiatives, as directed.
Adhere to all health and safety regulations, legislation and policies.
Observe condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment and report concerns or issues immediately.
Communicate with and assist zoo guests. Participate in public demonstrations as directed.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
A working knowledge of butterflies, ideally TCB, breeding cycles and breeding behaviour.
Experience with the captive husbandry of Lepidoptera an asset.
Experience with Lepidoptera field work and monitoring, or other terrestrial invertebrate, an asset
The candidate must be able to innovate, think critically and come to animal care decisions based on daily changes in animal behaviour, life stage, health and enclosure conditions.
Ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a team
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal, organizational, time management and analytical skills.
Valid Class 5 BC drivers’ license and willing to provide a driver’s abstract.
Valid OFA level 1 First Aid or equivalent is desirable.
Ability to meet the requirements of the Career Launcher Clean Tech Internship Program is an asset (https://careerlauncher.ca/cleantech/)
EDUCATION REQUIRED
Minimum of a Bachelors of Science degree with an environmental focus.
To apply please send a cover letter and resume to: Andrea Gielens, Lead Program Biologist – Taylors Checkerspot Recovery Program, Andrea@wildlifepreservation.ca Please submit your application as a single PDF or MS word file and include the email subject heading “Endangered Species Technician Application”. Applications will be assessed as they are submitted, and the position will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are found. Applications will not be considered after midnight (EST) February 25, 2020. All applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada. These positions may be partially funded through the Colleges and Institutes Canada Career-Launcher Internship (https://careerlauncher.collegesinstitutes.ca/), so please indicate in your application if you meet the Internship eligibility requirements.
We thank all who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.