Overview

According to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), more than 40 amphibian and reptile species are currently threatened or endangered. More than a third of these species have been identified as requiring some form of hands-on intervention to recover. Wildlife Preservation Canada’s national reptile and amphibian program develops and promotes best practices for four key conservation techniques: translocation, headstarting, conservation breeding, and in-situ intervention. Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) is seeking a Reptile and Amphibian Program Biologist to assist with activities related to their Reptile and Amphibian Initiative. Working under the direction of the Reptile and Amphibian Program Development Coordinator, the Reptile and Amphibian Program Biologist will contribute to various projects related to herpetofauna species at-risk recovery. After an initial orientation and training session, the position will be mostly remotely supervised by WPC’s Reptile
and Amphibian Program Development Coordinator with regular meetings. This position provides a unique opportunity to gain diverse experience across a wide range of active amphibian and reptile projects in Ontario, while developing new holistic and collaborative opportunities.

Duties and responsibilities

• Assist with multi-partner Blue Racer project including spring field research, late summer road
  mortality surveys, habitat restoration, community outreach, report writing, and other duties as
  directed.
• Assist with planning and logistics of meetings, workshops, and events (e.g., provincial-scale snake
  and turtle conservation meetings)
• Assist with partner coordination on collaborative projects, e.g., genetic sampling in priority areas
• Data compilation to assist with prioritizing and developing projects as part of long-term planning for
  WPC’s Reptile and Amphibian Initiative
• Contribute to compilation and review of Beneficial Management Practices documents as needed
  (e.g., Ontario turtle ex-situ conservation action, Blue Racer habitat management)
• Contribute to WPC’s communication efforts, including social media, blogs, newsletter articles,
  outreach materials, etc.
• Contribute to the writing of funding applications, prepare reports as required in grant agreements,
  and ensure that expenditures are kept within budget.
• Give presentations to WPC’s supporters or other groups about the work of WPC and/or specific
  projects that WPC is involved with.
• Participate in other projects and duties (e.g., data entry and summary, report preparation)

Requirements

• An undergraduate university degree in Biology or college diploma in related field (or equivalent).
• An understanding of amphibian and reptile biology and conservation issues
• Hands-on field research experience in biological conservation of herpetofauna, such as: Safely riding a bicycle/hiking/physical labour for ~6 hrs./day for multiple days in a row, in poor weather with biting insects and in challenging habitats.
• Conducting biological surveys/inventories, adhering to data collection protocols, and recording detailed & legible field notes.
• Minimum of 1 field season conducting snake surveys/inventories, and skilled at safely identifying, capturing, handling, and processing Ontario snakes.
• Field project management skills, experience supervising staff remotely
• Good data management and analysis skills
• Familiarity with animal husbandry practices and captive breeding programs
• Familiarity with re-introduction and translocation techniques and practices

Preferred qualifications

• Graduate degree in a biologically related field
• Demonstrated ability to publish results in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in fundraising and grant writing
• Track record of partnership projects in nature/wildlife conservation
• Excellent organizational and project management skills (e.g. managing budgets and schedules)
• Strong time management skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong work ethic (focus, professionalism, punctuality, and honesty)
• Strong interpersonal skills, including facilitation, and fostering smooth relationships with coworkers, superiors, partners, field contractors, and volunteers
• Ability and willingness to work independently and seek clarification on a regular basis.