Wildlife Field Technician, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Calgary

Oct 19, 2024

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Junior, Mid & Senior Level
Science
Research & Development
Calgary
Remote

Requirements

MSc degree in biology, ecology, disease ecology, or related field
Field experience with wildlife research
Experience with large mammal GPS collaring
Experience with camera trap deployment and management
Experience with data collection and data management
Data analysis and visualization skills would be an asset but not a requirement
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
A valid driver's license

Responsibilities

GPS collar deployment on wild pigs:
Coordination with Alberta Wild Boar Control Program trappers
Reactive deployment of all equipment when wild pig capture occur
Coordination with UCVM team and other local actors for prompt reaction to collaring opportunity
Contribution to animal capture, safe anesthesia and handling of wild pigs according to protocols and standard operating procedures
Appropriate processing of biological samples following protocol and biosafety requirements
Ability to strictly adhere to safety protocols is a requirement
Willingness to be located in Central Alberta in study area, and travel and participate in field work away from home for extended periods of time and with unpredictable schedules
Field data collection:
Frequent checking of GPS collar function
Downloading and archiving of GPS collar data following best practices
Coordinate with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation staff for monitoring collared pig group membership
Maintain high standards in data collection and adherence to field protocols
Field work locations are within Central Alberta and ability to adapt to variable field conditions is required
Data management:
Ensure appropriate and careful data recording for all aspects of the project
Coordinate with team members to maintain appropriate inventory of laboratory samples
Support graduate students in data entry, and facilitate sharing of data
Identify data consistency issues
Reporting:
Contribute to reporting as needed
Maintain inventory of field equipment and communicate with team to ensure readiness for captures

FAQs

What is the main responsibility of the Wildlife Field Technician?

The main responsibility of the Wildlife Field Technician is to provide field support for deploying GPS collars on wild pigs as part of a large research project.

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a full-time fixed-term position for approximately 24 months, with the possibility of extension based on grant funding.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A MSc degree in biology, ecology, disease ecology, or a related field is required, along with field experience in wildlife research and experience with large mammal GPS collaring.

Is fieldwork required for this position?

Yes, the Wildlife Field Technician must be willing to travel and participate in fieldwork away from home for extended periods of time, often with unpredictable schedules.

What types of data management tasks will the Wildlife Field Technician be responsible for?

The Wildlife Field Technician will ensure appropriate data recording for all aspects of the project, maintain inventory of laboratory samples, support graduate students in data entry, and identify data consistency issues.

Are there any specific skills that would be considered an asset for this position?

Data analysis and visualization skills would be considered an asset, although they are not a requirement.

What should I do if I have questions regarding diversity and inclusion at the University of Calgary?

You can send your questions regarding diversity and inclusion to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at equity@ucalgary.ca.

Is prior experience with camera traps necessary for this role?

While prior experience with camera trap deployment and management is preferred, it is not explicitly listed as a requirement for this position.

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is October 31, 2024.

Are Canadian citizens and permanent residents given preference for this role?

Yes, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

The University of Calgary

Canada's entrepreneurial university, A top research university

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The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation's most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada's top five research universities, where research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.’