Burrowing Owl Field Technician

• April 14, 2025 to August 22, 2025; or
• April 14, 2025 to October 3, 2025

Wage: $22-24 per hour

What you will do:

• Prepare field sites for burrowing owl releases
• Monitoring released burrowing owls and surveying for nests throughout the breeding season
• Transport owls between Calgary and the field in SE Alberta
• Complete surveys for birds at various times throughout the day while listening for and observing the bird's responses
• Trap, band, and collect blood samples from owls
• Office duties include, but are not limited to, data entry, remote transmitter monitoring, end of season reporting, and protocol updates
• Adhere to the zoo's stringent health and safety procedures and policies for animal welfare
• Other duties as assigned

What you will bring:

• Completed or working towards post-secondary degree or diploma focused on wildlife, conservation, or biology
• Minimum 1 year of biological field work experience. Preference given to those with experience in bird surveys
• Experience bird banding and avian blood sampling preferred but not required
• Experience living in a shared space with co-workers is an asset
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Demonstrate high standards of data accuracy and entry
• Standard First Aid certification is required
• Class 5 Driver's License is required
• A passion for wildlife conservation and a love of working outdoors
• A high level of physical fitness is required for role
• A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices

• Successful candidates must be eligible to obtain Reliability Status level personnel screening through the Government of Canada for work on CFB Suffield

• Working in rural areas under various weather conditions
• Days of work are variable and weather dependent
• Living in close quarters with co-workers; room sharing may be necessary
• Hours of work may vary and are likely to include longer days, evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Extensive driving on highways, rural gravel roads, and trails.
• Occasional overnight trips may be required

• Housing and food will be provided while in the field
• A chance to work hands-on with an iconic Canadian species
• A fun, rewarding work environment

Are you ready to join one of Canada's leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience, and personal attributes, we want to talk to you!

1. Which work term is your preference?
2. Do you have any vacation requirements for the length of the contract?
3. How many months experience conducting biology fieldwork do you have?
4. Please describe your experience conducting bird surveys including what you studied, methods used, location, and duration of study.
5. Have you conducted grassland fieldwork? If yes, please describe your experience including where you worked, what you did, when, and for how long?