Field Technician

Join our team at the Wilder Institute and spend your time contributing to the conservation of a unique species in Alberta  The Wilder Institute is seeking a seasonal full-Time Field Technician, Curiously Isolated Hairstreak who will be based in or near Waterton National Park, AB, and will join other field technicians in contributing to the conservation of this endangered species. 

Core tasks will include monitoring various life stages through distance sampling surveys, observations, mark-recapture, and genetic sampling. Field days are irregular in length and objective.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

Loacation: Waterton National Park, AB 

Contract:

• Start Date: May 2026
• End Date: August 2026

What you will do:  

Field Duties:

• Working with other conservation research staff and external partners in the field
• Conduct surveys for adult and larval Curiously Isolated Hairstreak butterfly
• Monitoring Curiously Isolated hairstreak adults for breeding, egg laying and other behaviours in the field
• Identifying plant and insect species
• Conduct distance surveys and mark-recapture data
• Help to set up temporary enclosures in the field to assist egg laying, as needed
• Recording Curiously Isolated hairstreak habitat and locations
• Walking long distances daily
• Compliance with the zoo's health and safety program
• Other duties as assigned

Office Duties:

• Compile data as needed
• End of season reporting and field protocol updating
• Maintaining and inventorying field equipment
• Other duties as assigned

What you will bring:   

• Possess or working towards a BSc. or equivalent education (or higher)
• Class 5 Driver's License
• Standard First Aid Certificate; Wilderness First Aid preferred
• At minimum 1 year of experience with biological field work (e.g., GPS, insect and vegetation surveys)
• Demonstrated passion for wildlife conservation and a love of working outdoors
• An eye for detail, as accurate and precise data collection and entry are essential
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience living with co-workers in tight quarters
• A high level of physical fitness
• A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices

Working Conditions:   

• Primarily field-based with work that may involve hazards such as dangerous animals, insects, sunburn, or frostbite
• Working with field equipment such as trucks, tablets, and GPS devices
• Travel to field sites and locations
• Working independently or in a team
• Days off are highly variable and weather-dependent
• Fieldwork is located on Waterton Lakes National Park
• Shared co-ed field housing and food will be provided, living in close quarters with colleagues
• Hiking in remote locations under various weather conditions
• May require live animal handling
• May have some office time as required

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:   

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan 
• A fun, rewarding work environment and making direct contributions to the conservation of a Canadian species

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.   

Apply by doing the following:    

1. Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. )  
2. Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system. 
3. Fill in the Application questions:
   • Confirm eligibility to work in Canada
   • If hired, when would you be available to start?
   • Do you have a valid driver's licence?
   • Do you have a valid Standard First Aid certification or higher?
   • How many months of cumulative experience do you have conducting biology fieldwork?
   • Please briefly descrupt your experience conducting biological/ecological fieldwork.
   • If hired, what are your wage expectations?

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.   

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by March 11,

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization's mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.   

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that they will be contacted once applications have been reviewed and a final decision has been made.