Conservation Programs Specialist - Field Work Coordinator (Term)

Position Details: Full Time, Fixed Term (approx. May-Oct)
Salary: Starting salary at $24/hr, based on a 35-hour work week. Salary for this position will commensurate with each individual's education and/or experience as it relates to the position.
Location: Williams Lake, BC
Closing Deadline: February 7, 2024 (11:59PM EDT)

What You Will Do

DUC is seeking a team-orientated individual to lead a small crew of conservation technicians and coordinate a local wetland sampling program in Williams Lake, BC. The successful candidate will work with national Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research (IWWR) and local BC staff. They will carefully plan and execute field site visits to carry out wetland habitat management activities and collect scientific samples on DUC habitat projects in the Central Interior region of BC. Most Field Work will be conducted in and around a wetland and will require safety protocols to be upheld and best judgement to be used.

Effective communication, organization, problem solving skills, and the ability to build strong working relationships to coordinate with multiple groups of staff will be key to the successful completion of this multi-project field season. Collection of scientific samples at wetland sites will involve using multiple techniques, scientific instruments and following scientific protocols.

This is a beautiful, wild country and you will be working outdoors in remote areas which will require back road navigation, often outside of cell phone range, and the ability to problem solve as conditions change.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead a small crew of summer technicians and create schedules to assist in managing field programs.
• Conduct inspections, operations, and maintenance of dams and water control structures. Labor intensive activities will include wading in chest deep water, using hand tools, brush saws and water pumps, removing beaver debris, clearing trails, and brushing dams.
• Use GPS technologies and navigate on backroads to access remote wetland projects and satellite communications devices (Garmin InReach) to ensure safety during Field Work.
• Detailed data recording of scientific field samples and surveys, and of condition of habitat infrastructure. Data entry into data collections application, and management of digital databases
• Assist with waterfowl surveys and biological assessments on DUC wetland projects.
• Lead wetland sampling program in the central BC region. This will require remote coordinating with IWWR staff and managing and maintain scientific sampling equipment for this program.
• Conduct 5 rounds of scientific sampling protocols at pre-selected sites collecting water samples, using (and troubleshooting) electronic water quality probes and water level logging equipment, extracting soil cores, identifying wetland plants, and wading in water to collect samples. Ship samples to alternate location for analyses.
• Responsible for assessment of site hazards, making hazard mitigation decisions, adhering to safety protocols, and making judgement calls as conditions change.

Requirements

• Pursuing a career in environmental science, biology, earth science, agriculture, forestry, or resource management with a minimum of 2-years of post-secondary education. Industry work experience equivalent may be considered.
• Minimum 3 months experience executing scientific protocols, including collecting scientific samples, taking detailed scientific data and notes, and conducting biological surveys in the field.
• Experience leading/managing a team at work (in the field an asset) with ability to work in a team as well as independently.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS/ GPS-based technologies and navigation apps; biological survey techniques; Microsoft suite programs;
• Comfortable operating field equipment (provided by DUC) including: 4WD pickup trucks, backing a trailer, ATVs, power tool operation and maintenance (brush cutters, chainsaws etc.), chest waders, optics, and cameras as required.
• A valid current class 5 driver’s license and a current driver’s abstract.
• A valid current first aid certificate or willing to take a course.
• Ability to be based in Williams Lake BC and work away for days at a time in company provided accommodation. Working longer days and weekends will be periodically required.
• This position involves intense physical work, heavy lifting, and outdoor work in adverse weather conditions.

Assets

• Field work experience working in and collecting scientific samples in wetlands and/or aquatic environments.
• Using and troubleshooting scientific water sampling instruments, electronic water probs, and or water level logging equipment.
• Experience with the extraction of soil cores in a variety of soil conditions and knowledge of soil coring apparatus. Knowledge of how to treat and store soil samples in the field a benefit.
• Knowledge of the use of digital tools for data collection and management such as Microsoft Access, ArcGIS online, and data collection apps: Survey123, FieldMaps (Collector).
• Knowledge of wetland plants in BC and skills in vegetation ID in the field.

While Ducks Unlimited Canada would like to thank all applicants, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.