Field Technician - Limestone Barren Ecosystem

The Calgary Zoo • West Milford, NJ

5d

About The Position

Join our team at the Wilder Institute and make an impact on the conservation of the Limestone Barrens in Newfoundland!  The Wilder Institute is seeking a seasonal full-time Conservation Technician, Limestone Barren Ecosystem who will primarily assist with the Conservation & Science Department's Limestone Barrens Ecosystem Program located in the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland. 

The time of this Technician will be split between fieldwork, including habitat restoration, sample collection, data collection, and other duties as needed, and outreach, including the planning and carrying out of informative and interactive workshops, presentations, and experiences for local community members. All of this will be done in close collaboration with partners within Wilder Institute and at other organizations.

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.

Location: Newfoundland

Contract:

Start Date: Early June 2026
End Date: August or October 2026 (please indicate availability preference in application)

What you will do:  

This role will encompass both fieldwork and outreach, in a near 50/50 split, and time spent on tasks related to each of these areas will depend on biological events (e.g. blooming and seeding of species at risk plants), community events/opportunities in Newfoundland, and partner timelines. Each of these two areas of focus will require travel, coordination with program partners, and office work.

Requirements

• Candidates working towards a Bachelor of Science or Arts Degree will be considered, as will candidates who possess equivalent experience in fieldwork and/or outreach as demonstrated through degree(s), diploma(s), certifications, coursework, and/or relevant experience
• Minimum 1 year experience with biological field work and data collection
• Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent Canadian license
• Standard First Aid Certificate; Wilderness First Aid preferred
• Demonstrate a passion for conservation and a love of working outdoors
• An eye for detail and understanding of standardized research designs, as accurate and precise data collection and entry are essential
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• A moderate to high level of physical fitness
• Ability to take direction, and complete work and solve problems with minimal supervision
• Ability to work in small groups, including delegating and sharing responsibilities, resolving conflict, and communicating clearly
• A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices
• Eligible to work in Canada

Nice To Haves

• Minimum 1 year experience with public outreach and science communication, whether through coursework, certifications, or relevant experience, is an asset
• Experience with data entry, management (in Microsoft Access or other) an asset

Responsibilities

• Conducting plant inventory surveys, following established protocols and focusing for species at risk plants
• Collaborating with representatives from other conservation organizations, government, academia, and industry
• Working in small groups, often with members from partner organizations
• Identifying and sampling species at risk plants, including seed collection (under permit)
• Data collection and entry
• Hauling gear and supplies over rough terrain (~15-30 pounds)
• Coordinating with volunteers, donors, or other field visitors as needed
• Aiding in the planning and carrying out/delivery of outreach and educational events for local community members, including Indigenous community members, such as interpretive walks, school presentations, and interactive workshops and activities
• Collecting meaningful feedback from outreach participants and adapt programming to better meet the needs of community members
• Adhering to the organization’s stringent health and safety procedures
• Self-directed learning and familiarization with landscape and relevant species
• Analysis of data
• Report monthly Purchase-card purchases in-line with project budgets
• End of season reporting and field protocol updating
• Maintaining and inventorying field equipment
• Creation of outreach and education materials
• Logistical planning such as coordination and booking of required accommodations for field and outreach aspects
• Report on outreach events
• Support other conservation programs in Eastern Canada as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise while on park
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment with the ability to make a direct impact on Canadian wildlife conservation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level