Grassland Insect Field Technician - Swift Current, Canada - Canadian Wildlife Federation

Canadian Wildlife Federation

Verified Company

Swift Current, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

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Description

Your Connection to Wildlife

As one of Canada's largest not for profit leaders in wildlife conservation, research, and advocacy, we are seeking to fill the following position

Grassland Insect Field Technician

As part of the Canada Summer Jobs program (4 vacancies)

Fixed-term for 8 weeks

$15.50 to $23.00 per hour, 40 hours per week (contingent upon experience)

Who we are:

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat.

By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada's wildlife is conserved for generations to come.

Project Description and Main Purpose

This is a multi-partner project to investigate the impacts of grazing practices on biodiversity in the native grasslands of southern Saskatchewan, including vegetation, grassland birds and insects.

Canadian Wildlife Federation is responsible for the insect sampling component of this project. Four major groups of insects will be sampled in rangelands by a field team over a two-month period. CWF is hiring four grassland insect field technicians to support this project.

Reporting to the Native Grassland Conservation Manager, Terrestrial Wildlife, the Grassland Insect Field Technician will assist with insect specimen collection on four ranches in southwestern Saskatchewan.

Accommodations and transport to and from Swift Current, SK (at the start and end of field season) will be provided.

This position is part of the Canada Summer Jobs program and is intended to provide opportunity for youth to gain experience and enhance their skills.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria defined below.

Key responsibilities

The following is a description of the basic tasks of this position:
Drive to study plots on secondary roads in the early morning.

Conduct insect surveys using active (e.g., sweep netting) and passive (e.g., pan trapping) methods based on the project protocol and process the active collecting samples with Photocollectors.

Conduct field activities related to insect surveys, following a detailed project protocol (e.g., locate plots by GPS, walk between sites, and set up, operate and carry sampling equipment).

Store samples in ethanol-filled containers.
Accurately label samples in the field and complete paper datasheets recording activities, coordinates, plot numbers, and related information.
Sort, dry, weigh and pin insects (if needed).

Organize samples after field work, sort insects from debris, recharge, maintain and repair field equipment (in the field and/or at base camp).

Pack and ship samples.
Other duties as assigned.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge

Working with insects in natural environments, including familiarity with various surveying, trapping, and preparation techniques (e.g., collecting insect samples with pan traps and sweep nets, dropping off samples into the specific equipment (Photocollectors), transferring collected insects into alcohol-filled containers, sorting insects from debris, labelling, preserving, sorting, pinning, organizing samples and handling insect collection equipment).

Entering data into an MS Excel spreadsheet.
Conducting scientific studies, taxonomic identification, and curation of insects.
Working with a microscope to identify insects.

Studying or having studied Wildlife Technology, Resource Management, Range Management, Biological Science, Environmental Sciences or similar at university or college will be an asset.

Possessing a Standard First Aid certificate will be required prior to the commencing of field work.

Eligibility:

Canada Summer Jobs Program Criteria:

be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment,
be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment, and,
is legally entitles to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations.
Recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents.
International students are not eligible participants.

Offer of employment is conditional upon confirmation of credentials.

Offer of employment is conditional upon receiving funding for the position.
- _______________________________

Work Conditions

Anticipated start date May 25, 2023.
Full-time at 40 hours per week. Fixed to an 8-week term.

The work week is 4 days (of 10 hours), followed by 3 days off, with occasional flexible hours according to the needs of field collection and weather conditions.

This schedule means that you will work some weekends.

Location:
Southern Saskatchewan. You will be sharing a bunkhouse