Regional Field Biologist

Position: Regional Field Biologist - Sudbury

Project: Native Pollinator Initiative

Location: Sudbury region, will require some overnight travel

Type of position: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)

Duration: Temporary position (8 weeks), with opportunity of additional 8-week contract with Junction Creek Stewardship Committee (see below)

Anticipated start: April 28th, 2024

Rate of pay: $20.50/hour, plus 4% vacation pay

Hours of work: Flexible to suit project needs and weather conditions.

Working some evenings and weekends will be required.

**GENERAL DESCRIPTION**

Wildlife Preservation Canada’s (WPC) Native Pollinator Initiative is looking to hire a Regional Field Biologist to assist with the implementation of activities related to their Native Pollinator Initiative within the Sudbury region. This multifaceted program combines expert research, annual large-scale population monitoring, conservation breeding, community science, and education and outreach to conserve at-risk bumble bees in Canada. This position will be assisting mainly with the bumble bee population monitoring and collection efforts to support our conservation breeding program but may also assist with education and outreach.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**

The Regional Field Biologist will be responsible for coordinating and conducting frequent road-side and on-site bumble bee surveys at multiple locations on public and private properties within their assigned region. Reporting to the Lead Biologist, the Regional Biologist will work with and provide direct supervision and ongoing training to a regional Technician. Training on all tasks will be provided, especially bumble bee surveying and identification. This position offers a unique opportunity for hands-on work with at-risk and declining pollinator species. The Biologist will be primarily responsible for field work, data collection, and data entry but will also assist with other tasks related to research and recovery efforts for declining bumble bees.

Specific duties will include:

- Lead and coordinate spring wild bee population surveys and/or collections at many sites within either the Sudbury region
- Supervise a Technician while conducting field work and related tasks
- Facilitate ongoing transfers of caught queens to WPC’s Bumble Bee Breeding Lab
- Maintain detailed records and ensure all field data entry
- Participate in other Native Pollinator Initiative program activities as required, including basic data analysis, and science communication

**REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE**
- Possess a basic understanding of pollinator biology, conservation, and ecology
- Leadership skills, including supervising and/or training others
- Strong interest in ecological field research, including species at risk issues
- Experience conducting insect population surveys
- Insect and plant identification skills
- Ability to work both in a team and independently. Recognizes when clarification of correct procedures is necessary
- Detail-oriented and able to accurately enter and data
- Willing and able to travel long distances across the Sudbury region by car
- A valid Ontario driver’s licence (G-class) and access to your own vehicle. Mileage will be compensated for any field work at $0.53/km
- Physically fit and able to endure hiking outside in rough terrains, variable weather conditions, and with exposure to biting and stinging insects.
- Personable, with good communication skills, a positive attitude, and highly self-motivated
- Able and willing to work long hours (up to 12 hours/day), including some evenings and weekends
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

**ASSET SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE**
- Bumble bee and pollinator-friendly plant identification skills, especially Ontario species
- Enrolled in, or possessing a background from, an applicable college or university program (e.g., biology, ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology, zoology, or other similar disciplines)
- Proven comfort handling insects, especially bumble bees
- Experience working with species-at-risk
- Valid First Aid and CPR certification is an asset

**SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE GAINED FROM THIS POSITION**
- Bumble bee and wildflower identification
- Non-lethal population surveying
- Leadership and supervision skills
- Time management
- Understanding species at risk recovery processes
- Problem solving and decision making
- Data entry and management
- Science communication
- between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
- a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and
- legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial legislation and regulations

OPPORTUNITY TO EXTEND EMPLOYMENT WITH JUNCTION CREEK STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE (FUNDING DEPENDENT)

Opportunity to extend employment with Junction Creek Stewardship Committee pending funding confirmation from June 23rd, 20