The Marmot Recovery Foundation is seeking up to 5 Wildlife Technicians, and 1 Marmot Keeper for the summer of 2021. These positions will be instrumental in helping us deliver on-the-ground support to the wild population of the Vancouver Island Marmot this summer. Wildlife Technicians will be based out of Nanaimo, and the Marmot Keeper position is based out of Mount Washington Alpine Resort. See below for job descriptions and information on applying.

Wildlife Technician

The Marmot Recovery Foundation is seeking summer wildlife technicians. We are looking for enthusiastic, hard-working individuals that have a passion for wildlife conservation, love to work outdoors, and want to contribute to the success of our exciting recovery program.

Number of positions: 1-5 full-time, term positions.
Contract length: Monday May 3 – Tuesday August 31, 2021, with some possibility of extension through September. Contract structure: Fixed-term employment contract, starting at $2,780/month.
Project base: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.

Main tasks and responsibilities include:

  • Hiking for several hours a day on steep, rugged, mountainous terrain with a 30-40lb backpack.
  • Precise and consistent collection and entry of inventory, survival, and reproduction data based on radiotelemetry detections and visual observations.
  • Live-trapping and care of Vancouver Island marmots under the direction of the project veterinarian.
  • Driving 4×4 trucks on active gravel resource roads, and occasional use of ATVs and/or snowmobiles.
  • Camping on trips of up to 10 days in length (sites often accessible only by helicopter).

This project is based in central Nanaimo. No accommodation is provided. Meeting times can be as early as 4am and field days can be very long. In the past, we have hired exceptional individuals that lived outside of Nanaimo; however, all candidates MUST expect to drive to Nanaimo for the start of each field day. No reimbursement for personal fuel or mileage will be offered. Due to the short length of the field season and the high likelihood that weather will change work plans and scheduled days off, candidates cannot be assured of conventional weekends and must be flexible to work at any time during the contract period.

Successful candidates will possess:

  • A Class 5 Drivers License (or equivalent).
  • First Aid – minimum OFA Level 1.
  • A high level of physical fitness and stamina.
  • Experience with multi-day backcountry camping trips.
  • Experience driving 4×4 and all-terrain vehicles on resource roads in steep, mountainous terrain.
  • A detail-oriented mindset and the ability to remember and follow specific directions regarding data collection protocols and animal care.
  • A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices.
  • Strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to contribute to a fun and supportive team environment.
  • Experience working around and caring for animals would be an asset.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three references to the Field Coordinator, Cheyney Jackson, at: resumes@marmots.org.

Applications must be received by 4pm Wednesday, February 3. Only those applicants chosen for interviews will be contacted. We anticipate scheduling virtual interviews for the week of February 22-26. Some positions may be funded by Summer Jobs Canada. Additional eligibility requirements may apply. Hiring preference will be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as First Nation.

Marmot Keeper

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: February 3rd, 2021

The Marmot Recovery Foundation is seeking a qualified individual to provide seasonal animal care to captive Vancouver Island Marmots at the Tony Barrett Mount Washington Marmot Recovery Centre on Vancouver Island. We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate, and responsible person to work on a unique captive breeding and reintroduction program involving a critically endangered Canadian species.

Contract length: Approximately May 1 to September 30, 2021, with some possibility of extension through October.
Contract structure: Fixed-term employment contract, starting at $2,780/month.

Qualifications:

  • Completion of a university degree in the life sciences (or equivalent) or current enrollment in a degree program
  • Or, training as an Animal Health Technologist
  • Or, a strong background and sound knowledge in animal management and handling. Experience with captive wildlife would be considered a strong asset
  • A detail-oriented mindset and keen observation skills
  • Ability to work independently while following specific directions and protocols
  • Ability to lift 22kg, and transport this amount of weight short distances
  • Strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and an even temperament
  • Physical capacity and willingness to provide support to MRF field staff working at Mount Washington. This includes observations, radio-telemetry, and live-trapping of wild marmots which is conducted in steep terrain under variable weather conditions

Main tasks and responsibilities include:

  • Daily feeding, cleaning, observation, and general care of captive marmots maintained at the Mount Washington facility
  • Assistance with animal handling and veterinary procedures (including anesthesia)
  • Maintain animal records
  • Basic building maintenance and security

This work is based at Mount Washington on Vancouver Island (near Courtenay, BC).  Candidates will be expected to arrange their own accommodation. Although the position is typically five days per week, there will be a requirement to work some weekends and holidays, with occasional long days involving early mornings and late evenings. Suitable candidates will be expected to have some schedule flexibility.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three references to the Project Veterinarian / Captive Breeding Co-ordinator Dr. Malcolm McAdie at: animalcare@marmots.org.  Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.