Marmot Keeper

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: February 10th, 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.