We’re Hiring! Join our team and help save a species from the brink of extinction.

The Marmot Recovery Foundation is solely responsible for carrying out on-the-ground recovery actions to bring the Vancouver Island Marmot back from the brink of extinction. We are seeking qualified summer Wildlife Technicians who will directly contribute to the recovery of the marmot. If you are enthusiastic, hard-working, and have a passion for wildlife conservation, love to work outdoors, and want to contribute to the success of our exciting recovery program, please apply!

This project is based in Nanaimo, BC. Start 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.

Schedules will change throughout the season. 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.

Number of positions: 2-5 full-time, summer term positions.
Contract length: May 1 – August 31, 2023 with some possibility of extension through September.
Contract structure: Fixed-term employment contract, starting at $3,000/month.
Project base: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.

Main tasks and responsibilities include:

• Hiking for 4-8 hours a day on steep, rugged, mountainous terrain with up to 50lbs of weight.
• Precise and consistent collection of inventory, survival, and reproduction data based on radiotelemetry detections and visual observations.
• Contributing to safe operating practices while working in challenging environmental conditions.
• Driving 4×4 trucks on active radio-controlled and decommissioned logging roads, and occasional use of ATVs and/or snowmobiles.
• Live-trapping and care of Vancouver Island marmots under the direction of the project veterinarian.
• Snowshoeing up to 10km a day, often in areas with potential avalanche hazard. Avalanche safety training will be provided on the job.
• Regularly camping on trips of up to 5 days in length in remote, challenging locations.
• Tracking marmots using radiotelemetry, often hiking significant distances (5+km) following radio signals in steep, slippery, mountainous terrain.
• Setting up and servicing remote wildlife camera traps and supplemental feeder stations.
• Being transported in helicopters to and from work sites, often involving entering/exiting and loading/unloading equipment from helicopters while the machine is powered and in challenging terrain. Powered-exit training will be provided on the job.

Successful candidates will possess:

• Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 1 (WorkSafeBC requirement). While additional first aid qualifications may be a benefit, OFA 1 is still required.
• A high level of physical fitness and stamina.
• A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices.
• A Class 5 Drivers License (or equivalent).
• Experience with multi-day backcountry camping trips.
• Experience driving 4×4 and all-terrain vehicles in steep, mountainous terrain.
• A detail-oriented mindset and the ability to remember and follow specific directions regarding data collection protocols and animal care.
• 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.
• This position is best suited for individuals with an interest in a career in biology, wildlife conservation, environmental studies, or a related field.
• COVID-19 and tetanus vaccinations are mandatory for Marmot Recovery Foundation employees.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three references to the Field Coordinator, Kevin Gourlay, at: resumes@marmots.org.

Applications must be received by 4pm Tuesday, February 7. Only those applicants chosen for interviews will be contacted. Some positions may be funded by Summer Jobs Canada. Additional eligibility requirements may apply.

The Marmot Recovery Foundation invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities who bring value to the recovery of the Vancouver Island Marmot through their lived experiences.  We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter.  When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity.  Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.