Field Technician - Limestone Barren Ecosystem

Join our team at the Wilder Institute and make an impact on the conservation of the Limestone Barrens in Newfoundland!  The Wilder Institute is seeking a seasonal full-time Conservation Technician, Limestone Barren Ecosystem who will primarily assist with the Conservation & Science Department's Limestone Barrens Ecosystem Program located in the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland.

The time of this Technician will be split between fieldwork, including habitat restoration, sample collection, data collection, and other duties as needed, and outreach, including the planning and carrying out of informative and interactive workshops, presentations, and experiences for local community members. All of this will be done in close collaboration with partners within Wilder Institute and at other organizations.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

Location: Newfoundland

Contract:

• Start Date: Early June 2026
• End Date: August or October 2026 (please indicate availability preference in application)

What you will do:

This role will encompass both fieldwork and outreach, in a near 50/50 split, and time spent on tasks related to each of these areas will depend on biological events (e.g. blooming and seeding of species at risk plants), community events/opportunities in Newfoundland, and partner timelines. Each of these two areas of focus will require travel, coordination with program partners, and office work.

Field and Outreach duties:

• Conducting plant inventory surveys, following established protocols and focusing for species at risk plants
• Collaborating with representatives from other conservation organizations, government, academia, and industry
• Working in small groups, often with members from partner organizations
• Identifying and sampling species at risk plants, including seed collection (under permit)
• Data collection and entry
• Hauling gear and supplies over rough terrain (~15-30 pounds)
• Coordinating with volunteers, donors, or other field visitors as needed
• Aiding in the planning and carrying out/delivery of outreach and educational events for local community members, including Indigenous community members, such as interpretive walks, school presentations, and interactive workshops and activities
• Collecting meaningful feedback from outreach participants and adapt programming to better meet the needs of community members
• Adhering to the organization’s stringent health and safety procedures

Office duties:

• Self-directed learning and familiarization with landscape and relevant species
• Analysis of data
• Report monthly Purchase-card purchases in-line with project budgets
• End of season reporting and field protocol updating
• Maintaining and inventorying field equipment
• Creation of outreach and education materials
• Logistical planning such as coordination and booking of required accommodations for field and outreach aspects
• Report on outreach events
• Support other conservation programs in Eastern Canada as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

What you will bring:

• Candidates working towards a Bachelor of Science or Arts Degree will be considered, as will candidates who possess equivalent experience in fieldwork and/or outreach as demonstrated through degree(s), diploma(s), certifications, coursework, and/or relevant experience
• Minimum 1 year experience with biological field work and data collection
• Minimum 1 year experience with public outreach and science communication, whether through coursework, certifications, or relevant experience, is an asset
• Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent Canadian license
• Standard First Aid Certificate; Wilderness First Aid preferred
• Demonstrate a passion for conservation and a love of working outdoors
• An eye for detail and understanding of standardized research designs, as accurate and precise data collection and entry are essential
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• A moderate to high level of physical fitness
• Ability to take direction, and complete work and solve problems with minimal supervision
• Ability to work in small groups, including delegating and sharing responsibilities, resolving conflict, and communicating clearly
• A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices
• Experience with data entry, management (in Microsoft Access or other) an asset
• Eligible to work in Canada

Working Conditions:

• Primarily field-based in various locations across the northern regions of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula with work that may involve hazards such as insects, persistent wind, sunburn, heat exhaustion, or frostbite
• Prolonged exposure to the elements, including very hot or cold temperatures with limited shade available, strong winds, and heavy rainfall
• Food and shared housing are provided while in the field
• Extensive driving including highways, rough forest service roads, and two-track trails
• Days off are highly variable and weather-dependent
• Long field days up to 12 hours, including driving, hiking, surveying, or conducting other field work or to meet outreach needs
• Can require early morning and evening field or outreach tasks
• Working independently or in a team
• Hiking in remote locations under various weather conditions
• Living in close quarters, including periods of living with colleagues
• Carrying equipment over long distances
• Office work can involve long periods of sitting at computer work stations.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise while on park
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment with the ability to make a direct impact on Canadian wildlife conservation

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following:

• Watch this video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0] about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.

3. Fill in the Application questions:

• Confirm eligibility to work in Canada.
• If hired, when would you be available to start?
• Which work term is your reference?
• Do you have a valid driver’s license?
• Do you have a valid Standard First Aid certification or higher?
• What is your experience with fieldwork? How many seasons of field experience do you have?
• What is your experience working with local communities on conservation programs?
• This role requires travelling for conferences, events, presentations, etc. Do you have any concerns with traveling periodically for work?
• Describe any time you have spent in Newfoundland, including whether you have resided, worked, and/or attended school in the province.
• If hired, what is your wage expectation?

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by March 11, 2026.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that they will be contacted once applications have been reviewed and a final decision has been made.