Overview
HIGHLIGHTS:Wildlife Preservation Canada is seeking staff to assist with Western Painted turtle nest monitoring in multiple locations in Fraser Valley and the Sunshine Coast, BC. Staff will be largely working in pairs, with occasional independent work, doing surveys for nesting Western Painted Turtles.
Position: Turtle Nest Monitoring Technician
Project: BC Projects: Western Painted Turtle
Location: Deroche/Agassiz, Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Chilliwack/Fraser Valley BC
Type of Position: Full-time (37.5hr/wk), temporary (2 months)
Rate of Pay: $22/hr, plus 4% vacation pay
Anticipated Start: May 15, 2025
Hours of Work: Evening 4pm-11pm; variable schedule, four days on/two days off, with some flexibility due to weather.
Please note: These positions will be funded in part by government youth employment initiatives which require candidates to be:
· 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
Please indicate in your application materials that you meet these requirements.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Wildlife Preservation Canada is seeking staff to assist with Western Painted turtle nest monitoring in multiple locations in Fraser Valley and the Sunshine Coast, BC. Staff will be largely working in pairs, with occasional independent work, doing surveys for nesting Western Painted Turtles. Mosquitoes will be a nightly part of the work during the latter part of this program; protective gear is provided
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Lead Biologist for BC Projects, staff will be working nightly in the field monitoring nesting turtles, taking morphometric measurements, compiling and referencing photo catalogues and protecting/collecting nests.
Specific duties will include:
· Nightly nest monitoring on site in Agassiz BC. Observing nesting females, measuring and recording morphometric and site data.
· Communicate frequently with Lead Biologist
· coordinate timely transfers of collected WPT to facilities at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
· Ensure accurate record-keeping, and compilation of data
· Ensure animal care standards and assess the need to treat any animals observed in distress with Lead Biologist
· Complete a final report of all activities
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
· A post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant discipline
· Strong interest in biology, conservation, and field work
· Detail-oriented and able accurately record and manage data
· Strong oral and written communication skills
· Ability to work professionally and safely in variable weather conditions
· Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain positive relationships with other staff members, coworkers, and other project partners.
ASSET SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Graduate degree completion or in part in a biologically-related field, or equivalent level of
knowledge/experience
Familiarity and/or experience with animal husbandry practices
Familiarity with animal handling
TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter, resume and a funny meme to: Andrea Gielens, Lead Biologist BC Projects, andrea@wildlifepreservation.ca Please submit your application as a single PDF or MS word file and include the email subject heading “Turtle nest monitoring technician”. Applications will be assessed as they are submitted, and the positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are found. Applications will not be considered after midnight (EST) Feb 20, 2026.
Saving endangered species requires contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, heritage, knowledge, experiences, and identities, though many of these voices have been excluded from conservation. WPC is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in our organization, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. We encourage those from historically marginalized groups—including racialized, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, those with differing abilities, and other equity-deserving groups—to self-identify in their cover letter, if they feel comfortable, so we may consider their application accordingly.
We thank all who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
