Conservation Research Assistant

Position:                      Conservation Research Assistant (2)

Project:                     Canadian Species Initiative

Location:                    Remote, within Canada

Type of Position:        Full-time (35 hr/wk), temporary (8 weeks)

Rate of Pay:              $16.50/hr, plus 4% vacation pay

Anticipated Start:       19 June 2023

Hours of Work:          Flexible daily and weekly schedule to suit project needs.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Wildlife Preservation Canada is seeking summer researchers to carry out background research on endangered species for the Canadian Species Initiative. The Canadian Species Initiative, co-founded by Wildlife Preservation Canada, brings all relevant stakeholders into conservation recovery planning at the ground level to create holistic, feasible and effective plans and remove siloes across implementing organizations. This focuses on species or taxa specific workshops that bring together governments at all levels, Indigenous peoples, environmental not-for-profits, universities, landowners and stewards, and conservation breeding facilities (aquariums and zoological institutions) to develop species recovery implementation plans under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “One Plan Approach”. This One Plan Approach guides the process to ensure that all necessary partners are involved at the initial planning process through to the implementation phase of recovery programs for endangered Canadian species.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Conservation Research Assistant will support the Canadian Species Initiative coordinator to gather information from scientific papers, grey literature and online sources on endangered species and prepare materials and presentations for national workshops focused on species recovery planning. The applicant will gain important skills and experience in the behind-the-scenes work required to set up and facilitate multi-stakeholder workshops and will gain a strong understanding of how endangered species recovery programs and networks are developed at the ground level.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in a biology related discipline
• Interest in biology and endangered species conservation
• Demonstrated science communication skills, including written, virtual and in-person presentations
• Experience researching and compiling data from scientific papers, grey literature, and online sources
• Ability to work independently on-task and manage time effectively with only virtual supervision
• Good interpersonal skills
• Professional attitude and interest in working with representatives from a range of partners across Canada that are involved in endangered species conservation
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, database management and presentation software (specifically Microsoft Office) for the development of written and visual materials.

TO APPLY

To apply, please complete this form (https://forms.gle/J36Npp78cFYqkmg19), and attach a cover letter and resume as a single PDF or MS Word file attachment. Applications will be assessed as they are submitted, and positions may be filled ahead of the deadline, so early applications are encouraged. Applications will not be considered after midnight (EST) June 9, 2023.

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.

This position will be funded by government youth employment initiatives which require candidates to be:

•  No more than 30 years of age at the start of employment;
• 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 according to the relevant Ontario legislation and regulations.

Please indicate in your application if you meet these criteria.

We thank all who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.