Overview
Position: Reptile Recovery Field Technician
Project: Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery Program (OPRREC)
Location: Windsor, ON
Type of Position: Full-time (37.5 hr./wk.), seasonal (8 months), with extension subject to funding
availability and performance review
Rate of Pay: $18.75 − $21.00/hr. (based on education level and years of experience), plus 4%
vacation pay
Anticipated Start: 30 March 2026
Hours of Work: Flexible daily and weekly schedule to suit project needs and weather conditions.
Working weekends will be required.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) is seeking two Field Technicians to assist with implementation of
activities related to the OPRREC program (wildlifepreservation.ca/ojibway-prairie-reptile-recovery/).
The position will be based out of downtown Windsor, with field work occurring at the Ojibway Prairie
Complex and Greater Park Ecosystem (OPCGPE) in Windsor and LaSalle, and elsewhere in the
Windsor-Essex region. The ultimate goal of this program is to recover the Ojibway Prairie population of
Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, while providing recovery benefits to a suite of other species at risk
(SAR), with a particular focus on the Butler’s Gartersnake and Blanding’s Turtle.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Working under the direction of the Lead Biologist and Project Biologist, the Field Technicians will
conduct field work related to the following components of OPRREC: 1) Species at risk reptile
population monitoring, 2) threat monitoring and mitigation, 3) habitat assessment/inventory and
enhancement, and 4) public outreach and education. Supervision will be provided on-site by the Lead
Biologist, with support from the Project Biologist, based on initial orientation session, periodic training,
and weekly meetings to discuss progress and problem-solve. These positions offer a unique
opportunity to work hands-on with endangered reptiles and gain experience with field-based recovery
techniques.
Specific duties will include:
1. Conducting standardized visual encounter (VE), artificial cover object (ACO), road mortality,
radiotelemetry, and/or barrier fence surveys targeting Eastern Massasaugas, Eastern Foxsnakes,
Butler’s Gartersnakes and/or Blanding’s Turtles to monitor distribution, abundance, movement,
and/or effectiveness of threat mitigations and habitat enhancements (Spring-Fall; 50%).
2. Collecting data on groundwater and frost levels, and monitoring live snakes in artificial hibernacula,
to assess overwintering conditions at translocation sites (Fall-Winter; 20%; tentative on extension).
3. Caring for live snakes in captivity prior to conservation translocation trials, and monitoring snakes
post-release using ACO, VE, and/or borescope surveys (Spring-Fall; 10%).
4. Assisting with threat mitigation and habitat enhancement projects targeting SAR reptiles (e.g.,
invasive species removal, maintenance of barrier fencing, installation of woody debris features,
creating artificial hibernacula, and removing illegal dumping, etc.) (Summer-Fall; 10%).
5. Assisting with data management and reporting (e.g., data entry, summary, etc.), and, tentative on
experience, leading the scheduling and coordinating of field activities (Spring-Fall; 5%);
6. Conducting public outreach and contributing to WPC’s social media accounts (Spring-Fall; 5%).
7. Using some or all of the following equipment:
a) Venomous snake handling tools (snake hooks, tubes, and tongs)
b) Reptile monitoring devices (PIT tags and automatic and handheld reader, VHF radio
transmitters and receiver)
c) Electronic data-recording equipment (hand-held GPS, digital camera, borescope camera,
laptop computer, automatic data logger, water level meter, and/or trail camera)
d) Hand tools (lopper, pruning saw, rake, shovel, auger, hammer, etc.)
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• A college diploma in a related field (e.g., fish and wildlife management).
• Minimum of 1 field season conducting reptile surveys/inventories, and skilled at safely identifying,
capturing, handling, and processing Ontario snakes and turtles.
• Strong interest in conservation biology, herpetology, and biology-based field work.
• Proven ability to adhere to data collection protocols, and record detailed & legible field notes.
• Strong verbal communication skills and work ethic (focus, professionalism, punctuality, honesty,
and attention to detail).
• Experience using relevant equipment (see #7 under ‘Duties and Responsibilities’).
• Physically and mentally able to: a) Lift heavy objects (e.g., woody debris and small logs), b) Ride a
bicycle on city streets alongside busy traffic, and c) Work safely outdoors on your feet for extended
periods of time, in poor weather (rain, extreme heat) and in challenging habitats with thorns,
thickets, rattlesnakes & biting insects.
ASSET SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• A university degree in biology or a related field.
• Two or more field seasons conducting reptile surveys/inventories.
• Experience managing a small team of employees or volunteers.
• Experience surveying for and working with reptiles local to Essex County.
• Experience installing threat mitigation or habitat enhancement structures (e.g., snake barrier
fencing, nesting cages, woody debris features, etc.).
• Experience writing technical reports.
• Completion of Ontario chainsaw safety training course.
• Completion of Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Survey Course (or equivalent).
• Experience using mapping software to display data and create maps (e.g., ArcGIS, Google Earth).
• Experience conducting public outreach and education.
• Experience identifying Ontario plants (Species at Risk and invasive species).
• Standard or wilderness first aid certification.
• Bilingual in French and English
• G-class driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.
TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and resume to: Dr. Jonathan Choquette, OPRREC Lead Biologist,
jchoquette[at]wildlifepreservation.ca. Include the contact information (email and phone) for three
references in your application. Please submit your application as a single PDF or MS word file and
include the email subject heading “OPRREC – Field Technician”, by 11:59 PM 1 March 2026.
Applications will be assessed as they are received, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable
candidate is found.
Saving endangered species is strengthened by and requires contributions of people of diverse
backgrounds, heritage, knowledge, experiences, and identities. WPC values the diversity of the people
we employ and that we work with. We strive to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in our
workplace. We are committed to selecting and developing employees to create a diverse, inclusive, and
equitable organization and therefore encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
We thank all who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
[La version française est disponible sur demande. Visiter notre site web en français ici:
www.wildlifepreservation.ca/fr/retablissement-des-reptiles-de-la-prairie-ojibway]
