DESCRIPTION
Grow your career at one of the most unique workplaces in Calgary and join the Conservation & Science team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo!
We are looking for a Conservation Program Manager. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Conservation Translocations or Community Conservation, the Conservation Program Manager will advance the mission of Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo by managing species conservation program activities with both internal and external parties. The Conservation Program Manager will build and foster collaborative relationships with local and Indigenous communities, academia, government, industry, and/or other relevant parties to advance program goals and the Wilder Institute's mission and vision. The position will lead and facilitate research to provide science-based advice and guidance to contribute to informing species management decisions, conservation actions, community conservation, and/or the development of policies, guidelines, peer-reviewed publications, reports or best practices for species at risk. They will supervise and mentor program research associate(s), field staff, students and/or volunteers, and provide guidance regarding program decisions to internal and external partners to take and inspire conservation actions.
Our Mission | Take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places
Our Values | Effective collaboration and communication, honesty and integrity, customer focus, safety, and conservation
What you will do:
Project management including adaptive, culturally sensitive and knowledge-based decision-making, including consultation and coordination with external agencies, internal departments and recovery teams to develop, plan, and implement future project directions and strategies while meeting project objectives.
Build and foster strong collaborations with partner organizations and representatives from local and Indigenous communities, academia, government, industry or other stakeholders to advance collective projects or initiatives.
Work with the Wildlife Conservation Research Scientist and/or other collaborators to develop research questions, study design, implement or guide implementation of the collection of biological and/or socio-economic data, conduct analyses and interpret data to fill critical knowledge gaps, monitor and evaluate program progress, and where appropriate, disseminate results in peer-review journals, at national and international conferences, in reports, or other publications.
Provide science-based advice to support management decisions, conservation actions, and/or the development of policies, guidelines or best practices.
Participate in or lead internal or external teams, committees, and working/advisory groups
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the species, habitats and ecosystems related to the relevant threatened species.
Work closely with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's Animal Care, Health and Wellness teams to co-develop and co-manage any aspects of the conservation program that involve conservation breeding, head starting, translocations, and/or to provide animal health or care expertise for both in situ and ex situ populations.
Communicate project results and progress to managers, executive team, communications team, media, researchers, and public audiences. This includes being available for media interviews, key partner and donor meetings and other relevant meetings as required.
Supervise, direct work, and evaluate performance of research associate(s), field technicians, and/or students, including co-supervision and collaboration with external agencies as appropriate.
Assist in drafting collaboration and funding agreements for program initiatives.
Work with the Fund Development team to support fund-raising efforts, including providing content for reporting to donors and facilitating field site visits for donors and staff.
Financial responsibility for developing and managing project budget and monthly expense reporting
Assist with other departmental needs associated with the Conservation & Science Department or other Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo initiatives as needed.
What you will bring: Graduate degree (Masters or higher) in a relevant discipline
5+ years of experience in conservation biology, community conservation, community engagement or related field
Excellent project management skills
Experience collecting, managing, analyzing, interpreting data, and publishing peer-review scientific papers
Passion for evidence-based advancement of nature conservation
Demonstrated experience communicating with diverse partners and collaborators to develop and maintain excellent relations
Experience supervising/mentoring
Experience managing budgets and project / financial reporting
Class 5 driver’s license with fewer than 6 demerit points is mandatory
Additional Requirements: All candidates must be eligible to work in Canada
Working Conditions: Extensive office work involving long periods of sitting at computer work stations
Although this position is primarily office-based in Calgary, this position will require spending stretches of time on Vancouver Island during the Spring and Summer seasons.
Fieldwork is located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia at elevations approximately 1100-1500 km above sea level
Field days include long daily treks (driving and hiking) to remote marmot habitats in sub-alpine environments, requiring navigate very steep terrain on several different mountains. A high level of physical fitness (both strength and cardiovascular) and moderate to extensive experience working or recreating in steep mountain conditions is considered an asset.
Field work may involve hazards such as dangerous animals, insects, working in very hot or cold temperatures and heavy rainfall, avalanche risk, working with field equipment such as trucks or ATVs, heavy lifting of field equipment, exposure to wildlife diseases.
Extensive driving on busy highways and active/decommissioned logging roads for up to 4 hours (2 hours each way) in addition to 6-8 hours spent hiking each day
Days off and the length/structure of workdays are variable and weather dependent
Working long, irregular hours
Hiking and camping in remote locations under various weather conditions, ~4 days a week
Hiking up and down extremely steep (25-45 degree) mountain slopes, on uneven terrain including loose rocks and scree, while carrying up to 50 lbs. of weight on your back.
Working in steep terrain involves substantial side-hilling, which requires a high degree of balance and ankle/lower body strength to prevent ankle rolling, knee strain, or slipping down the slope.
Loads must be carried over undulating and steep terrain for up to 15 km return in a safe and controlled manner
Off-trail hikes are characterized by loose soil, exposed rocks, scrambling sections, and loose sticks/tripping hazards
In the spring, routes may be snow covered and snowshoeing for up to 10 km (return) may be required
Crew members are expected to be sufficiently conditioned to complete the required driving, hiking, and field work in a safe and effective manner and be capable of providing support to teammates in the event of an emergency
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff 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.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is no smoking environment including vaping.
What We Offer: A chance to make a direct impact on the conservation of various iconic Canadian species
Competitive compensation
Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
Employer matching RRSP
Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of animals from around the world
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:
Step 1: Watch this
video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewuP6xA-yiA)
Step 2: Submit a cover letter and resume via our online application form.
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 as soon as possible as the competition will stay open until a success candidate is identified.
All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
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 only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
