Conservation Intern

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is hiring Conservation Interns to support their Conservation & Science team from April 2025 to April 2027. Interns will engage in fieldwork across North America, assist with data collection and analysis, and contribute to science communication efforts. This role is designed for early-career conservation practitioners, requiring teamwork, logistical support, and adherence to safety protocols, with a focus on advancing conservation programs.
Take the next step in your career by joining the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and help drive impact in critical conservation work! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking temporary full-time Conservation Interns to support the Conservation & Science team as we act as one to advance science-backed conservation programs across Canada and the globe.

This opportunity is designed to develop conservation practitioners starting their career while supporting the Conservation & Science team in a range of activities. The Conservation Interns will conduct field work as part of the field crew for one or more of our North American priority conservation programs from spring to autumn. Throughout the rest of the year, the interns will provide valuable support to teams at a national and international level, including providing logistical support, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to reports. The Conservation Interns will also engage in science communication efforts as we work to capture and share stories from our programs, speak to diverse audiences about the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's conservation work, and present achievements with internal and external partners and collaborators. The Conservation Intern will also support office and administrative work as needed and contribute to inter-departmental initiatives and events to support the organization.

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.

Contract:
• Start Date: April 2025
• End Date: April 2027
• Location: Calgary, Alberta with travel to conservation program locations in North America

What you will do:
• Work cooperatively as a field crew member for one or more of the conservation programs, typically during the spring to autumn months, contributing positively to group dynamics in communal living and working situations
• Conduct field work including locating animals (e.g., via telemetry, visual and auditory surveys), trapping and handling various species, providing supplemental feed, conducting morphometrics and biological sampling (e.g., blood, skin, hair, etc.), marking individuals (e.g., leg banding, PIT-tagging), and collecting various types of field data
• Set-up and use field work-related tools such as installing and operating remote wildlife cameras, automatic recording units, and other relevant data loggers, as well as sampling the environment (e.g., identifying and sampling vegetation)
• Collect photos and videos of animals, habitats and the field team, and share stories from the field for science communication purposes
• Engage positively with collaborators and partners, whether at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, representing the organization at events, or in the field
• Adhere to the organization’s stringent health and safety procedures and policies for animal welfare
• Assist with field season wrap up, which may include data entry and validation, revising protocols, summarizing data, writing reports, etc.
• Enter, manage and analyze field data using multiple software applications with support from the team
• Support purchasing, maintenance and inventories of field equipment, and other related logistical needs of the department
• Communicate and share messages about the organization’s conservation work at educational and fundraising events, both on and off Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo grounds, speaking with members of the public and/or school groups about the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's conservation programs
• Develop and deploy surveys, summarizing resulting data, and assisting with any technical writing as requested
• Help coordinate and schedule meetings and symposia
• Complete other tasks supporting operations and other team needs as requested

What you will bring:
• A High School Diploma is required. Currently pursuing or recently graduated from a certificate, diploma, or degree in a science related field is an asset.
• At least 6 months of field experience or practical experience on the land while working either alone or in a team environment, with the ability to spend up to 4 consecutive weeks in the field
• A Valid Class 5 Driver’s License is required
• Standard First Aid Certification is an asset
• Experience with data, such as database management, analysis and reporting, is an asset
• Experience in effectively communicating scientific topics in written and verbal formats; science communication courses or professional training taken would be an asset
• Amateur photography or videography experience in outdoor settings is also an asset
• Comfortable being behind a camera, and comfortable on screen an asset
• Demonstrated passion for wildlife conservation and a love of working outdoors
• Desire to participate and gain experience in biological fieldwork, such as wildlife capture, handling, and marking, as well as data collection
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience living with co-workers in tight quarters
• A commitment to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to safe operating practices
• An eye for detail and understanding of standardized research designs, as accurate and precise data collection and entry are essential
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently in an office-based setting
• The ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
• The ability to engage in physically demanding work in rugged conditions for extended periods of time

Additional Requirements:
• Successful candidates must be eligible to obtain Reliability Status level personnel screening through the Government of Canada for work on CFB Suffield to work on the Burrowing Owl Program in field season.

Working Conditions:
• Fieldwork involves working as part of a team for up to 4 consecutive weeks in rural and remote locations across North America.
• Fieldwork can involve long working days (up to 12 hours), and may require early morning, evening, and overnight work, with the possibility of some weekends. Days off can vary according to weather and field conditions, and it may not always be possible to return to Calgary for them.
• Fieldwork can include hiking in remote locations in mountainous, prairie or wetland environments under variable weather conditions, often hauling heavy gear and supplies over rough terrain.
• Hazards include dangerous animals, insects, and prolonged exposure to the elements
• Extensive driving on highways, service roads, and two-track trails.
• Office work can involve long periods sitting at computer workstations.
• Office work weeks are Monday to Friday at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, with some days designated as remote working days.

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:
• Competitive compensation and vacation days
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

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 about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume with an optional cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
• If hired, when would you be available to start?
• If hired, what would be your wage expectations?
• This role is a primary support during field season. Do you anticipate having time-off requirements from May to October each year that we should be aware of?
• During field season, this role would be required to live at the field locations in residence with coworkers for up to 4 weeks at a time. Do you have any concerns with this?
• This role requires hiking up to 15km into remote areas and on challenging terrain, carrying weights up to 20kg. Please indicate whether you have any concerns.
• How many months of working in the field or on the land do you have?
• Briefly describe your experience working with animals, including the nature of the work and type(s) of animal(s) involved.
• Do you have any experience communicating scientific or environmental information to different audiences? If yes, please briefly describe such experience, and reference any related coursework or other training you might have had.

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 April 1, 2025 at 4pm MST.

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.