Your Connection to Wildlife

As one of Canada's largest not for profit leaders in wildlife conservation, research, and advocacy, we are seeking to fill the following position...

Entanglement Mitigation Specialist

(2-year term)

Who we are:

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada's wildlife is conserved for generations to come.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women in non-traditional roles. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please notify HR at any time.

Position Overview:

The CWF marine conservation program aims to eliminate harmful effects of human activities on marine species at risk using a threat-based scientific approach. With a focus on the effects of commercial fisheries and marine traffic, our actions are informed through scientific investigations, creating dialogue with stakeholders in our investigations and evaluations, and by seeking changes in human activities that will allow their continued operation while achieving meaningful conservation. We have growing success with this approach for reducing entanglement risk in Atlantic Canada and began expanding this work on Canada's west coast in 2021.

CWF is seeking a skilled individual to continue the development and execution of an entanglement risk reduction program for BC marine wildlife, focusing on cetaceans. This position will report to the Senior Conservation Biologist – Marine Programs, and work closely with the Research and Field Program Leads and will involve scientific investigations of threat distribution and trialling innovative fishing gear with fish harvesters.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain dialogue with fish harvesters including commercial, recreational, and Indigenous fishers, to learn about fishing methods, to share knowledge about entanglements, and to collaboratively identify opportunities for eliminating entanglement risk.
• Coordinate demonstrations and operational trials of innovative fishing gear that can assist in mitigating entanglements.
• Compile data from fisheries logbooks and on-demand gear trials.
• Assist in risk analyses of BC fisheries to establish an evidence-based approach to support the entanglement risk mitigation program.
• Assist in report writing, the delivery of presentations, and operational management related to the project.
• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Conservation Biologist and/or Marine Team Leads.

Required qualifications:

• A working knowledge of fixed-gear fisheries of the Canadian coast.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Post-secondary degree in science, management, or sustainability – or demonstrated experience producing similar skills.
• Proven organizational and time management skills.
• Capable of self-directed, and goal-oriented work.
• Good skills in verbal and written communication (English)
• Experience in scientific investigations.
• A valid driver's license.

Knowledge, skills, abilities:

• Capable of self-directed work by establishing and executing a work plan.
• Capable of developing an operational understanding of new fishing gear systems.
• Initiative in the design, evaluation, and implementation of field projects.

Assets:

• An advanced university degree on a topic related to wildlife conservation.
• Experience in commercial fishing and/or vessel-based fieldwork.
• Connections with fisheries associations and/or Indigenous groups.
• Experience with analysis of spatial data with software such as R or GIS.

Work Conditions:

• Location: This is a remote position, where the successful candidate will be required to maintain a home office and divide time between field and office work. Therefore, is required to be based in Southern British Columbia, preferably on Vancouver Island near important fishing communities.
• Term Length: Full-time, 2-year fixed-term with possibility of extension dependent on continued funding.
• Salary range from $58-65k per year depending on experience
• Typically working 37.5 hours per week but overtime and weekend work may be required.
• This work will require travel throughout the Canadian west coast.
• This work will require working on commercial and recreational fishing vessels (approximately 10% of the individual's time).
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team.

• Opportunity to make a tangible difference in Canada's conservation efforts.
• We are a rapidly growing team of forward-thinking individuals who all share a common passion, the Canadian outdoors!
• Friendly and casual work environment
• We are committed to building a more diverse workforce
• Flexible work options
• Work-life balance
• Complimentary subscription to our magazine Canadian Wildlife.
• Opportunity to expand your network of conservation experts.

HOW TO APPLY:

Cover letter and resume should be submitted. Only the candidates who meet the qualifications and experience for the position will be contacted for an interview. We thank you for your interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace for all its candidates and employees by supporting their accessibility and accommodation needs throughout the employment lifecycle. We ask that job applications please identify any accommodation requirements by contacting the Human Resources department when selected for an interview.

Powered by JazzHR

U01f4ZRcEr