Job Number: 52145
Natural Areas Operations functions within the Open Spaces unit of Infrastructure Operations within the Parks and Roads Services Branch. Key focus areas of Natural Areas Operations include: maintaining the City-wide trail network, tree risk mitigation, wildfire risk mitigation and biodiversity related activities of tree preservation, ecological monitoring, regulated weed control and restoration work, as well as management of abandoned and vacated Encampments across the City.
Reporting to the Ecologist, the Wildlife Technician is responsible for coordinating and overseeing wildlife monitoring.

SKILLS REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS:

• Knowledge of wildlife survey techniques
• Ability to visually and acoustically identify bird species, and identify other wildlife species
• Ability to identify native plants and legislated weeds
• Demonstrated understanding of federal, provincial and municipal legislation as it relates to natural areas and wildlife
• Demonstrated outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written
• Demonstrated ability to use ArcGIS software and ESRI applications
• Demonstrated ability to conduct field surveys
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other technicians, or colleagues from other disciplines
• Ability to prioritize work within functional teams to meet the needs of various client groups
• Ability to present information/findings, and facilitate presentations
• Ability to work in cross functional teams, across programs and work collaboratively to share resources and information
• Ability to implement and to ensure compliance with the City’s policies and procedures
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as in a team environment
• Ability to critically analyze issues to make decisions, recommend viable and effective solutions and summarize and manage information
• Proficiency in Google applications, including but not limited to Google Doc, Google Sheets, and Google Meets
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion
• Alignment with the goals of the City Plan and the Environmental Management System Enviso

Qualifications:

• University degree in biological science, ecology or a related degree OR
• Completion of 2 year technology diploma in Ecology, Biological Science or a related field from a recognized institute of technology
• A minimum of 4 years wildlife survey experience with a degree or 6 years with a diploma in ecology, wildlife biology, or ornitholog

• Work with Functional Teams across the City of Edmonton to coordinate any wildlife monitoring requirements for landscapes that require disturbance
• Lead, mentor and support training for field staff conducting sweeps or walkthroughs for bird nesting sites, or other wildlife sites, and other ecological surveys
• Conduct bird nest walkthroughs and sweeps, wildlife surveys and breeding bird surveys in various landscapes
• Identify active nest sites currently being used by wildlife and implement setbacks
• Complete nest buffer monitoring and nest checks as required
• Collect data in the field with GIS Software, including wildlife features, species and nest sweep data, and other ecological attributes
• Review maps, field notes and data, and communicate to Functional Teams after completion of the sweep or survey
• Provide recommendations for habitat management and creation
• Conduct habitat evaluations, including presence/absence surveys
• Lead and conduct ecological monitoring surveys
• Coordinate consultants for wildlife surveys
• Aid Natural Areas Urban Foresters with tree risk mitigation, wildfire risk mitigation, and 311 inquiries as required
• Ensuring compliance with safety protocols and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• University degree in biological science, ecology or a related degree OR
• Completion of 2 year technology diploma in Ecology, Biological Science or a related field from a recognized institute of technology
• A minimum of 4 years wildlife survey experience with a degree or 6 years with a diploma in ecology, wildlife biology, or ornithology