Now Accepting Applications
On-Call Caribou Guardian
Specific work site: Bickford maternity pen site.
Shift: The work schedule is based on an on-call basis in the event that the seasonal caribou guardians are unable to make their shift or need days covered. The contract is from March through the end of July or until the last calf born reaches 8 weeks old.
Description of work:
Saulteau First Nations is seeking a seasonal caribou guardian to monitor caribou cows and their calves during the spring and summer seasons in the 10th year of the maternity pen project. The Nations have been implementing management and research in support of the Caribou Partnership Agreement; a collaborative effort between Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations, British Columbia, and Canada. This effort is to protect the Klinse-Za caribou herd from going extinct. 8-day shifts are alternated between SFN and WMFN caribou guardians, followed by 6 days off, mandatory change-over meeting is required at the start and end of each shift. Do not leave the work site during an active shift for non-emergency reasons unless there has been prior authorization with adequate replacement arrangements.
Duties
- Source all personal camp groceries and supplies for the workweek
- Pick up and transport caribou feed
- Daily feedings and visual observations of each individual caribou
- Check in daily with the supervisor and contact the project manager to communicate the results of caribou and pen inspections
- Exterior and interior perimeter walks to observe any structural damage and predator control
- Repair any observed structural damage
- Inspection and maintenance of the electric fence
- Completion of hardcopy data forms recording all daily work done and observations
- Inspection of weigh scales and trail cameras
- Collect and cut firewood
- Collectively clean and upkeep cabin space, outdoor areas, and equipment
- Assisting with the collection of data (i.e. Antler drops, fecal pellets, etc.)
- Help capture new-born calves to deploy radio-transmitter collars (late May- early June)
Qualifications and Skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills: comfortable working in a remote location without cell service with the same person
- Physically fit: able to lift up to 50lbs and walk at least 5km per day
- Ability to work independently and unsupervised
- Detailed orientated: visual confirmation of each individual caribou daily, detailed data form entries and attention to possible compromises to the electric fence and pen structure
- Valid BC driver’s license, and access to a vehicle for travel to and from the pen site with the ability to drive on rough terrain
- Have access to a snowmobile, and ATV with the proper insurance on each
- PAL and proficiency in the use of a firearm
- A firearm for protection against wolves, bears, cougars, lynx, wolverines, and other predators
- Level 1 First Aid or higher
- Training will be provided on how to use handheld radios, satellite phones, telemetry equipment, maintenance of electric fences, trail cameras, and weight scales, and how to complete data collection forms