Seasonal Caribou Guardian x 2

Specific work site

 Linfitt maternity pen site, Clearwater Valley.

Shift

Eight days on, six days off; mid-February to the end of August for maternity pen duties and pen opening and closure. Typically, 11 hours per day.

 Description of Work

Saulteau First Nations is seeking two seasonal caribou guardians to monitor caribou cows and their calves during the spring and summer season in the 12^th year of the maternity pen project. Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations (SFN, WMFN) have been implementing management and research in support of the Caribou Partnership Agreement; a collaborative effort between the Nations, British Columbia, and Canada. This effort is to protect the Klinse-Za caribou herd from going extinct. Eight-day shifts are alternated between SFN and WMFN caribou guardians, followed by six days off. A mandatory change-over meeting is required at the start and end of each shift at the pen, and a weekly debrief with the supervisor at the TREP office. 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 and responsibilities:

•  Open the pen for the season (shovel snow, string up wires for two electric fences, prepare pen for caribou captures)
• Pick up and transport caribou feed from Twin Sisters Nursery
• Daily feedings and a visual observations of each individual caribou
• Check-in daily with the supervisor and contact the Pen Lead to communicate the results of caribou and pen inspections
• Assisting with collecting data (ie. Antler drops, fecal pellets etc.)
• Assist with pen tours for community members and funders
• Help capture new-born calves for ear tagging and collection of biological samples (late May- early June)
• Close the pen for the season (remove, respool, and safely store all wires from the two electric fences, winterize the cabin, reseal the geotextile fence following the release of caribou)
• Source all personal camp groceries and supplies for the workweek
• Exterior and interior perimeter walks to observe any structural damage and predator control
• Repair any observed structural damage
• Inspection and maintenance of 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, outhouse and equipment

 Mandatory Qualifications

•  Experience working and living in remote bush setting. Remote accommodation provided.
• Valid BC driver’s license
• PAL and proficiency in the use of a firearm
• Level 1 First Aid or higher
• Physically fit: able to lift to 50lbs and walk at least 5km per day
• Job specific safety training will be provided

Mandatory Equipment

•  Reliable vehicle for travel to and from the pen site with ability to drive on rough terrain
• Snowmobile or UTV with skimmer for winter transport to pen
• Firearm for protection against wolves, bears, cougars, lynx, wolverines, and other predators

 Ideal Qualification and Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills: comfortable working in a remote location without cell service, with the same person
• Problem solving skills with the ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions
• Able to work independently and unsupervised
• Basic construction skills, comfortable using power tools and chainsaw
• 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