RESPONSIBILITIES
The Ontario Program Coordinator will assist with the implementation of the bumble bee portion of Wildlife Preservation Canada’s (WPC’s) Native Pollinator Initiative (NPI). Most of this role will take place in Ontario, but we collaborate on a few projects across Canada, including one community science program in Alberta. The Program Coordinator is primarily responsible for maintaining, developing, and coordinating all components of the bumble bee community outreach and education programming, actively seeking new partnerships and collaborations where there is opportunity to develop and/or maintain bumble bee community science initiatives. The Program Coordinator is also responsible for leading all field work, including the planning and implementation of spring bumble bee surveys across Ontario, assisting with the hiring of seasonal field staff, leading training of field staff, and the ongoing management of field teams. The Program Coordinator will report directly to WPC’s Lead Biologist (NPI) and will provide support for all other native bumble bee research programming, as needed.

Specific duties will include:
Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of small- and large-scale bumble bee community science programs across Canada (especially Ontario), as opportunities arise.
Seek partnerships and collaboration opportunities for field work, community science, and outreach and education.
Coordinate with partners and volunteers for all community science programs
Assist with design and preparation of proposals and budgets for grant applications and other fundraising initiatives.
Provide support for BumbleBeeWatch.org, including regular review and identification of photo submissions.
Lead the development and presentation of science communication and outreach components of the NPI (e.g. in-person presentations, print materials, online educational materials and traditional media), and provide timely content for WPC’s social media efforts (e.g. blog posts) as required.
Lead spring bumble bee survey and collection field crew within or near Guelph, ON.
Coordinate the Ontario field crews in carrying out wild bumble bee population surveys and collection (i.e., collection of bumble bee queens (mainly yellow-banded bumble bees), recording ecological data, training and supervision of staff and/or volunteers, and obtaining relevant permits and permissions for all field site access.
Revise and create program survey protocols, including for community science and spring queen surveying.
Ensure accurate record-keeping of all field data. Lead in inputting and reviewing and analyzing field and community science program data.
Assist in maintaining detailed program budgets, ensuring that expenditures stay within the identified amounts.
Write and/or assist with preparing reports for funders, governments, landowners, WPC (for internal and external use), and other audiences, as necessary.
Train other organizations on bumble bee surveying and identification, for example Conservation Authorities and lab groups
Assist with lab work and field research as required, including conservation breeding and monitoring projects that are being completed with partners.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum B.Sc. or college diploma in relevant field (e.g., Biology, Environmental Science, Entomology).
2+ years conducting ecological research, including extensive field work experience.
Experience with bumble bee identification. At minimum can identify common bumble bee species within Southern ON.
Proven comfort handling bees withing a field work setting
Experience conducting insect population surveys
Experience supervising and/or training others, including volunteers and staff.
Knowledge and interest in species at risk issues.
Proven knowledge and experience in data management and analysis and report writing.
Demonstrated plant identification skills, with an emphasis on flowering plants visited by pollinators
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the production and review of scientific and technical documents, outreach materials, and media pieces (social and traditional).
Ability to work both in a team and independently.
Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills, with an ability to multi-task and perform under pressure to meet deadlines.
Proficient with the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Physically fit and able to endure working in rough terrains, variable weather conditions, and with exposure to biting and stinging insects.
Willing and able to travel, mainly across Ontario but some out of province travel may be required.
Proficient with the use of social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter).
A valid Ontario driver’s licence (G-class) and access to your own vehicle. Mileage will be compensated for any field work.

ASSET SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Additional academic training (e.g., additional diploma/certificate, M.Sc. in relevant field)
Experience conducting bee population surveying
Proven comfort handling bees within a lab setting
Experience creating detailed field protocols
Proven ability to create workshop and presentation materials
Experience writing successful grant proposals and managing budgets
Experience training and managing volunteers, especially within community science programs
Valid First Aid and CPR certification
Saving endangered species is strengthened by and requires contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, heritage, knowledge, experiences, and identities. WPC values the people we employ and that we work with and strive to promote equity and inclusion in our workplace. We are committed to selecting and developing employees to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization and therefore encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

TO APPLY
Applications will not be considered after midnight (EST) May 21st, 2023. Applications will be assessed as they are submitted, and the positions will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. If you have further questions, please contact us at jobopportunities@wildlifepreservation.ca . We thank all who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.