Elk Root Conservation Farm Society in Winlaw, BC is seeking a Wildlife Technician!
ABOUT Elk Root Conservation Farm Society
We are a not-for-profit, certified organic educational demonstration farm located at the confluence of the Slocan and Little Slocan Rivers in Vallican, BC in Sinixt təmxʷúlaʔxʷ. We also acknowledge the deep connection and significance of the land and waterways where ERC is located to the Syilx (Okanagan), the Ktunaxa and the Secwépemc (Shuswap) Peoples whose unceded traditional territories are also within what has come to be known as the Kootenay Region.
We are piloting our CSA program this summer to help fund our Community Food Box Program, where we feed vulnerable community members for free.
Our mission is to alleviate local food insecurity by providing cost-free fruit and veggies to vulnerable community members and demonstrating the role that ERC’s ‘beyond-organic’ regenerative agriculture practices (BORA) have in conserving, protecting and restoring the biodiversity and productivity of our local landscape. In this position, you will learn how protecting local food security and our environment through habitat conservation and restoration go hand-in-hand.
DESIRED QUALITIES
As a Wildlife Technician at Elk Root Conservation, you will play a key role working on a variety of habitat restoration projects (from bats to bees), with a primary focus on our Native Plant Educational Demonstration Gardens & Nursery, and Pollinator Highway Project (PHP). The PHP is an innovative 3-year pilot project that seeks to transform degraded roadside habitats, currently impacted by invasive plant species, into vibrant and sustainable environments for pollinators through the use of native flowering plants.
Your work will involve contributing to second-year site maintenance and monitoring of the PHP, ensuring the successful establishment of native plants and the management of invasive species on-site, and at ERC. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data from monitoring efforts, which will inform adaptive management strategies and help develop best practices for future expansion of the Pollinator Highway. In addition to this, you will also assist with the development, care and management of Elk Root Conservation’s Native Plant Educational Demonstration Gardens & Nursery and Pollinator Gardens, playing a key role in their ongoing maintenance. Additionally, you will participate in public outreach and education events to raise awareness about conservation and project goals.
POSITION TASKS
Specifically, your tasks and responsibilities will include:
Pollinator Highway Project
- Maintaining restoration sites by managing irrigation systems, identifying and manage invasive species, replanting and reseeding species as needed.
- Ensuring wildlife fencing remains in place to ensure the successful establishment of native plant species in our pollinator restoration plots.
- Monitoring restoration sites using photo plot monitoring and Daubenmire frame surveys to track the success of native plant establishment and invasive species removal.
- Collaborating with consultants, and supervising youth team members and volunteers to ensure project goals are met efficiently and on time.
- Planning, co-ordinating and leading the Pollinator Highway Project open- house event.
- Compiling data and preparing technical reports.
- Planning for year 3, and Phase 2 expansion of the PHP.
- Grant writing and project budgeting.
Native Plant Gardens:
- Collecting native plant seeds, plant propagation for restoration projects.
- Identifying and cataloging native plant species.
- Maintain and develop the gardens and pathways, including weeding, invasive species removal, irrigation, pest identification and management.
- Inventory, start seeds, and care for native plant starts in the nursery.
- Collaborating with other organizations on restoration projects and plant orders.
- Updates to the ERC Native Plant Educational Field Guide.
- Organize plant and seed sale fundraisers.
Pollinator Gardens:
- Managing pollinator garden beds and pathways, ensuring ecological health and aesthetic appeal through irrigation, weeding, pruning, mowing, deadheading, etc.
- Safeguarding pollinator habitat by controlling invasive species and identifying pests/pathogens that may impact the health of the garden and farmscape.
Riparian Restoration Project:
- Development and installation of the Biodiversity Catchment Pond year two including habitat features.
- Wetland restoration planning.
- Maintenance and monitoring of the ERC Bat Condo, Brandenbark, and habitat trees and sonar equipment as required by project partners.
Public Outreach & Education
- Participate in Elk Root Conservation’s public outreach events and educational programs to raise awareness about conservation, project goals, and the importance of pollinators.
- Assist with community presentations, tours, and volunteer days.
- Development of the Pollinator Highway Stewardship Program
POSITION DETAILS
Term: Mid-Late April 2025, 16 weeks
Hours per week: 35-40
Wage: $26.50 per hour
TO APPLY
Please go to elkrootconservation.org/employment and fill out our employment form. Please do NOT send applications to the email address. Thank you kindly! Please include your resume and cover letter.
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
Please note that Young Agrarians does not have the capacity to pre-screen job opportunities. Please screen your potential employer to ensure that you are entering into a fair exchange that meets your needs and expectations. Try asking the farm for references of past workers, or ask people in the community if you are unsure.
LEARN MORE ABOUT Elk Root Conservation Farm Society
Website: elkrootconservation.org
Instagram: @elkrootconservation