Indigenous Summer Field Technologist Internship

Organization Overview

InnoTech Alberta is a key component of Alberta’s innovation system; its talented and experienced team of experts offers a wide range of applied research and development technologies and services. InnoTech Alberta is a delivery partner for the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI); an arms-length, value-neutral, western scientific organization that measures and reports on the health of Alberta’s Biodiversity. The ABMI conducts world-class biodiversity monitoring of more than 2000 species and habitats throughout Alberta. Together, these organizations are seeking an Indigenous intern to work as a summer field technologist and gain experience in using western science techniques to survey terrestrial and/or aquatic biodiversity indicators.

Job Description

The Indigenous internship is for Indigenous-identifying individuals (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit), who are interested in developing experience in western science monitoring processes and techniques. The goals of the internship are to 1) provide professional western science monitoring experience to individuals, 2) to build skills to help support the development and implementation of Indigenous-led monitoring programs, and 3) to promote cultural exchange with non-Indigenous peers and celebrate Indigenous-based perspectives, knowledge, values, and experience.


This position is part of a large scale, broad-based monitoring program that informs on the state of biodiversity across the province of Alberta through field data collection (forest stand measurements, soil collection, vegetation surveys, wildlife monitoring, moss and lichen collection, ground validation, etc.) in all regions of the province.

Field work is done in shifts of up to 10 days, in groups of two or three throughout Alberta: sometimes up to 500 m from a partner and often in bear country. Data collection is physically demanding with uncooperative weather, wildlife encounters, difficult terrain, and persistent insects. All technical training and certifications are provided.

You will be a good fit for this position if you:

• Identify as a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit individual
• Have environmental awareness The ideal candidate will have experience in the outdoors, whether personal or professional.
• Are self-motivated and have a willingness to learn The ideal candidate will demonstrate a willingness and motivation to learn new skills, including field monitoring protocols and techniques, how to use field equipment, etc.
• Are adaptable and flexible to change The ideal candidate will demonstrate flexibility and the ability to respond positively to change, i.e., changes relating to field conditions, tasks, etc.
   

Qualifications:
 

• Experience working long hours, in physically demanding jobs
• Experience camping or an interest in outdoor recreation
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Demonstrated positive experience with teamwork
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to endure long days, challenging conditions and rigorous fieldwork

Compensation
 

This is a temporary 4-month position (Beginning of May – August 2025). Food allowance and transportation in the field are provided. Shared accommodation is provided for the length of the contract in varying locations including Lac La Biche and Edmonton. The starting salary is $3,000 per month and is commensurate with the number of seasons experience with the ABMI, qualifications, and specific demands of the position.

For More Information and How to Apply

Visit our Careers Page at https://alberta-biodiversity-monitoring-institute.breezy.hr/. Please submit your resume and cover letter as a single Microsoft word or pdf document using the online application system. Resumes submitted by other means will not be considered. Please be aware that you will be asked to present a driver's abstract should you be offered a position.

Application deadline: February 28, 2025

The final candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance. All interviewees must be able to meet the requirement specified in the Physical Demands Analysis. This document will be supplied during the interview process to the successful candidate. InnoTech Alberta is committed to taking reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of Employees in the workplace. InnoTech Alberta is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We wish to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those invited for an interview will be contacted.