Job Summary

The Wildlife Field Technician in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) at the University of Calgary is a specialized, high-stakes research role focused on the invasive wild pig population in Central Alberta. Operating as a “Field Intelligence Officer,” you are responsible for the safe capture, anesthesia, and GPS collaring of wild pigs to track their movements and group dynamics. This role requires the “wit” to manage complex biological data and the “grit” to operate in unpredictable field conditions with a reactive, “on-call” schedule.

Job Details

Employer: University of Calgary (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine).
Location: Central Alberta (Field-based) / Calgary, AB.
Position Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (24 months with potential for extension).
Classification: AUPE Technical Job Family, Phase 1.
Reporting to: Principal Investigator (PI).

Core Responsibilities: The Wild Pig Project

You will provide the primary field support for a large-scale project tracking invasive species through GPS technology.

GPS Collar Deployment: Coordinate with the Alberta Wild Boar Control Program to reactively deploy to capture sites. You will assist in animal capture, administer safe anesthesia, and handle biological samples under strict biosafety protocols.
Field Data Collection: Frequently check collar functions, manage camera trap arrays, and download/archive GPS data using industry best practices.
Data & Inventory Management: Maintain a precise inventory of laboratory samples and field equipment. You will support graduate students with data entry and identify any inconsistencies in the longitudinal datasets.
Inter-Agency Coordination: Act as a liaison between the UCVM team, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation staff, and local trappers to monitor pig group memberships.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

The “Field Biologist”: Must hold an MSc degree in biology, ecology, disease ecology, or a related field.
Technical Wit: Proven experience with large mammal GPS collaring, camera trap management, and data visualization.
Operational Grit: Ability to travel for extended periods, work unpredictable schedules, and adapt to variable Central Alberta field conditions (weather, terrain).
Compliance Ready: Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to strictly adhere to safety and biosafety protocols for handling wild animals.

Technical Insights: Invasive Species Management

Tracking wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in Alberta involves understanding “Sounder” dynamics.

The “Judas Pig” Technique: By collaring a single individual and releasing it, researchers can track the animal back to its “sounder” (social group). This allows for more effective population control and disease monitoring.
Biosafety & Zoonotics: Wild pigs are known carriers of diseases like Swine Brucellosis and African Swine Fever. Technicians must use rigorous Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during sample collection to prevent cross-contamination.
GPS Data Cleaning: Raw GPS fixes often contain “multipath errors” caused by dense forest cover. You will use data management skills to filter outliers and ensure the integrity of the movement paths.

Diversity and Representation at UCalgary

The University of Calgary is a leader in implementing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives to ensure the research community reflects Canada’s population.

Addressing the “Confidence Gap”: UCalgary explicitly encourages applications from women and visible minorities, citing research that these groups are less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of the criteria.
Indigenous Strategy (ii’ taa’poh’to’p): The university supports a culturally competent campus with oversight from 18 Elders. Fieldwork in Alberta often occurs on traditional territories, necessitating an inclusive approach to community partnerships.
Concrete Demographics: In the broader Canadian workforce, visible minorities represent approximately 22% of the population, yet remain underrepresented in senior research and technical phases. UCalgary aims to bridge this gap through targeted recruitment and removing systemic barriers.

Job Description

Do you believe that protecting our ecosystems starts with understanding the species that threaten them? The University of Calgary is seeking a Wildlife Field Technician to join our Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. We aren’t just “tagging animals”; we are providing the data necessary to protect Alberta’s agriculture and natural biodiversity. If you have the “grit” to handle a wild pig capture in the Alberta brush and the “wit” to manage a complex GPS database, you belong on our team.

In this role, you are a “Conservation Strategist.” You understand that every biological sample and every GPS ping is a piece of a larger puzzle. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Field Research,” ensuring that our protocols are followed with precision and our data is beyond reproach. We look for “Integrity-first” professionals who are passionate about wildlife health and ready to support the next generation of ecologists.

Joining UCalgary means joining Canada’s entrepreneurial university in a city known for its philanthropic and community leadership. We offer a vibrant, research-heavy environment where your contributions have a direct impact on provincial policy. If you are a dedicated biologist with a commitment to “Field Excellence and Data Integrity,” we invite you to submit your application by April 3, 2026.

University of Calgary: Daring to Imagine Ahead of Tomorrow

The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is defined by a culture of entrepreneurial spirit, audacity, and “can-do” Western energy. As one of Canada’s top five research universities, its mission—codified in the “Ahead of Tomorrow” strategic plan—is to tackle “wicked” societal challenges through transdisciplinary innovation. The workplace culture is rooted in collegiality and respect, emphasizing that “curiosity-driven investigation” thrives best in an inclusive environment. UCalgary moves with the speed of a startup but the responsibility of a public institution, fostering a “Living Lab” ecosystem where students and faculty are encouraged to be “pioneers at heart.”

The UCalgary footprint is a massive, multi-campus network that mirrors the diversity of the Alberta landscape:

Main Campus (NW Calgary): Spanning over 200 hectares, this is the university’s vibrant heart. It features the Taylor Family Digital Library, one of North America’s most technology-rich hubs, and the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, the first of its kind in Canada. The northern side is a powerhouse for Science and Engineering, while the south houses professional faculties like Law and Business (Scurfield Hall).
The Olympic Oval: A legacy of the 1988 Winter Games, this iconic facility is known for having the “Fastest Ice on Earth” and serves as a premier high-performance training center for athletes globally.
Foothills Campus: Located south of the main site, this is the epicenter of health innovation, home to the Cumming School of Medicine and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, adjacent to the Foothills Medical Centre.
Specialized Field Stations: UCalgary’s reach extends into the wild, with the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory near Priddis and the Barrier Lake Ecological Research Station in the Kananaskis Valley, where scientists study everything from climate change to forest evolution.

Working or studying here means being part of a “top 100 global university for entrepreneurs.” Whether you are at the downtown campus engaging with Calgary’s business core or conducting genomics research at the Spy Hill campus, the experience is defined by the university’s commitment to “ii’ taa’poh’to’p”—its Indigenous Strategy—walking a parallel path toward truth and reconciliation while building a sustainable future.

To apply for this job please visit careers.ucalgary.ca.