Statistical Wildlife Ecologist

Competition 2280

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of one year plus one day with a strong possibility of extension and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This position offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing for a combination of remote and in-office work (in Edmonton or Calgary) based on work preferences. Preference for schedule will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Faculty of Science - Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI)

The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) is dedicated to tracking changes in biodiversity across the entirety of Alberta, now and in the future, and provides the public with the data, knowledge, and tools to make informed decisions about the state of the environment.

Position Summary

The Statistical Wildlife Ecologist works in ABMI’s Science Centre (as part of the Wildlife Science Centre) and is responsible for analyzing large, complex datasets to support landscape management throughout Canada. This includes statistical modelling and tool development within a reproducible framework in collaboration with multiple partners, including provincial, territorial and federal governments, Indigenous communities, and industry groups from the natural resource sector. This position will also contribute to the advancement of analytical and study design approaches, dissemination of information through multiple streams, and participation in collaborative projects.

Duties

• Develop applied research, data analysis, and species modeling related to large mammal behaviour and biodiversity, including:
  • Analyze animal telemetry and environmental monitoring data to evaluate trends over time and relationships with human development activities using a variety of software (e.g., R, Python, SQL, QGIS/ArcGIS, and Git);
  • Evaluates solutions to analytical challenges, and presents results and recommendations to other staff, collaborators, and the broader scientific community;
  • Author and maintain software products for purposes of documentation and reproducibility of analyses;
  • Develop tools researchers and partners can use to iteratively and nimbly update analyses as new data are collected (e.g., reproducible workflows, Shiny apps).
• Facilitates direct and indirect understanding of analytical approaches and results with environmental scientists, resource managers, policy analysts, and stakeholders, including:
  • Collaborate with government, industry technical representatives and Indigenous communities to coordinate and integrate mammal monitoring and research programs;
  • Present in meetings, seminars, scientific conferences and/or related settings results and recommendations based on analyses to other staff, collaborators, and the broader scientific community;
  • Lead and support publications of results and monitoring methods in the peer-reviewed literature, as well as maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in the literature.
• Client Liaison and Market Development
  • Establish, foster, and maintain relationships with staff across multiple centres to ensure working knowledge and continued advancement of mammal science and information management initiatives;
  • Establish, foster, and maintain new and existing relationships with stakeholders including academics, government, industry, and non-government organizations interested in using information or collaborating on the delivery of mammal monitoring and research.
• Provides leadership and expertise related to the creation and delivery of wildlife programs including services, data and knowledge products related to environmental impact assessments, public policy, land use planning, and natural resource management. Contributes to the strategic direction and annual work planning of the ABMI, including:
  • Develops conceptual approaches and applied research initiatives to advance wildlife monitoring programs;
  • Support in the identification, assessment, and implementation of novel approaches to caribou and other mammal monitoring analytics.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.Sc. in mammal ecology, statistics, wildlife biology, or a closely related field.
• At least three years of hands-on experience working in ecology, environmental science, or natural resource management.
• At least three years of experience in statistical analysis and working with large datasets, especially using R—bonus points if you’ve also worked with tools like Python, SQL, or GIS software.
• At least one year of experience with Bayesian analyses (e.g., integrated population models) or integrated step selection analyses
• A keen eye for data quality and organization, including QA/QC processes.
• Familiarity with GIS tools (e.g., QGIS or ArcGIS) to support spatial analysis.
• Excellent statistical, organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills. 

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in wildlife ecology or a related field, especially with a focus on large mammals.
• Working knowledge of Canada’s boreal ecosystems, including caribou research or related species monitoring.
• Experience with creating reproducible, updateable workflows using tools like the `SpaDES` metapackage or Make-like pipeline.
• Experience coding and developing models collaboratively
• Career interest in promoting sustainable resource management, convergence of technology and natural resource management