Applied Ecologist

Location - This position offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing for a combination of remote and/or in-office work based on work preferences. We welcome applicants from across Alberta. In the event that you need to work on-site, you may have the flexibility to attend either the Edmonton or Calgary offices based on your location and convenience. Preference will be discussed during the recruitment process.

ABMI is dedicated to tracking changes in biodiversity across the entirety of Alberta for the next 100 years, and this resultant information provides Albertans the ability to make informed decisions about the state of their environment in ways never before possible.

This position is part of ABMI’s Science Centre and is responsible for leading the development and implementation of mammal monitoring and remote camera–based biodiversity analysis programs across Alberta. The role includes applied research, species modeling, and analytical tool development, carried out in collaboration with academic partners, government agencies, Indigenous communities, environmental NGOs, and industry representatives.

Applied Research and Monitoring

• Analyze remote‑camera and mammal monitoring data to evaluate trends, species responses, and relationships with human development.
• Develop and maintain provincial mammal habitat, occupancy, and distribution models.
• Design and test new monitoring techniques, including camera deployment strategies and sensor‑based detection methods.
• Conduct programming tasks to clean, store, and analyze large datasets using R, Python, SQL, and Git.
• Perform spatial analyses and produce mapping products using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and methodological documentation.
• Maintain ABMI analytical workflows and software tools to ensure reproducibility and transparency.

Program Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead development of monitoring priorities for mammal and remote camera programs, including protocol updates and best practices.
• Provide guidance to staff working on mammal monitoring, camera data processing, and analytical workflows.
• Collaborate with academic researchers, Indigenous communities, government agencies, industry partners, and NGOs.
• Co‑develop study designs with Indigenous communities that integrate traditional knowledge and western science.
• Support partners in applying ABMI mammal monitoring products to planning, policy, and resource management.
• Contribute to annual work planning within the Science Centre.
• Assist in preparing funding proposals and research grants.

Knowledge Sharing

• Present results and recommendations to ABMI staff, collaborators, and external partners.
• Deliver presentations at meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.
• Support creation and dissemination of reports and information products led by the ABMI Information Centre.

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BSc) in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Over 5 years of experience in ecological modeling, environmental analytics, or related fields.
• Equivalencies in education and experience will be considered.
• Strong background in statistical modeling using environmental or ecological data.
• Experience with remote camera data, mammal monitoring, image classification workflows, or sensor‑based wildlife monitoring.
• Proficiency in R programming for ecological analyses.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and publishing technical reports and/or scientific manuscripts.
• Demonstrated analytical expertise in environmental or ecological studies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s (MSc, MA) or PhD or advanced training in terrestrial ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Advanced programming skills, particularly in R, with experience using GitHub.
• Expertise in modeling species responses to human activities and disturbances.
• Experience working with large datasets across diverse species and ecological systems.
• Strong research background in mammal ecology or community ecology.
• Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Alignment with ABMI’s mission, values, and vision, demonstrating commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.