Title: Summer Conservation Assistant – Bird Friendly Edmonton
Application Deadline: May 8, 2026
Job Type: Full-time Temporary
Location: Hybrid/Edmonton Valley Zoo

Hours of Work:  35 hrs/week (Mon–Fri; occasional evenings/weekends)
Term: Up to 16 weeks until August 31, 2026
Compensation: $16.50/hr
Reports To: Executive Director

The Mission: Be a Voice for Edmonton’s Birds
North America has lost three billion birds in the last 50 years—but you can help change the trajectory. Based out of the Edmonton Valley Zoo, you will join a passionate coalition of partners dedicated to making our city a sanctuary for local bird populations.

As the Conservation Assistant, you won’t just be watching from the sidelines. You will be at the heart of the Bird Friendly Edmonton initiative and supporting the Zoo’s work with the North American Songbird SAFE program, bridging the gap between scientific research and public action.
Your Impact (Key Responsibilities)

• Public Advocate: Promote awareness of birds native to the Central Parkland Natural Subregion through education and outreach.
• Event Architect: Help plan and execute major events like World Migratory Bird Day (Spring/Fall) and man interactive outreach tables.
• Digital Storyteller: Research and create engaging social media content, videos, and newsletters that translate complex conservation data into community action.
• Field Researcher: Assist in developing methodologies for bird-related research, including bird-strike surveys and the management of acoustic monitoring (ARU) data.
• Strategic Support: Organize workshops and meetings that strengthen partnerships between bird-related initiatives and conservation stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or a graduate of a degree/diploma program in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Communications, or a related field. (Post-grad studies are an asset!)
• A demonstrated interest in wildlife or natural area studies.
• Communication Skills: You can talk to anyone—from scientists to toddlers—and you have the “research chops” to back up your claims.
• Proficient in Google Suite. If you have experience with designing promotional materials and video design and development, you’ll be at the top of our list.
• You are a self-starter who can manage projects autonomously while maintaining strong relationships with a diverse partner coalition.
• Bird identification and field work skills will be considered a strong asset.

This position is funded by the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) and as such candidates must be:

• Registered as a domestic student at a Canadian Post-Secondary Education institution;
• Enrolled and already started in their academic program before commencing this placement
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations. International students are not eligible.
• Undertaking a placement that is recognized as work-integrated learning in connection with a course, degree, certificate, diploma, or other recognized program offered by the institution. The placement can be required or optional, for credit or not for credit.

How to Apply

Please send your resume, cover letter, and proof of registration in a work-integrated learning program at a Canadian Post-Secondary Institution in a PDF package via email to the Edmonton Valley Zoo Conservation Coordinator: catherine.shier@edmonton.ca

The Valley Zoo Development Society is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.