Job Title: Caribou Guardian

Location: Moberly Lake, BC

Hourly Wage: $30-40/hour

Discover the vibrant West Moberly First Nations (WMFN) community, nestled 32 km northwest of Chetwynd, BC, at the serene west end of Moberly Lake. Surrounded by pristine lakes, flowing rivers, lush forests, and majestic mountains, our community embodies natural beauty and strong values. We are dedicated to upholding our mission of fostering respect, honesty, fairness, integrity, and self-motivation. By promoting open communication among Members, Council, and staff, we strive to enhance our cherished traditions and ethics. Join us in celebrating a legacy of unity and growth!

About the Role

The Caribou Guardian will work to guard the caribou maternity pen and to monitor and protect waters, lands, and resources within traditional territory. Guardians will remain on site at caribou maternal pen and guard the caribou pen 24hrs/day from early March to mid-August. Guardians from each community (WMFN & Saulteau First Nation) will operate in 8-day shifts. While not at the pen, or when the maternal pen work is completed for the year, the Caribou Guardians may support WMFN’s overall Guardian program.

This is a full-time, in-person position requiring the successful candidate to be located at the lake, in Chetwynd or Hudson Hope areas. This position has an hourly wage between $30-40/hr. In addition, there is a robust RRSP program, a comprehensive benefits package, and, if needed, a relocation package. Enjoy our flexible work schedule with every other Friday off, plus two weeks of paid time off during Christmas and other cultural holidays. Immerse yourself in the vibrant West Moberly community and culture while advancing your career with us.

Key Responsibilities

·         Help with transport of captured caribou cows to the maternity pen

·         Pickup and transport enough caribou forage lichens and pellet feed for an 8-day work session at the maternity pen

·         Conduct twice-daily feeding of the penned caribou with terrestrial lichens and/or pelleted food

·         Conduct daily observations of all caribou from the ground or an observation tower to ensure all animals are present, to collect observations of individual health status, and to document calving events

·         Conduct daily completion of hardcopy data forms to record all required information about the penned caribou and activity at the pen

·         Conduct timely communication with the Pen Operations Lead or their designate of potential issues (e.g., predators, fence conditions, animal health, amount of remaining food for caribou) to avoid accidents, incidents, or other health and safety concerns to the penned caribou

·         Conduct daily inspection of, and if necessary, adjustment of, weigh-scales and trail cameras to maintain proper function

·         Help capture new-born calves inside the pen for the purpose of deploying radio-transmitter collars (early-May to end of June)

·         Implement actions as required to mitigate the impact of any predator related issues in a 2km buffer around the pen facility. Guidance on predator conflict management will be provided

·         Conduct sweeps around the inside pen perimeter at least once a week and twice daily around the exterior perimeter

·         Must not leave the work site during an active shift for non-emergency reasons unless there has been prior authorization with adequate replacement arrangements

·         Source camp groceries, fuel, propane and drinking water necessary for an 8-day work session

·         Follow through with timely communication of any human health or safety issues to their direct employer and Pen Operations Lead, or their designate, to discuss mitigation of circumstances that may lead to accidents, incidents, or other health and safety concerns

·         Keep  proper maintenance and care of the pen and camp site and ensure area is free of garbage, and maintain equipment such as hand tools, chain saws, brush saws, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and radios

·         Conduct daily contact with employer for safety checks

·         Travel to remote sites via unmaintained dirt roads while operating an ATV/UTV, snowmobile, truck, or travelling in a helicopter

·         Soil, water, plant, and animal field data collection using paper and digital means

·         Trail camera photo classification and data management

·         Monitor and collect data on the waters, lands, and resources within the traditional territory

·         Collect and manage field data necessary to monitor, plan, and implement caribou habitat restoration works

·         Remain on site and guard the caribou pen 24hrs/day from early March to mid-August

·         Operate snowmobiles to travel to the pen when snowfall prevents vehicle access and AWD or 4x4 vehicles are for remaining weather

·         Assisted with other duties related to the Caribou program and the overall Guardian program when not at the pen, such as conducting camera checks, wildlife checks and investigations, and various courses

·         Collaborate with other community guardians/COs/OGC or other government officials as directed

·         Perform related work as assigned

Your Toolkit Includes:

·         Ability to lift up to 50lbs

·         Ability to hike up to 10 km per day on uneven terrain in all weather conditions throughout the year

·         PAL and proficiency and licensed use of a firearm for the purposes of protection of the caribou against wild animal predators

·         Ability to use radios, Spot messenger, InReach, and Sat phones

·         Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently with little to no supervision

·         Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work cooperatively and independently in a team environment

·         Strong verbal and written communications skills

·         Able to work efficiently as part of a team as well as independently

·         Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment.

·         Experience operating a snowmobile and relevant training

·         Experience with Microsoft Office Suite

·         Clear Criminal Record Check

·         Access to a reliable vehicle to travel to and from the pen site

·         Valid BC driver’s license and vehicle insurance

·         First Aid Level 1 or higher

·         Understanding of intergenerational effects and impacts of colonization

·         Understanding of First Nations Community genealogy, traditions, culture and history

How to Apply

If this exciting opportunity to work with a dedicated and progressive community feels like the right fit for you, please apply with a resume and cover letter. Please reach out to daniel@engagedhr.com if you have any questions about the process.

To see a full list of the responsibilities and qualifications for the role, please see the complete job description.

At West Moberly First Nations, we believe diversity is the key to our success, reflecting the vibrant community we serve. We proudly welcome candidates of all genders, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and abilities to join our team. West Moberly First Nations is dedicated to providing an accessible recruitment process, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for all applicants. Join us in celebrating and championing diversity!

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only individuals selected to move forward will be contacted.