Caribou Maternity Pen Lead

The Nîkanêse Wah tzee Stewardship Society (“NWSS”) is an Indigenous-led not-for-profit organization, incorporated in Fort St. John, BC. The NWSS is a joint project of Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations. The NWSS focuses on recovery of mountain caribou, healing the land and rekindling cultural connections. We are a world-leading model of Indigenous-led conservation, guided by traditional and western knowledge. Our two key programs are our caribou maternity pen, and our habitat restoration program.

The Society is seeking a seasonal Caribou Maternity Pen Lead to organize all activities necessary for us to hold caribou in our maternity pen from March through August 2026, including pen preparation in February 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Organize, manage, and ensure an effective pen maintenance shift prior to capture so that the pen is fully prepared for caribou and pen Guardians: ensure electric fences are installed and functioning properly, lichen and feed are safely stored at the pen, geotextile fencing is intact, and all necessary safety measures, trails, and equipment are in place for capture week.
• Identify, document, prioritize, and execute all necessary tasks, maintaining pen integrity and safety for both caribou and personnel.
• Organize and coordinate the pen Guardians and contractor activities to provide an efficient workflow. Manage additional personnel needs if/when extra support is needed (e.g., during calving). Provide directions to the pen Guardians in collaboration with the Guardian supervisors. Review Guardian invoices submitted to NWSS.
• Facilitate the capture of day-old caribou calves in the maternity pen to allow for continued monitoring of survival, health, and, if needed, causes of mortality. Support the Pen Coordinator with other monitoring activities as needed.
• Lead organizing and execution of site visits to the pen.
• Meet weekly with the Executive Director; provide monthly updates to the Board of Directors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Located in Mackenzie or willing to move (Chetwynd or Moberly Lake also possible but Mackenzie preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects under challenging conditions

• Proficient with operation of snowmobiles, ATVS, 4x4 vehicles
• Own 4x4 truck in good working order, snow machine and ATV (charge-outs provided)
• Valid driver’s license
• Carpentry and outdoor skills
• Current firearms Possession and Acquisition License
• Level 1 First Aid
• Experience working in remote locations
• Flexibility, willingness to work long hours when needed, positive with good sense of humour
• Team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Cultural competence

Assets

• Relevant undergraduate degree
• Wildlife capture and/or handling and/or animal husbandry experience

• Knowledge of the cultural beliefs and Treaty rights of all Treaty 8 members (or willingness to learn and understand)
• GIS skills

• Chemical immobilization certificate
• Population survey experience (telemetry)

This position starts part-time in January 2026, is full-time February-July, returns to part-time in August, and ends by August 31.  The pay range is $68,000-$74,000 per annum FTE, depending on experience. Benefits include extended health and a paid time-off package. In addition to paid closures for statutory holidays in B.C., we also offer Easter Monday and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) as paid time off.

NWSS operates on a “Bring Your Own Device” basis. Employees are reimbursed $50 per month for their cell phones, $50 per month total for computers and peripherals (desktop, laptop, tablet, monitor etc.) and $50 per month for internet (where applicable). These expenses are included in the payroll; no receipts are required.

Application Process

If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your resume and cover letter via Indeed by November 16, 2025. Please explain in your cover letter how your remote working experience and proven ability to manage complex projects in challenging conditions have prepared you for this unique role.

Please title your documents "[lastname] resume" and [lastname] cover." This position will remain open until filled, but priority will be given to applications received by the deadline. References, education and credential verifications, and a Police Information Check may be required for final candidates.

NWSS provides equal employment opportunities to all, per the BC Human Rights Code. If you require accommodation during the selection process, please inform us when contacted for an interview.

Please note that this position is open only to individuals who are legally authorized to work in Canada. Relocation assistance is not available for this role.

We appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.