Grizzly Bear Refuge Shift Lead

Role Summary

Reporting to the Grizzly Bear Refuge (GBR) Manager, the GBR Shift Lead position provides support in all aspects of operation at the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge. The refuge is a natural 20-acre mountainside habitat that is home to our 23-year-old grizzly bear. This is primarily a supervisory and wildlife husbandry position responsible for maintaining operations of the GBR tours, guests experience, and staff experience. The GBR Shift Lead delivers interpretive presentations about grizzly bears to visitors, helps maintain public safety protocol, develops and assists in research projects, maintains the habitat ecosystem, and maintains a comprehensive database of ongoing operations and research. The position also requires assisting the GBR Manager with maintaining the well-being of our resident bear.

Key Responsibilities

• In absence of GBR Manager, maintain daily operations of the Grizzly Bear Refuge.
• Care for Boo, the grizzly bear, at GBR through the provision of food, water, hygiene, psychological enrichment, and habitat improvement.
• Assist the GBR Manager with the design, development, and maintenance of the wildlife habitat, refuge facilities, and interpretive programs.
• Assist the GBR Manager with staff training.
• Ensure that all applicable wildlife protocols, procedures, and regulations are followed
• Educate the public on bear ecology and behavior through interpretive and private tours and foster an understanding of the importance of grizzly bears and GBR.
• Conduct daily behavioral observation and data sheets.
• Ensure staff are completing duties such as behavioral observations, correct feeding regimes, perimeter checks and other tasks as required.
• Maintain effective inter-departmental communications throughout the resort.
• Manage stressful situations such as guest complaints, employee conflict or wildlife related issues.
• Encourage high morale and teamwork and lead by example.
• In absence of GBR Manager, conduct coaching and educational sessions in the daily morning meetings to ensure necessary information is relayed.
• Compliance with all safety regulations of assigned tasks and ensure a clean and safe working environment with active participation in the health and safety program.
• Adhere to all environmental policies and programs as required.
• Maintain professional knowledge as appropriate by fostering relationships with other wildlife professionals and reading any literature pertaining to grizzly bears.
• Must have an outgoing personality, excellent communication skills, and be comfortable dealing with a wide variety of people from around the world.
• Must display professionalism and conduct themselves in a manor that best represents the Grizzly Bear refuge and its goals.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in ecology, biology, ecosystem management, or a related field is desirable, or multi year equivalent experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of bear biology and natural history required
• Experience with ecological surveying skills
• Experience with in silviculture methods and equipment (chainsaw, brush-saw, weedwhacker)
• Experience with public education program delivery and/or extemporaneous speaking-an asset
• Interest in advocacy and working directly with the public or media regarding wildlife issues
• Proficiency in MS Office and Excel required
• Interest in outdoor recreational activities
• Farm background and competence in basic electrician and carpentry skills desirable
• Must currently hold Class 5 driver's license with clean driver’s abstract
• Must have or be willing to obtain a Possession Acquisition License (non-restricted)

Working Conditions

• Primarily outdoors with some office work included.
• Must be physically capable of performing at times intensive manual labor, standing for prolonged periods, walking over rough terrain, interacting with wildlife, and working in varied mountain weather conditions (rain, wind, heat, cold, snow, insects etc.) for extended periods.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule when required.

We offer:

• A staff season's pass to the resort to enjoy downhill biking, hiking, and more.
• Discounts on food, retail, golf, and hotels.
• A competitive wage with seasonal accident insurance.
• Pro-deals.
• Staff events – meet great people who share a passion for the mountain lifestyle!

Interested? Please apply with your resume.

We regret that only those applicants eligible to work in Canada without sponsorship may be considered for seasonal roles. We are an equal opportunity employer and look forward to hearing from all qualified applicants. We thank all applicants for their interest in Kicking Horse Mountain Resort; however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.