Beaver Lake Cree Nation (BLCN) Looking for Bison Ranger at Lac La Biche, AB Full Time

LOCATION: LAC LA BICHE, AB

SALARY: DEPENDENT UPON EXPERIENCE

CONTACT: NATASHA YOUNGCHIEF | [email protected]

ABOUT THE POSITION:
Beaver Lake Bison Ranch is located approximately 15 kilometres south east of Lac La Biche and 105 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, Alberta, containing 110 bison housed on 700+ acres.

We are looking for an individual to manage a herd of wild woodland bison. The Bison Ranger will be required to keep the bison in a state as wild as possible in order for them to display their natural behaviour, and have the greatest positive impact on the site. Careful and sympathetic management will be essential to the fulfilment of this role.

Some of the specific responsibilities included in the job description include:

Monitoring the animals from a distance, collecting dung samples to assess their health without approaching them;

Extensive knowledge of Indigenous plains culture specific to bison handling and management;

Extensive knowledge of Native grassland restoration methodology and practices;

Demonstrated skill with bison handling and management;

Recognize and treat certain livestock health problems;

Maintain livestock performance records;

Feed inventory.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinating and implementing bison management activities, including the preparations for the growing herd, as outlined by the Bison Master Plan and Development Plans (currently under development) and Bison Management Plan.

Coordinating with the Resource Planning Coordinator and personnel on a regular basis to ensure efficient and effective resource management collaboration.

Liaising with researchers, program coordinators, Beaver Lake Cree Nation cultural groups, and regulatory agencies as required to expand BLCN’s monitoring programs as well as research collaborations, public engagement initiatives, and promoting First Nations perspective.

Collecting bison herd health data and updating a bison database on an ongoing basis in accordance with recommendations of BMP.

Monitoring the effectiveness of implemented bison management strategies to ensure cultural targets and goals are being met.

Coordinated feeding of bison.

Building and maintaining fence around and within ranch boundaries.

Operating farm and ranch equipment, including but not limited to trucks, tractors, trailers, quads, chain saws, post pounders, mowers, seeders, balers, etc.

DESIRED CANDIDATES POSSESS THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTES:
Mechanically-inclined and able to handle situations in remote environments

Ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions (i.e. hot, windy, extreme cold, buggy, etc.) Physically demanding)

Ability to work in a safe manner

Caring and cleaning areas for animals

Miscellaneous labourer tasks as assigned

Experience or ability to work in a remote environment without cell service

Ability to work in a team

Environmental awareness

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum five years of relevant experience in bison handling and management

A suitable combination of education, training and experience may be considered

Extensive knowledge of Indigenous plains culture specific to bison handling and management

Extensive knowledge of Native grassland restoration methodology and practices.

Demonstrated skill with bison handling and management.

Demonstrated ability to operate small farm machinery

Class 5 Driver’s license with own reliable means of transportation to and from work

Use of ATV is an asset

Previous ranch experience preferred

JOB TYPE:
1 Full-time and 1 Casual

WORK CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:
Fast-paced environment, physically demanding, handling heavy loads, standing for extended periods, walking, bending, crouching, kneeling.

SCHEDULE:
10-hour shift, Holidays & Weekends may be on-call.

SUBMIT COVER LETTER, RESUME AND REFERENCES TO:
Natasha Youngchief Resource Planning Coordinator Tel: 780-337-9122 Fax: 780-623-4523 Email: [email protected]

• Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. *