This B.C. foundation protects Canada’s most endangered mammal and it’s hiring right now

If you’ve always wanted to work in wildlife conservation or are looking for a summer job that gets you outdoors, Vancouver Island’s Marmot Recovery Foundation might have an opening with your name on it.

The foundation works alongside the Province and other partners towards the recovery of Canada’s most endangered mammal, the marmot.

One of the world’s rarest animals

In 2003, there were fewer than 30 wild marmots left on Vancouver Island. Thanks to the efforts of the foundation’s small team of wildlife biologists and animal care staff, that number has increased to 427 marmots on over 30 mountains, as of the start of the 2025/2026 winter season.

Despite this significant increase in population, the Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) remains endangered and is considered one of the rarest mammals in the world.

In addition to their large beaver-like teeth and characteristic chocolate brown fur, marmots are part of the Sciuridae family and grow to the approximate size of a large house cat.

Summer jobs and how to apply

As of the end of January, the Marmot Recovery Foundation is looking to fill one to two Wildlife Technician roles over the summer.

Both jobs will be based in Nanaimo and offer successful applicants a fixed-term summer contract between May 1 and Aug. 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension through September. The pay is $21 an hour based on a 40-hour work week, according to the foundation’s career page.

Start times can be as early as 4 a.m., and field days can be very long, so applicants who are early risers and can handle four to eight hours of hiking per day are strongly encouraged to apply.

In addition to hiking, remote camping, and the ability to drive 4×4 trucks, Wildlife Technicians may regularly snowshoe up to 10 km per day, potentially with avalanche hazards (avalanche safety training will be provided).

In addition to backpacking experience, the foundation is looking for individuals with a background of working and caring for animals, as well as field skills such as collecting data.

Note that schedules will change throughout the season due to changes in weather and the relatively short length of the field season, so candidates must be flexible and available to work at any time during the contract period.

If you’re pursuing a career in wildlife conservation, biology, or a related field, this might just be the role for you.

Good luck, wildlife enthusiasts! You have until Feb. 17, 2026, to apply.

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