Internship: Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program

Position: Internship

Location: Langley

Wage: $20.20/hr

Type: Contract

Hours: 40/week

Term: January 5, 2026 – June 30, 2026, possibility of extension dependent on funding

Closing Date: October 16th

The BC Conservation Foundation (BCCF) is seeking applicants for internships working on the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program for the 2026 breeding season. Interns will assist BCCF and Provincial Government staff with the daily care of endangered spotted owls at the facility located in Langley, BC, for future release into the wild.

We are currently hiring for three positions starting on January 5, 2026 and ending June 30, 2026. In your cover letter, please indicate if you would be available for the full work term.

Duties Include:

Daily Animal Husbandry

Daily care of the owls is required to ensure each owl remains healthy and fit for breeding. Duties will include diet preparations and feeding of owls, behavioral observations, cleaning and maintenance of owl enclosures and work spaces, and the maintenance of mice and rat colonies that are bred to feed the owls. Note: euthanasia and rodent dissection duties are required. The focus for the breeding season is on owl care and monitoring. Attentive, continuous monitoring is required to identify when eggs are laid. Once eggs are secured with the utmost care, they are placed in incubators where they must be carefully monitored for accurate environmental conditions and regularly checked for development. Hatched chicks required 24-hour care to head start their growth and development prior to being returned to the adult breeding pairs. Candidates must be prepared to work a widely varied schedule, including up to 10 hour shifts, and alternating between day, evening, and overnight shifts on a regular basis.

Administrative/Research

The intern may assist with the writing of reports and funding proposals, as well as help with other administrative tasks. Research and data analysis from the breeding season is crucial for the development and updating of protocols. Further development of and participation in education programs both on and off site will be important components.

Maintenance/Construction

The intern will help staff with the ongoing maintenance of existing enclosures and facilities, including invasive species removal, grass cutting and assisting with the construction of new habitats. All required equipment training, including the use of a UTV, will be provided on site.

Field Work

After all chicks have been returned to active spotted owl nests in the late spring, the intern may participate in release activities which would require driving to remote sites, early mornings/late nights, and camping. A 4×4 vehicle is provided.

Community Outreach

The intern will assist with community outreach by attending events and delivering presentations to various age groups, both independently and with support. They will support fundraising initiatives and help with the care and handling of ambassador animals for public engagement. Additionally, the intern will aid in developing educational materials and maintaining social media presence.

Wages, Accommodation and Working Conditions

Interns will be paid $20.20/hr and be required to work rotating day, evening, and overnight shifts up to 40 hrs per week with possibility of overtime during the chick-rearing season (typically April to June). Additional compensation will be provided for overnight shifts. Interns are required to have independent housing off-site and transportation to the facility in Langley and to and from outreach events (mileage will be reimbursed for outreach travel). Interns are required to provide their own food and proper work clothes and boots for all weather conditions.

Essential Qualifications

• Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or diploma related to fields in biology, zoology, conservation, environmental science or veterinary science. or be currently enrolled for a Co-op position
• Applicants must have previous animal care or husbandry experience, specifically birds and small mammals.
• Applicants must be physically fit, capable of lifting 50lbs, and be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Applicants must be willing to work a varied schedule and be available to work 5 days a week, including many night shifts (April – June).
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada for the specified period.
• Applicants must possess a valid driver's license that is valid for use in BC.

Asset Qualifications

• Previous biological work experience in the conservation of threatened and/or endangered species,
• Understanding of animal behavior and reproductive biology of birds,
• Experience working outdoors or in a variety of conditions,
• Experience working independently
• Ability to adapt to a rotating schedule (provide examples if possible)
• Experience working with indigenous communities,
• Previous experience in delivering educational programming to various age groups in formal and informal settings
• Competency using social media platforms and content creation programs
• Competency in using Excel and Word,
• Valid First aid certification
• Experience driving in snowy, rural areas and appropriate tires for winter road conditions

Note: The Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program is a non-smoking workplace.