Working in the Field

Contributing to the ABMI

Are you interested in being part of a world-class biodiversity monitoring program? Do you want to spend your summer travelling through Alberta’s landscapes, contributing to our understanding of Alberta’s natural world, potentially helping discover new species, and getting paid for all of it? Then read on to discover more details about this awesome opportunity!

Summer field technologists are the backbone of the ABMI. Every spring the ABMI’s Monitoring Centre hires up to 40 field technologists to collect information on the state of biodiversity across the province of Alberta. This information is used by various stakeholders, including government and industry, to facilitate the responsible management of Alberta’s living resources. Summer field technologists conduct surveys at confidential ABMI site locations accessed by helicopter, ATV, argo and 4x4 trucks. Successful applicants will work in one of our Field Data Collection Programs. Sites are located across a wide range of terrain, from boreal forests in the north, to the Rocky Mountains in the west, to prairie and grasslands in the south.

Position Overview

Summer field technologists work with us from May to the end of August. The position is intense, satisfying and never boring. The field season offers many opportunities to experience nature and learn about our biodiversity. It’s an adventure you won’t forget.

ABMI Field Crews

ABMI field crews are the core of a successful monitoring season. Working in pairs with supervision from a full-time staff member, field partners work together to accurately measure biodiversity at their assigned sites.

Training

From safety courses to ABMI specific data collection protocols, we invest a considerable amount of time and energy training technologists to ensure they have a safe and fun field season! Training takes place at one of our central bases prior to sending technologists out to collect data.

Areas of Work

ABMI field technologists work in fascinating and varied landscapes. The location of our sites for a given season determines the location of our base of operations and the challenges and adventures associated with the field work.

Field Data Collection Programs

ABMI field crews are assigned to work in one of our two main data collection programs. Each program requires different monitoring protocols depending on time of year, location, and whether the field site has been sampled before.

Food & Accommodation

Read about the ins and outs of food stipends and accommodation provided by the ABMI during the summer monitoring season for field technologists.

Employee Testimonials

Hear what former ABMI field technologists have to say about their experiences monitoring Alberta’s biodiversity across the province.

How to Apply

Join the ABMI Monitoring Centre. Become a summer field technologist and explore Alberta up close!