WILDLIFE RESEARCH BIOLOGIST – November 2013 to Current
fRI Research Caribou Program, Hinton, AB
PhD RESEARCHER – January 2009 to April 2015
Université Laval, Québec, QC
TECHNICIAN & RESEARCH ASSISTANT – June 2004 to July 2014
Foothills Research Institute Grizzly Bear Program, Hinton, AB
PARK RANGER – June 2003 to November 2003
SEPAQ (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec), Mont Orford, QC
PROFESSIONAL SKI PATROL – November 2002 to May 2004
Castle Mountain, Pincher Creek, AB
fRI Research Caribou Program, Hinton, AB
- Develop & implement research activities towards delineating priority areas for on-the-ground restoration activities within woodland caribou ranges, and to understand use of linear features by caribou, alternate prey (moose, deer, and elk), their predators, and humans using GPS collar data and non-invasive methods (camera traps, scats, and tracks & signs). Build and update Resource Selection Functions (RSFs) for wolves, grizzly bears, and caribou. Collaborate towards understanding food resources for caribou and grizzly bears in response to mountain pine beetle. Supervise students, interns, & technician on field activities, undergraduate theses, and related projects. Conduct aerial surveys for pellet collection involving hazards assessments during winter. Occasional assistance with necropsy and mortality surveys. Grant writing, dialog with program partners, publish peer-reviewed publications. Oversee and conduct all aspects of specific research projects, from acquiring funding to publication of peer-reviewed publication.
PhD RESEARCHER – January 2009 to April 2015
Université Laval, Québec, QC
- Developed unique research questions & study designs, secured research funds, and implemented all aspects of research to investigate the links between environmental conditions and grizzly bear behaviour. Established and monitored sampling plots for berry-producing shrub species, established and monitored weather stations near dens during winter, and conducted telemetry flights. Collaborated with stakeholders and designed a denning-focused resource selection function (RSF) for grizzly bears in Alberta. Supervised students towards completion of undergraduate theses. Capture and handling of grizzly bears.
TECHNICIAN & RESEARCH ASSISTANT – June 2004 to July 2014
Foothills Research Institute Grizzly Bear Program, Hinton, AB
- Supervised and conducted field work towards the collection of data on the availability of food resources and habitat selection of grizzly bears. Conducted scat analyses for a diet-based food model. Conducted field work during the 1st DNA-based population census of grizzly bears in Alberta (2004) involving the selection of sites for DNA hair snags, site preparation, and sample collection and maintenance. Installed and monitored field equipment during adverse conditions (-35C to +35C), Developed and maintained databases and protocols, and conducted GIS analyses. Capture and handling of grizzly bears. Acquired an extensive knowledge of plant species occurrence and distribution.
PARK RANGER – June 2003 to November 2003
SEPAQ (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec), Mont Orford, QC
- Supervised campground attendants, conducted trail maintenance, patrolled boundaries and trails. Developed and maintained projects aimed at increasing public awareness and monitoring of endangered species within the park.
PROFESSIONAL SKI PATROL – November 2002 to May 2004
Castle Mountain, Pincher Creek, AB
- Performed safety and forecasting work involving the monitoring and control of avalanche terrain and snowpack interpretation of avalanche hazards. Administered first aid in remote areas, maintained ski run safety and performed occasional ski run grooming duties (operated machinery). Participated in the planning and operation of the Avalanche Awareness Days.