Coyote, credit: Thomas Walker
Role Description
Join SPES in conducting patrol on foot in Stanley Park. We are hoping to develop a team of dedicated individuals that are interested in maintaining the safety of humans, pets, and coyotes through an aversion conditioning program targeted at ensuring a safe boundary between humans and wildlife in Stanley Park. When encountering a coyote, volunteers will conduct aversion conditioning and collect data about the encounter. Aversion conditioning consists of making noise and looking big to scare the coyote and condition them to be wary of humans. Volunteers will collect data including time and location of encounters, coyote behavior, and information on your surroundings. Volunteers will patrol in pairs and carry data sheets, aversion conditioning kits, and distance estimation tools with them. Volunteers are welcome to sign up by themselves or with a friend to learn and engage in appropriate Coyote Aversion Conditioning techniques.
Duties
Alongside the Urban Wildlife Coordinator, Coyote Aversion Conditioning Volunteers will:
- Patrol designated areas with a partner to monitor coyote presence and assess behavior;
- Conduct Aversion Conditioning techniques towards coyotes when appropriate;
- Collect data on coyote encounters via cellular devices;;
- Communicate with partners and Urban Wildlife Coordinator on encounters and areas of concern;
- Carry materials and equipment to and from locations within the Park;
- Prepare camp equipment and resources.
Time Commitment
Our Coyote Aversion Conditioning program runs from May to September:
Volunteer shifts are two hours long preferably in the morning between 7 am and 11 am.
We are looking for volunteers to commit to at least one day a week for a minimum of half of the program duration.
Location
Our Coyote Aversion Conditioning will be taking place in-person in Stanley Park.
Training
There will be a 1 hour mandatory training session the last week of May 2024.
Training will be provided on:
- Aversion conditioning and judgment on when to conduct it
- Use of distance estimation tools
- Coyote encounter safety
- Field data collection and scientific protocol
- Scanning your surroundings for coyotes as you patrol
Requirements
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Feel confident approaching coyotes while maintaining awareness and safety of both coyotes and people.
- Feel confident evaluating concerning coyote behavior and conducting Aversion Conditioning in the presence of members of the public and educating them on the Aversion Conditioning Program if questioned.
- Sign waivers of liability.
- Follow current Provincial Health Orders, WorkSafe BC regulations, and Stanley Park Ecology Society protocols.
- Use the tools and techniques associated with the program and seek assistance if you are unsure of protocol or need additional training.
- Record data promptly and accurately on cloud-based forms. Access to a cellular device with internet access is required. If you do not have access to a data-enabled device, we can provide one.
Benefits
- Gain experience patrolling and collecting data in a beautiful outdoor setting;
- Engage with park visitors in how to appropriately interact with Coyotes;
- Spend summer break in Stanley Park, volunteering with like-minded people;
- Attend the twice yearly volunteer appreciation events;
- Reference letter available after completion of 25 hours of volunteering;
- Access the benefits available to all SPES volunteers including discounted membership.
Application Procedure
If you would like to volunteer for the project, please send your resume and availability to urbanwildlife@stanleyparkecology.ca or jenny.g@stanleyparkecology.ca with “Aversion Conditioning Volunteer Application” in the subject line.