Biosphere Institute - Wildlife Ambassadors

We are not accepting any applications for the Volunteer Wildlife Ambassador Program in 2026.

The Volunteer Wildlife Ambassador program is an award-winning community-driven education initiative that promotes responsible land use and wildlife safety ethics in the Bow Valley communities and Kananaskis Country. Our goal is to develop a coordinated approach to education/outreach programs and help aid in increased public safety and enjoyment.

The Wildlife Ambassador Program lays the foundation for grassroot involvement in communicating about human-wildlife interaction, and in making positive behaviour changes to keep wildlife and people safe. Through a multifaceted training program and a philosophy of celebrating the diverse individuals who make up the local community, this program will make wildlife and human safety more than a matter of rules; it will be part of the Bow Valley culture.

This initiative has been running since 2007 and is a partnership between the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley's WildSmart Program and Alberta Parks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Volunteers present roving or stationary wildlife talks on trails, at trail-heads, day use areas, in parks, at community events and in campgrounds throughout the Bow and Kananaskis Valleys in teams of two or more. With animal artifacts and educational resources, Ambassadors engage people in conversations on smart trail use and increased awareness of wildlife safety and habitat needs. Volunteer Ambassadors do not act in an enforcement capacity. They complement WildSmart and Alberta Parks messaging by educating residents and visitors.

Qualifications

• No experience is necessary as training will be provided
• Interests or hobbies related to environmental education, interpretation, ecology, Parks, and natural history are an asset
• We are committed to diversity among the Volunteer Wildlife Ambassadors and encourage applicants of all backgrounds and ability levels to apply

Requirements

• Consistent access to a vehicle
• Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C certification (Note: First Aid Certification can be obtained after being accepted into the Wildlife Ambassador Program at the volunteer's expense).
  
• Willing to wear a uniform (Hat, t-shirt, vest and name tag)
• Must complete the online training before April 25 AND attend the MANDATORY in-person training session on April 25, 2026

Training and Time Commitment

Wildlife Ambassador training is a multi-step process. All applicants will be interviewed online via Zoom and only accepted applicants will be invited to take part in the required training. There is a question in the application form asking you to specify the time of day you would be available for an interview (Interviews will be up to 30 minutes long).

Selected applicants then complete a self-directed, online training module (4 hours) followed by a mandatory full day in-person training session (8 hours) that will take place in the Bow Valley (likely Canmore) on Saturday April 25, 2026 from 9am-5pm. (Total Initial Training will be approx.12 hours). 

The final training happens in the field. After completing the initial online and in-person training requirements, new Ambassadors are required to shadow WildSmart staff and experienced Ambassadors (known as “mentors”) in the field. Volunteers learn all the required basic training in the first two parts but then need to “learn on the job” with the help of mentors to make them feel more comfortable speaking with the public and learning the content. Typically, new Ambassadors require at least five shifts with mentors but it is dependent on the comfort level, knowledge and skill of the volunteer. It is also strongly encouraged that new Ambassadors gain experience from more than one mentor. It is very beneficial to learn from different mentors to learn different content and presentation styles.

Wildlife Ambassadors are expected to commit to a minimum of one 4-hour shift per month, mostly on a Saturday or Sunday (but weekdays are possible), from May to October. (Minimum of 20 hours over five months).

Due to the resources and time commitments involved with training, priority will be given to those applicants who are willing to commit to the program for at least 2 years. We strive to provide a positive experience for volunteers and have found that volunteer satisfaction and effectiveness increase over multiple years, rather than in just one summer. Building relationships is a key part of this role and the more volunteers put into the role, the more they get out of it.

Benefits

Volunteers receive extensive training on living smart with wildlife, communication techniques, and relevant natural history. These training sessions include guest speakers, opportunities to learn and practice interpretation skills, and constructive peer and supervisor feedback. Volunteers will get a chance to meet like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships with their fellow Ambassadors. Additional Professional Development opportunities will be provided when possible. 

Kananaskis Volunteer Recognition Program: Wildlife Ambassadors who volunteer 40+ hours can be eligible to receive a complementary Canmore Nordic Centre Ski Pass and an annual Kananaskis Conservation Pass (KCP) Exemption for the following year (i.e. Dec.1, 2026-Nov.30, 2027) Note: these perks are offered by Alberta Parks and are subject to change).  

Interested in volunteering with the Wildlife Ambassadors? Fill out the online Wildlife Ambassador Application Form. The black "Fill in an application" link button to the online application form is located in the top part of the right side bar of this page. After clicking on that link button, you will first need to create an account in Myvolunteerpage.com (the online database is called Better Impact). You will be using this online account regularly if you become an Ambassador in order to sign up for your shifts. 

All applicants will be interviewed and only accepted applicants will be invited to the required training.

Please note that there are limited spots available for new Wildlife Ambassadors!

If you have any questions, contact Nick de Ruyter (WildSmart Program Director) at: info@wildsmart.ca