(translated from the Japanese original)

Picchio is currently looking for new members to join us in our bear conservation and management efforts. Our job is not simply to drive away bears. It is to build a "model of coexistence" in Karuizawa, where people's lives and wildlife coexist in harmony. Karelian Bear Dogs are a great asset in this effort.

Bear dogs bring out the best in the workplace.

The bear dogs' abilities to detect bears, track them, and sometimes resolutely drive them back into the forest play an important role in increasing safety and accuracy in our wide-ranging conservation and management operations.

Daily communication with their handlers is essential for them to be able to demonstrate their abilities. As dogs and humans understand each other's personalities and gradually become in sync with each other, their activities as "bear dogs" take shape, step by step.

Karelian Bear Dogs are also very friendly towards people and act as "goodwill ambassadors" to spread awareness of our activities.

To those who are interested in Bear Dogs

At Picchio, we welcome anyone interested in working as a handler, with an eye toward welcoming new bear dogs in the future. Working in conservation management can be tough, dealing with nature, and the work is diverse. However, working in tandem with the bear dogs, trying to shape coexistence between humans and bears through trial and error, gives you a sense of accomplishment that only this job can provide.

We are looking for people who believe in what "only a Beardog can do" and who will work with us step by step to maintain coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Job description and details

This is a role in Asiatic black bear conservation and management which includes radio telemetry tracking surveys, night patrols, handling captured bears and fitting radio collars, supporting school training as well as various environmental surveys and data collection.

Scheduled working hours: 8 hours per day between midnight and midnight (shift system)

Days off: 2 days off per week + maximum of 11 additional days off per year

*During the bears' inactive season (usually December to March), you may also be involved in Picchio's eco-tour business operations.*

Salary information

Starting salary at 250,000 yen/month.

(The starting salary for those joining the company mid-career will be considered based on experience)

Allowances include commuting expenses (according to company regulations), overtime pay (fully paid) and night work allowance.

Salary increases are determined by an evaluation system once a year with bonuses provided twice a year.

[Probationary period] 3 months

Job requirements

Essential:

• Good communication skills
• Experience with dogs (e.g. owned a dog, dog training, dog sitting etc)
• Driving license (international or Japanese only)
• Japanese language ability (basic-intermediate)
• Interest in wildlife and working outdoors
• Non-smoker

Desired:

• Relevant degree such as wildlife conservation, animal behaviour or zoology
• Experience working in the field
• Confidence in physical capabilities (some activities require heavy lifting or walking long distances on uneven terrain)
• Knowledge of animal training techniques
• Knowledge of human-wildlife conflict / wildlife management techniques

Specific skills can be learnt on the job as part of training so don't worry if you don't have heaps of wildlife management experience We're mainly looking for passionate individuals who are willing to commit to promoting human-wildlife coexistence in this small Japanese town, working alongside our beautiful bear dogs

Ready to apply?

Send an enquiry to one of the following email addresses stating your interest in the role:

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*After confirming your application, we will send you details by email, so please prepare the following:

・Resume (photo attached, email address required)

・Reason for applying (there is no specified format)

・Work history

Non-Japanese applicants may have to provide additional materials such as residence cards or passports.

We will conduct interviews as needed and recruitment will close once all vacancies are filled.

Good luck