Aerial Insectivore Field Research Assistant

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Aerial Insectivore Field Research Assistant

Bird Studies Canada is seeking one highly motivated field research assistant to help with the delivery of stewardship, research and monitoring activities for several aerial insectivore species at risk in southern Ontario including Eastern Whip-poor-will, Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift, and Bank Swallow.  This position starts at the beginning of May and is 3 to 4 months in duration.   The position based out of Bird Studies Canadas headquarters in Port Rowan, Ontario but will require travel throughout southern Ontario.

General duties will be varied and may include:

1. Extensive field work; nest searching and monitoring, bird surveys (e.g., point counts, area searches, territory mapping), habitat sampling, etc.
2. Entering and organizing data and maintaining databases
3. Communicating with landowners, volunteers and the general public
4. Assisting with the development of technical reports and publications 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: the candidate should be working towards a B.Sc. in biology (or related field).
- Good knowledge of southern Ontario birds, particularly aerial insectivores including their ecology and conservation issues
- Able to identify the focal aerial insectivore species by sight and sound
- A desire to work with private landowners and the public to promote voluntary stewardship activities
- High level of organization, initiative and good record keeping
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Comfortable conducting field work in rural, urban and forest environments
- Valid drivers licence

ASSETS
- Knowledge and/or experience with population sampling techniques (point counts)
- Stewardship experience or experience working with species at risk
- Experience camping
- Experience with orientation (GPS, compass, maps)
- Data management
- Valid first aid certification (candidate will be required to obtain certification before start date)

This position may be funded by Canada Summer Jobs, and therefore hiring preference may be giving to applicants that meet eligibility criteria (below). However, applicants not meeting eligibility are still encouraged to apply.

ELIGIBILITY: To meet eligibility criteria for Canada Summer Jobs funding, the candidate MUST
" be between 15 and 30 years of age;
" have been registered as a full-time student in the previous academic year and intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year;
" be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or have official refugee protection status under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (foreign students are not eligible); and
" be legally entitled to work in Canada, according to relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

SALARY: $2,200 - $2,400 (CDN) per month, plus legal benefits and housing accommodations.
 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
March 21, 2014 (interviews will be conducted between March 27 and April 1st, 2014).

To apply send a short cover letter (two paragraphs), highlighting your qualification, as well as your resume, and three references to Kristyn Richardson (krichardson@bsc-eoc.org). Applications that fail to highlight relevant qualifications and experience will not be considered.  As well, please indicate in your cover letter whether you meet Canada Summer Jobs eligibilitycriteria.

 

Kristyn Richardson, Ontario Region Stewardship Biologist
Bird Studies Canada,
115 Front St., P.O. Box 160,
Port Rowan, ON
N0E 1M0 Canada
Email: krichardson@birdscanada.org
Ph: 1-888-448-2473 ext. 127
Local Ph: 519-586-3531 ext. 127
www.birdscanada.org

While Bird Studies Canada welcomes all applications, only those applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.