Aerial Insectivore Field Technician

Bird Studies Canada (BSC) – Atlantic Region is seeking a skilled field biologist to identify and assess nesting sites of aerial insectivores and raise public/landowner awareness regarding the stewardship of these sites.  The position would begin June 1, 2017 and run for eight weeks.

The candidate will be required to travel to towns and agricultural areas of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to visit and assess potential aerial insectivore nesting/roosting sites (mainly Chimney Swifts and Barn/Cliff Swallows) and to provide landowners/members of the public with stewardship information.  Other duties may include: assisting with a project measuring temperatures in chimney swift roost/nest sites, assisting with the delivery of educational presentations about aerial insectivores, and recording information provided by landowners regarding nests on their property

The following skills and experience are essential:

• Identify Chimney Swift, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow and Tree Swallow by sight and sound
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills, and experience liaising with landowners
• Comfortable working long days, sometimes including extensive driving
• Able to work in a team environment
• Able to work independently and with little supervision
• Experience entering and proofing data using MS Excel and MS Access
• Ability to navigate by map and GPS in rural areas and on rough roads
• Candidates must also be legally entitled to work in Canada and have a valid driver’s license
• Able to begin work by June 1, 2017

Additional asset skills:

• First Aid Certification (successful candidates must obtain first aid certification prior to start date)
• Ability to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission

Salary: $2,400 – $2,600 per month, based on experience. Rustic accommodation (field stations, campgrounds, motels), food allowance, and transport while in the field are provided.

 Deadline for applications:  Sunday, March 5 2017

To apply, please send a brief cover letter highlighting your field experience, as well as your resume, as a single file to Amy-Lee Kouwenberg at akouwenberg@bsc-eoc.org. Applications that fail to highlight relevant experience will not be considered further.

While Bird Studies Canada thanks all applicants, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Bird Studies Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.