Bird Studies Canada Stewardship Intern

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

 

Bird Studies Canada is seeking a Stewardship Intern for a 6-month (full-time) contract to lead the development of best stewardship practices for Chimney Swifts in Ontario. The applicant must have experience working with a variety of stakeholders, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Successful candidate will begin work on September 1, 2010.

Position Concept

The Stewardship Intern is a fixed-term 6-month position. The Stewardship Intern will work with the Chimney Swift Project Coordinator and other BSC-Ontario Region staff, and will report to the Ontario Program Manager. The Stewardship Intern will lead the development of best stewardship practices for Chimney Swifts in Ontario. He/she will arrange meetings with stakeholders, research causes of chimney loss, and conduct chimney inventories in key communities in Ontario.

Skills, Education

The Stewardship Intern will hold an M.Sc. or B.Sc. with relevant experience. The intern should have experience working with a variety of stakeholders, and have strong written and verbal communication skills. The intern should also have a strong background in ecology and conservation, and knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and the Species at Risk Act. Experience working independently and good decision-making skills are essential. The position also requires good computer skills (MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel).

Salary Range

This is a Level 2 position with a salary range of $2,800 to $3,000/month plus mandatory legal and medical benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Stewardship Intern will:

• Engage volunteers in the identification and monitoring of nest and roost sites throughout Ontario.
• Conduct chimney inventories to quantify habitat availability in priority areas.
• Research causes of loss and alteration of chimneys, and alternate methods of chimney conversion and furnace retrofitting.
• Arrange meetings with relevant stakeholders and landowners to discuss Chimney Swift conservation.
• Consult with experts to identify possible alternatives to capping, lining, and furnace retrofitting.
• Develop best stewardship practices through consultation with landowners, educational institutions, churches, and trade professionals and other stakeholders.
• Consult regularly with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
• Assist the Chimney Swift Project Coordinator with training workshops for Ontario SwiftWatch volunteers/communities.
• Work with the Chimney Swift Project Coordinator to recruit new individuals and/or communities for the Ontario SwiftWatch program.
• Assist the BSC-Ontario Region staff, as required, with data management and fieldwork.

Applications must be received by the end of the closing date, August 22, 2010. Please submit your resume, covering letter, and three references to:

Elisabeth van Stam
Ontario Program Biologist
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160, 115 Front Street
Port Rowan, ON N0E 1MO
Email: evanstam@birdscanada.org

While BSC appreciates all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Bird Studies Canada is the country's only national charitable organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of wild birds and their habitats. For more information visit www.birdscanada.org.

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