Forest Birds at Risk Field Research Assistants - Ontario Region

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

 

Forest Birds at Risk Field Research Assistants

Bird Studies Canada is seeking 1 to 2 motivated and experienced field research assistants to help with the delivery of conservation activities and research projects for forest species at risk in southern Ontario.  Target species include: Cerulean Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush and Prothonotary Warbler.   Positions are 3 to 4 months in duration and begin May 5, 2014, and are based out of Bird Studies Canadas headquarters in Port Rowan, Ontario, although field work will require travel southern ON.

Duties will include:

1. Extensive field work; nest searching and monitoring, bird surveys (e.g., point counts, area searches, territory mapping), habitat and vegetation sampling, plus some bird banding and re-sighting banded birds, etc.
2. Entering and organizing data and maintaining databases
3. Communicating with landowners, volunteers and the general public

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- strong knowledge of southern Ontario birds (able to identify by both sight and sound) and their habitats
- Solid understanding of bird sampling techniques
- Experience conducting point counts
- High level of organization and record keeping
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Valid drivers license
- Comfortable working early mornings
- Able to work independently with little supervision

ASSETS:
- Knowledge of avian conservation issues related to species at risk in Ontario
- Experience banding and handling songbirds
- Experience with orientation (GPS, compass, maps)
- Experience camping
- Data management
- Valid first aid certification
- Working towards, or holds, a B.Sc. in biology or related field

Some positions 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 based on experience, plus legal benefits and accommodations (tent-camping or bunkhouse). 

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 eligibility criteria.

Kristyn Richardson, Stewardship Biologist
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160, 115 Front Street
Port Rowan, Ontario  N0E1M0
Phone:  (519) 586-3531 ext. 127
Toll Free: (888) 448-2473 ext. 127
www.birdscanada.org

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