Long Point Bird Observatory Assistant Coordinator

Bird Studies Canada is seeking an assistant to help run the core programs of the Long Point Bird Observatory (currently Migration Monitoring, Tree Swallow Project, Breeding Bird Census Project, Doug Tarry Natural History Fund - Young Ornithologist Workshop/Internship and aspects of the Latin American Training Program). The position will run from 1 April to 1 December 2013. The position is renewable annually based upon performance and funding. Located on the north shore of Lake Erie, Long Point is one of the last wild areas left in southern Ontario. The region is an internationally recognized World Biosphere Reserve, a Globally Important Bird Area and supports a fantastic diversity of habitats, plants, and animals. Founded in 1960, Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) is the Western Hemisphere's oldest bird observatory, and operates as a program of Bird Studies Canada. With over 30,000 birds banded of around 200 species, and millions counted annually, a great deal of birding, mist netting and banding experience (i.e. at least 5-10,000 landbirds banded) is essential. Prospective applicants must have superior birding, banding and bander training skills (with a strong emphasis on passerines, mist netting, ageing and sexing). A BSc in biology (or equivalent field experience) is desirable as is experience working or volunteering at a migration monitoring station. Previous experience training field personnel (especially volunteers) is highly desirable. It is also important to have an excellent working knowledge of currently accepted ageing and sexing techniques, the ability to follow well established standardized field protocols, strong leadership and mentoring skills needed to oversee volunteers and seasonal field staff and take charge of a major banding operation. Motorboat experience, basic handy-person skills and a good working knowledge of Windows-based computer programs are desirable. The position is well suited for someone who truly loves birding and fieldwork in a remote setting, enjoys excellent physical health, is very well organized, demonstrates initiative, has an exceptional work ethic and interpersonal skills, and is ready for the challenge of helping to oversee the oldest and busiest bird observatory in North America. Starting monthly wage: $1800-2200CDN (plus legal benefits). Costs of field food, accommodation, and field travel are provided. Please submit cover letter, resume (including names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 references) to:

Stuart Mackenzie, 
LPBO Program Coordinator, 
Bird Studies Canada, 
P.O. Box 160, 115 Front Rd. 
Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada N0E 1M0 
519-586-3531(ext. 231) 
Fax: 519-586-3532 
Email: smackenzie@birdscanada.org.

Visit our web site at www.birdscanada.org/lpbo to learn more about the Long Point Bird Observatory and Bird Studies Canada. Closing date for competition: 15 February 2013. Only eligible candidates will be contacted.