Bird Studies Canada seeks one or more qualified individuals to conduct bird and amphibian (frog and toad) surveys in Canadian Great Lakes coastal wetlands within any of the following regions: eastern Lake Ontario, western Lake Ontario, St. Clair River/Lake St. Clair/Detroit River, central Lake Huron/Bruce Peninsula, southern Georgian Bay.
This contract is for approximately 80 hours of work between March 29, 2011 and July 15, 2011. Work tasks include attending a 1-day protocol training meeting at Bird Studies Canada HQ (travel expenses covered), locating/establishing and geo-referencing survey stations using GPS, conducting amphibian and wetland bird surveys where required, and uploading data to an online database. Surveys will occur at approximately five distinct wetland sites within any of the above regions.
Bird surveys will occur during early morning and/or evening hours; amphibian surveys will occur following sunset. Boat/canoe access may be required for certain wetlands, while others may be accessed on foot. Survey materials (e.g., survey forms, bird call broadcast CD, protocol instruction manuals) will be provided. Participation with a partner/assistant is strongly recommended. Eligible candidates must be able to identify wetland bird species by sight and sound, and be able to identify frog and toad species by sound; must be comfortable walking near or around wetland habitats; must have access to, and skills required to use, personal watercraft (e.g., canoe, kayak); must provide own binoculars; and must be available to conduct surveys when date and weather/temperature conditions are appropriate. Some monetary reimbursement for mileage and travel time will be provided.
For other payment details and additional information, please contact Ryan Archer, Aquatic Survey Programs Coordinator, Bird Studies Canada at 1-888-448-2473 ext. 168 (toll-free) orrarcher@birdscanada.org .
Bird Studies Canada invites applications for seasonal research technicians to assist the Prairie & Parkland Marsh Monitoring Program. Successful applicants will conduct ecological fieldwork at locations in Canada's Prairie Provinces.
Duties include:
- avian point-counts using call-broadcast methods,
- establishment of survey stations,
- assessment of wetland characteristics,
- and data entry.
Ideal candidates will be:
- team players,
- detail-oriented,
- self-organized,
- motivated,
- and energetic.
Applicants should have
- a keen interest in birds,
- be in good physical condition,
- possess a strong work ethic,
- have an ability to multitask,
- be meticulous in collecting and recording data,
- and be able to maintain a positive attitude while working long, irregular hours (morning surveys begin as early as 4 a.m., evening surveys can end as late as 11 p.m.; some work between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. may be necessary).
Candidates need to be able to demonstrate proficiency at identifying western birds by sight and sound (particularly wetland-associated species and land birds likely to occur within the region), must hold a valid driver's license, and be eligible to work in Canada.
Salary from $1,800 to $2,200/month (Cdn.), depending on experience; accommodation will be provided (some combination of houses, motels, and camping). Preference will be given to candidates who have prior experience conducting avian point counts, identifying common wetland flora, driving 4WD trucks, interacting with rural landowners, and navigating using maps, aerial photos, and GPS. Positions range from 1.5-3 months beginning early-mid May and ending 30 June or 31 July.
For more information or to apply, contact prairieprograms@birdscanada.org. Applications should address Dr. Kiel Drake; please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. In the cover letter, provide an honest assessment of your bird identification skills. Positions filled as soon as suitable candidates are found. Applications accepted until 30 March, 2011. For more information about the Prairie & Parkland Marsh Monitoring Program visit www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/ppmmp.
