Marshbird Research Technician - Prairie & Parkland Region

Marshbird Research Technicians - Prairie and Parkland Region

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: establishment of survey stations, avian point-counts using call-broadcast methods, assessment and measurement 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.). Candidates need to be able to demonstrate proficiency at identifying western birds by sight and sound (i.e., wetland-associated species and land birds likely to occur within the region), and 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; housing (some combination of houses, motels, and camping) will be provided. Preference will be given to candidates who have prior experience conducting avian point counts, identifying common wetland flora, and navigating using maps, aerial photos, and GPS.

Positions range from 1.5-3.5 months beginning 25 April or 15 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 (these can be summarized using taxonomic groupings); application deadline is 31 January 2010. For more information about the Prairie & Parkland Marsh Monitoring Program visit www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/ppmmp.