Bird Studies Canada (BSC) - Atlantic Region is seeking a highly skilled field biologist to lead a field project to retrieve geolocators from Bicknell's Thrush in highland regions of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia for 8 weeks beginning on May 31 2010. The successful candidate will be tasked with finding and capturing (using mist nets) Bicknell's Thrush that were fitted with geolocators in 2009 and 2010 and downloading the data. Blood, feather and toenail samples may also be taken from each individual bird and each individual will be banded. Time permitting, the successful candidate may also be asked to help with additional BSC projects such as the High Elevation Landbird Program and Important Bird Areas. The terrain is rugged and candidates should be in good physical condition as hiking and overnight camping will be required.
The following skills and experience are essential:
- Extensive experience mist-netting, banding, aging, handling, and blood-sampling birds;
- Previously held a banding permit;
- Comfortable working long days starting early in the morning;
- Able to work independently and make decisions in the field;
- Strong attention to detail;
- Supervising a field assistant;
- Navigation in remote areas with map, compass, GPS;
- legally entitled to work in Canada and;
- a valid driver's license.
Asset skills:
- Fitting birds with transmitters or geolocators;
- Bander Certification (North American Banding Council);
- First Aid Certification (successful candidates must obtain certification prior to start date);
- Tent-camping (especially in remote areas)
- Previous experience working with species at risk.
Salary: $2,500 - $2,700 per month, based on experience. Food and accommodation (tent camping) are provided.
Deadline: March 31, 2010
To apply please send a brief cover letter, highlighting your mist-netting, bird handling and field experience, as well as your resume and two references to Becky Stewart at bstewart@birdscanada.org. Applications that fail to highlight relevant experience will not be considered further.
While Bird Studies Canada thanks all applicants, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
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