Wetland Bird and Amphibian Survey Technicians - Ontario

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

 

Bird Studies Canada seeks two (2) Wetland Bird and Amphibian Survey Technicians to conduct bird and amphibian (frog and toad) point count surveys in Great Lakes coastal marshes in Ontario, Michigan, and Ohio. Under the guidance of the Aquatic Surveys Biologist, the Wetland Bird and Amphibian Survey Technicians will:

Work as a crew to prepare for and conduct point count surveys of wetland birds and calling amphibians in the field using standardized survey protocols;

• Enter survey data into an online database throughout and/or after the field season; and
•  Assist the Aquatic Surveys Biologist to complete other tasks associated with the project as needed.

These are salaried term contract positions:

• One contract begins on 26 March 2012 and extends 19 weeks in duration, ending on3 August 2012.
• The other contract begins on 14 May 2012 and extends 12 weeks in duration, ending on 3 August 2012.

Successful candidates will be required to attend a mandatory one-day training session in mid- March 2012 at Bird Studies Canada headquarters in Port Rowan, Ontario, although alternative arrangements are possible if excessive travel prevents attendance.

To qualify for the position, the successful applicant must:

• be a Canadian citizen;
• have a valid passport and be able to travel in Canada and the United States of America;
• have a valid drivers license;
• have canoeing skills and be certified (or can easily be certified) to operate small outboard boat motors and small vessels in Ontario;
• have demonstrated ability to identify birds by sight and sound and frogs and toads by sound that breed in southern and central Ontario wetlands (e.g., treed swamps, wet meadows, marshes); and
• be able to camp and work outdoors under harsh conditions (heat, biting insects) for long periods of time, including working outdoors at night to survey calling amphibians.

The applicant should also:

• at a minimum, possess a Bachelor of Science or equivalent community college diploma in biological science, environmental science, wildlife/natural resource studies, or another similar subject;
• be familiar with Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program survey protocols or similar bird and amphibian field survey techniques;
• have excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills;
• have proficient computer skills with typical applications like MS Word and Excel;
• have practical knowledge and experience using maps and GPSs;
• have a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a group;
• have valid First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification; and
• be willing and able to travel to Port Rowan, Ontario at her/his expense.

Value of Term Contract

$2,100-$2,500/month, depending on experience, plus transportation, accommodation, and food covered by the project during field work.

Competition open until 1 March 2012 or until suitable candidates found. Qualified candidates should submit an application that: 1) outlines how they meet the qualifications outlined above; 2) includes names, titles, and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of at least three references; and 3) indicates availability for one or the other or both of the two contracts described above, to:

Dr. Doug Tozer 
Aquatic Surveys Biologist 
Bird Studies Canada 
P.O. Box 160 
Port Rowan, Ontario N0E 1M0 
e-mail: dtozer@birdscanada.org

Applications submitted as e-mail attachments are preferred.

[Bird Studies Canada appreciates the interest of all of those who apply for this position, but only those applicants who qualify for an interview will be contacted.]