Wetland Bird and Frog Survey Technicians

Bird Studies Canada seeks two to four (2-4) Wetland Bird and Frog Survey Technicians to conduct point count surveys in wetlands throughout southern Ontario. The final number of positions that will be filled is dependent on funding, which is currently pending.

Under the guidance of the Ontario Program Scientist, each Wetland Bird and Frog Survey Technician will:
• work as part of a crew to prepare for and conduct point count surveys of wetland birds and calling frogs in the field using standardized survey protocols;
• enter survey data into an online database throughout and/or after the field season; and
• assist the Ontario Program Scientist to complete other tasks associated with the project as needed.

Each position is a salaried term contract position:
• Each contract begins Mon 15 May 2017 and extends 12 weeks in duration, ending Fri 4 August 2017.

Suitable candidates must have the following qualifications:
• be able to legally work in Ontario;
• have a valid driver’s license;
• 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);
• be able to camp and work outdoors under harsh conditions (heat, biting insects) for long periods of time, including at night to survey calling frogs;
• have valid standard First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation certification or be willing to obtain it at his/her expense;
• have demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a group; and
• have demonstrated ability for attention to detail under demanding field conditions.

Successful candidates will also very likely have most or all of the following assets:

• at a minimum, possess a Bachelor of Science or equivalent community college diploma in biological, environmental, or wildlife science or another similar subject;
• be familiar with Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program survey protocols or similar bird and frog field survey techniques;
• be familiar with basic experimental design, ideally including first-hand experience with randomly choosing permanent sampling plots to estimate characteristics of wildlife populations of interest;
• have experience working with landowners to obtain permission to work on private land;
• 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.

Please take special note that successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory score on a challenging online marsh bird and frog visual and auditory identification test. Only candidates with strong field identification skills are encouraged to apply. In the past, only candidates with demonstrated field job experience requiring these identification skills, or candidates who obviously spend a lot of time birding and naturalizing in their spare time are successful.

Value of Term Contract

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

Competition open until 8 am EST Mon 6 February 2017. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume that: a) outlines how they meet the qualifications and assets outlined above; and b) includes names, titles, and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of at least three (3) references to:

Dr. Doug Tozer
Ontario Program Scientist
Bird Studies Canada, Port Rowan, Ontario
e-mail: dtozer@birdscanada.org

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as a single e-mail attachment.

Bird Studies Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Bird Studies Canada appreciates the interest of all of those who apply, but only the most qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.