Job Opportunities

The following positions are currently open for application:

1. Marsh Monitoring Program Projects Technician - Ontario Region
2. Landbird Program Coordinator - Ontario Region
3. Migration Monitoring Assistant Coordinator - Ontario Region
4. Volunteer Field Ornithologists Needed For Long Point Bird Observatory's Migration Monitoring Program
5. Volunteer Field Positions
   

MARSH MONITORING PROGRAM PROJECTS TECHNICIAN

Bird Studies Canada seeks a Marsh Monitoring Program (MMP) Projects Technician to help advance scientific goals and program development of the MMP in the Great Lakes basin. Under the guidance of the Aquatic Survey Programs Coordinator, the MMP Projects Technician will:

• Perform a literature review of environmental monitoring techniques to inform remediation activities in Great Lakes Areas of Concern, and lead preparation of a subsequent report.

• Conduct wetland-based field work to collect and process water quality and aquatic macroinvertebrate samples, and enter field data for these parameters into a central database.

• Participate in a special project to engage and support a network of volunteer MMP regional coordinators from across the Great Lakes basin.

• Take a lead role to prepare other technical reports pertaining to the MMP and associated projects.

• Assist the Aquatics Survey Programs Coordinator to complete other various day-to-day tasks associated with delivering the MMP and associated projects.

This is a salaried term contract position, beginning on July 28th, 2008 and extending six (6) months in duration. The term contract may be extended in duration pending additional funding securement for this position.

To qualify for this position, the successful applicant must have ALL of the following attributes:

• is 30 years of age or younger (this position is partially supported by Environment Canada's Science Horizons Youth Employment Program, which is specifically targeted at providing scientific training and skills to candidates who are 30 years of age or younger), and has not been previously employed by other Canadian federal Youth Employment Strategy (YES) programs;

• is a Canadian citizen;

• does not have a criminal record in either Canada or the United States of America;

• at a minimum, has successfully completed and been awarded a Bachelors of Science degree or equivalent community college diploma;

• has a valid drivers license;

The applicant should also possess the following skills:

• excellent written (technical and formal correspondence) and verbal communications skills;

• excellent computer skills that include proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and a familiarity with statistical programs (e.g., SAS, R, Statistica) and relational database programs (e.g., MS Access);

• experience with freshwater field sampling and monitoring methods;

• experience with aquatic macroinvertebrate community sampling, sample processing, and identification;

• canoeing and orienteering skills and is certified (or can easily be certified) to operate small outboard boat motors and small vessels in Ontario;

• excellent practical knowledge and experience in use of maps and GPS spatial positioning and orienteering;

• knowledge of wetland birds and anurans (frogs and toads), their identification and a familiarity of survey techniques (e.g., MMP) for these species;

• a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a group;

• is available to begin full-time work on or before July 28th, 2008;

• is willing and able to relocate to the picturesque Long Point region of southern Ontario at her/his expense.

Other desirable skills:

• demonstrated experience working with people who volunteer for programs similar in nature to those of BSC;

• extensive practical field experience that includes surveys of water birds (preferably marsh birds), amphibians (anurans) and wetland aquatic plant communities;

• familiarity with GIS software (e.g. ArcView, ArcInfo) and with Corel Draw or other graphics design and layout software packages;

• has a valid Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Value of Term Contract

$2,200 to $2,500.00 CDN per month, plus benefits, and transportation and accommodations (including food) expenses when involved with work travel. Competition closes Wednesday, July 9th, 2008. Qualified candidates are asked to submit a resume in English that includes names, titles and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of at least three references to:

Ryan Archer
Aquatic Survey Programs Coordinator
Bird Studies Canada
115 Front St. P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, Ontario N0E 1M0
E-mail: rarcher@bsc-eoc.org

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

LANDBIRD PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Bird Studies Canada seeks a full-time Landbird Program Coordinator to be responsible for the organization and delivery of a variety of landbird programs at Long Point Bird Observatory, with major emphasis on the Migration Monitoring Program (spring and fall), but also including engagement in a long-term breeding bird census project (territory spot-mapping), Tree Swallow research, Hooded Warbler research, and Monarch butterfly monitoring. Located on the north shore of Lake Erie, Long Point is one of North Americas premiere birding areas, a globally significant Important Bird Area, and World Biosphere Reserve. LPBOs three field stations are crewed largely by trained volunteers who come from all over the world. Heavily involved in day-to-day field programs, and aided by a seasonal assistant warden, the Coordinator recruits and trains volunteers, coordinates and runs educational programs (including formal programs targeted at young ornithologists and Latin Americans), provides logistical support, maintains field station facilities and equipment, oversees computerization of data, produces a variety of summary reports, helps prepare and track annual budgets, helps fundraise, and generally ensures that the Observatory's landbird programs are being conducted to the highest possible standards.

A solid background in field ornithology is essential. The person must be able to identify by sight and sound the majority of bird species regularly migrating through eastern North America. With an average of over 20,000 birds banded annually at the Observatory (of about 140 species), the person should have a great deal of mist netting experience, have an excellent working knowledge of ageing and sexing techniques, be able to follow standardized field protocols, and have leadership skills needed to take charge of a very exciting, high-volume banding operation. The position is well-suited for someone who truly loves fieldwork, has at least 12 months of relevant field experience, loves to impart (and gain) knowledge, enjoys excellent physical health, is well-organized, has a strong work-ethic, and has strong interpersonal skills. Previous experience training field personnel (especially volunteers) is highly desirable. Boating experience and basic handy-person skills are also helpful. A valid driver's license and good driving record are required. The position requires a minimum of a B.Sc. in the Life Sciences (or equivalent work experience).

Starting wage range: $2500-$2900 per month (CAD), plus 3 wks paid vacation, comprehensive health, dental and legal benefits. Onsite accommodations are also supplied, as well as food during the 8-month field season. This is a full-time position, beginning on or about 15 August 2008. Competition closes 12 July 2008.

Qualified candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resume (including the names, titles and e-mail addresses of 3 references) to:

Jon McCracken
Program Manager
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada N0E 1M0
E-mail jmccracken@bsc-eoc.org.

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

MIGRATION MONITORING ASSISTANT COORDINATOR

Bird Studies Canada seeks a Migration Monitoring Assistant Coordinator to act as its warden for Long Point Bird Observatorys tip field station for the 2008 fall season (15 August through 15 December 2008). Overseen by the Landbird Program Coordinator, the Assistant is co-responsible for the organization and delivery of Long Point Bird Observatorys Migration Monitoring Program. Located on the north shore of Lake Erie, Ontario, Long Point is a globally Important Bird Area and World Biosphere Reserve. LPBOs three field stations are crewed largely by volunteers who come from all over the world. The Assistant oversees all operations at LPBOs Tip station, helps train volunteers, provides logistical support, maintains field station facilities and equipment, helps computerize data, and generally helps ensure that the Observatory's landbird programs are being conducted to the highest possible standards.

 A good background in field ornithology is essential. The person must be able to identify the majority of bird species regularly migrating through eastern North America. With over 20,000 birds banded annually at the Observatory, the person should have a great deal of mist netting experience, have an excellent working knowledge of ageing and sexing techniques, be able to follow standardized field protocols, and have leadership skills needed to take charge of day-to-day operations of a major banding operation. The position is well suited for someone who truly loves fieldwork, has at least 8 months of relevant field experience, enjoys excellent physical health, is well organized, demonstrates initiative, has a strong work-ethic, and has strong interpersonal skills. Previous experience training field personnel (especially volunteers) is highly desirable. Motor boat experience and basic handy-person skills are also desirable.

Monthly wage: $2200 (CDN), plus legal benefits. Field food and accommodations are also supplied. This is a 4-month term contract position for the fall migration period, beginning on or about 15 August 2008, with an option to renew for 8 months in spring/fall 2009. Competition closes 12 July 2008.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume (including the names, titles and e-mail addresses of 3 references) to:

Jon McCracken
Program Manager
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada N0E 1M0
E-mail jmccracken@bsc-eoc.org.

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

VOLUNTEER FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS NEEDED FOR LONG POINT BIRD OBSERVATORYS MIGRATION MONITORING PROGRAM.

Located on the north shore of Lake Erie, Long Point is one of the last wild areas left in southern Ontario. It is internationally recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve and a Globally Important Bird Area, and supports a fantastic diversity of habitats, plants and animals. During migration huge numbers of birds (and monarch butterflies) are funneled down Long Point. Founded in 1960, Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) is North America's oldest bird observatory. The core program is centerd on monitoring populations of migrating birds through daily census and banding routines at three field stations. Volunteers staying for at least 1 month have food and accommodation fees waived. Short-term volunteers are required to pay a nominal fee covering housing and food. Up to 14 volunteers are required for the spring (1 April to 10 June) and fall (10 August to 15 November) field seasons. In addition, up to 4 volunteer field ornithologists are needed for breeding bird censuses (territory mapping) and inventories at Long Point from 25 May to 15 July. Previous ornithological work (including bird banding) and excellent bird identification skills are preferred, but not absolutely essential. All participants will experience intensive and diverse training in field ornithological techniques. International applicants with good English skills are encouraged to apply. 

For applications or more information, contact: 

Landbird Program Coordinator, 
Bird Studies Canada, 
Long Point Bird Observatory, 
P.O. Box 160, 
Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada N0E 1M0 
(519) 586-3531, 
(519) 586-3532 (fax), 
email: lpbo@bsc-eoc.org. 

Visit our web site for more information about the volunteer programs at Long Point Bird Observatory and a downloadable application form.

VOLUNTEER FIELD POSITIONS

available, monitoring bird migration activities at Thunder Cape Bird Observatory (TCBO), Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The field season runs from late Apr to mid Jun in the spring and from late Jul to early Nov in the fall. Volunteers will be involved in mistnetting, banding, and censusing migratory birds, including passerines, hawks and owls. TCBO, located at the tip of the Sibley Peninsula, is bordered by Lake Superior and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. We provide comfortable facilities in a beautiful wilderness setting. Volunteers staying over 2 weeks will have accommodation and food provided free. Experience is preferred, but TCBO also aims to provide an excellent opportunity for those eager to learn. Volunteers will be accepted throughout the season. Additional information can be found on our website. Questions and resumes can be directed to DR.NICK ESCOTT (Chairman), 650 Alice Avenue, RR#14, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E5; E-mail: ngescott@shaw.com .