Job Opportunities
The following positions are currently open for
application:
- Project Biologist - Tern
Foraging Study
- Database Manager/Programmer
- Field Technician for
Golden-winged Warbler Monitoring in Manitoba
- Field Technicians for the
Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas
- Volunteer Field Ornithologists Needed For Long Point Bird Observatory's Migration Monitoring Program
- Volunteer Field Positions
Bird Studies Canada (Atlantic Region) seeks a
Project Biologist for a Tern Foraging Study to take place in
Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. The Project Biologist will
implement a field project to assess the potential impacts of a
development project on Roseate, Arctic and Common terns. The
study has been designed to monitor tern foraging in June-July
2009 using land and boat-based surveys, for comparison with
baseline data collected prior to development in 2008 (see www.bsc-eoc.org/download/stormontternsreport.pdf). The
study will also contribute to understanding the temporal and
spatial use of habitat by terns in the area. Under the direction
of the Atlantic Canada Program Manager, and using techniques
developed in 2008, the Project Biologist is responsible for the
project's day-to-day operations which include: supervising
contractors for boat surveys; planning field schedules;
purchasing and maintaining field equipment; ensuring accurate
and careful collection of field data; and entering data. Data
analysis and reporting may be part of the contract depending on
the skill level of the chosen candidate.
Skills, Education
The
position requires an M.Sc or Honours B.Sc. with relevant
experience in field biology, with a preference given to
candidates with field experience in marine ornithology.
Preference is also given to candidates with the following
skills: the ability to
- identify Arctic, Common and Roseate terns
by sight and sound
- a solid understanding of scientific methods
and processes
- project management experience, including
experience in supervision of staff and management of a budget
- basic statistical, analytical, database management and GIS
skills
- the ability to use a variety of computer applications
(e.g. MS Access, Word, Excel, ArcView)
- the ability to work
independently and make sound decisions when faced with
ever-changing field conditions
Salary, length of position &
location
This contract position pays a minimum of $3000/month
(with final rate contingent on experience). The contract begins
June 1 and continues until mid August or late September,
depending on the qualifications of the chosen applicant.
Applicants with strong analytical and GIS capabilities may be
hired for the longer period. The position is based in Sackville
NB during the non-field season (August-September) and will be
based in Goldboro, NS during the field season (June-July).
During the field season all field accommodation, transportation
and food will be provided.
Please send application, including a
cover letter, resume, and a list of three references (in WORD or
PDF format), to the email address below, by May 4, 2009.
Becky Whittam
Atlantic Canada Program Manager,
Bird Studies Canada
bwhittam@bsc-eoc.org
While BSC appreciates all applications,
only those applicants selected for further review will be
contacted.
Bird Studies Canada is currently seeking a
database manager and/or database programmer to assist with its
research and bird monitoring programs. This entry-to-mid level
position is being offered initially as a one year term, with
possibility of renewal based on continued funding and
satisfactory job performance. Primary responsibilities will
include the development and maintenance of databases and systems
used for the management of bird population data, development of
data tools and interfaces that can help streamline the transfer
of data and ensure high standards of quality, as well as data
extractions and queries in support of the science activities of
BSC staff and partners. BSC's National Data Center is
responsible for the management of very large datasets on bird
populations, generated by a wide variety of monitoring programs
that engage thousands of citizen scientists every year.
Education and Skills
The position requires either formal
training or certification in computer sciences (eg, College
technical degree or BSc. in computer sciences), with relevant
experience in managing biological survey and/or citizen-science
datasets (birds, preferably), or a BSc. in life sciences, with a
solid experience in database development and/or programming.
The candidate must have at least 2 year
work experience in database application software such as
Microsoft Access, SQL Server and Visual Basic for applications,
applied to the management of biological data similar to those
managed by BSC.
Experience with additional programming
languages and standards (e.g. C++, Java/JSP, XML, R, etc.), as
well as web site design (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.) would be a
very valuable asset. The successful candidate must be able to
work on several different projects concurrently and must possess
a high level of organizational skills.
Spoken and
written English are essential. French and/or Spanish would be an
asset.
Duties and Responsibilities
The candidate is expected to work on site
with staff based at the BSC headquarters, located at Port Rowan,
Ontario. The Database Programmer works on a wide range of BSC
projects. The following is a list of some of the duties that are
currently required.
Canadian Migration Monitoring Network:
Receives and prepares data files from CMMN station members
to integrate into the national database.
Database management: Create new
databases or modify existing databases that adhere to standard
data modeling practices (normalization, etc.). Convert existing
databases from various database packages into Access and/or SQL
server and design data entry forms and queries whenever
necessary. Some examples of such databases are the Nocturnal Owl
Surveys, the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey, and the Marsh
Monitoring Program database.
User interface development: Create
user interfaces (e.g., Access applications) to allow staff to
perform various data verifications and data management tasks.
Avian Knowledge Network: Creates
queries and programs that allow converting datasets from various
formats to standards adopted by the Avian Knowledge Network.
Metadata: Maintains metadata for a
variety of datasets and work with program staff to create new
metadata content where needed.
Other:
-
Remain current on software developments and applications
-
Assist BSC staff with various database management and
software issues
-
Assist in the day to day maintenance of BSC equipment and
facilities.
-
Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Scientist or
President.
Salary/Benefits
The salary range for this position is
$32,000 to $42,000 depending on experience, plus legal and
health benefits.
Application Details
Applications (cover letter and resume in
Word or PDF format) and should be sent to:
Denis Lepage, Senior Scientist, National
Data Centre (dlepage@bsc
eoc.org) not later than 27 April 2009
(Note: Deadline extended).
While BSC appreciates the interest of
all who apply, only those candidates who qualify for an
interview will be contacted.
Bird Studies Canada (BSC) Prairie Region is
seeking 3 highly motivated field technicians to survey for
Golden-winged Warbler (threatened) for 2 months beginning early
May, 2009. These positions include a two-week training period.
Field work will be done in Manitoba and
Saskatchewan and will consist of early morning point count
surveys followed by some habitat classification and possibly
also nest-searching. Applicants must be: able to identify birds
by sight and sound; at least 21 years of age and have a valid
driver's license; be comfortable tent-camping and working in a
team environment; and prepared for long days and early morning
starts. Experience with point counts and/or nest-searching an
asset.
Salary: $2400/month for 2 months plus
accommodation (including some tent camping).
The application deadline is April 15, 2009.
Email applications are preferred. Please send a brief cover
letter and resume detailing birding and field experience, plus
the names and addresses of two references to
cartuso@birdscanada.org
(email preferred) or by mail or fax to:
Christian Artuso
Bird Studies Canada Manitoba Programs Manager
Box 24 - 200 Saulteaux Cr
Winnipeg, MB R3J 3W3
E-mail:
cartuso@birdscanada.org
Tel: (204) 945-6816
Fax: (204) 945-3077
Bird Studies Canada (BSC) Atlantic Region is seeking 3 to 5
highly motivated field technicians to survey for breeding birds
for the Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas for 2.5 months beginning
May 27, 2009. The Atlas is a five-year field project to
determine the distribution and abundance of all bird species
breeding in the Maritimes. For more information on the project,
visit www.mba-aom.ca.
Field work will be done in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and
Prince Edward Island and will consist of early morning point
count surveys followed by late morning/afternoon surveys for
breeding bird evidence. Applicants must be: able to identify
birds by sight and sound; at least 21 years of age and have a
valid driver's license; be comfortable tent-camping and working
in a team environment; and prepared for long days and early
morning starts. Experience camping in remote areas and
familiarity with the Maritimes region is an asset.
Salary: $2350/month for 2.5 months plus food and
accommodation (tent camping).
The application deadline is April 10, 2009. Email
applications are preferred. While Bird Studies Canada thanks all
applicants, only those chosen for an interview will be
contacted.
Please send a brief cover letter and resume detailing birding
and field experience, plus the names and addresses of two
references to
bstewart@bsc-eoc.org (email preferred) or by mail or fax to:
Becky Stewart
Bird Studies Canada
Atlantic Region Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas
P.O. Box 6227 Sackville, NB E4L 1G6
Fax: (506) 364-5062
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.
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
.
