Institute Biologist - Senior Bird Bander

Institute Biologist - Senior Bird Bander

The Wood Buffalo Wildlife Research Institute is accepting applications for an Institute Biologist–Senior Bird Bander (the “Institute Biologist”), a full-time permanent position beginning on May 1, 2024. The Institute Biologist will be an employee of the WBWRI. Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with experience. The Institute Biologist will be supported by the WBWRI Board of Directors, a team of individuals having substantial experience in wildlife monitoring and research projects and management of complex programs.

The primary responsibilities of the Institute Biologist include:

• Bander-in-charge, responsible for the management and operation of the WBWRI’s fall migration monitoring station, including the coordination of volunteers and public education opportunities;
• Bander-in-charge, responsible for leading a banding crew for Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) in collaboration with Owl Moon Environmental Inc.’s (OMEI) bird banding project;
• Technical coordination and leadership of WBWRI’s monitoring and research initiatives;
• Leading WBWRI’s outreach programs; and
• Preparation of grant and funding applications to acquire the resources required to support WBWRI programs and operations.

Qualifications

The Institute Biologist must hold or qualify to hold a Canadian Wildlife Service bird-banding sub-permit, which requires advanced skills in bird banding, mist-netting and the extraction of birds from mist-nets, identifying, aging and sexing of landbirds in the hand, and be proficient in banding station operations. The ability to identify birds by song is also a requirement. Demonstrated experience in data management and quality control, supervision and training of assistant banders, management of volunteers, and communication with the public are necessary skills. Previous experience with migration and MAPS banding protocols will be an asset. Experience in attaching tracking devices to birds and other wildlife would also be an asset.

Experience handling a diversity of wildlife, including injured animals, is required.

Excellent communication and writing skills are required. Experience writing proposals, preparing budgets, and grant applications will be an asset. Experience creating and managing social media accounts for broad public communication is also required.

To be qualified, the Institute Biologist must have completed a post-secondary degree in ecology, biology, zoology, environmental studies, or equivalent. Non-Canadian applicants must meet the requirements to work full time in Canada without restrictions for long-term employment.

The Institute Biologist must hold a valid Class 5 driver’s licence and be able to provide a driver’s abstract and documentation to demonstrate a minimum 3-year insurance coverage history. Experience driving a four-wheel drive truck would be an asset.

Conditions of Employment

Passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test is a requirement. Failure to pass this test would terminate employment. The Institute Biologist must exhibit highly responsible behavior during their employment, including strict adherence to human resources policies and safety procedures. The Institute Biologist will adhere to WBWRI safety and industrial site requirements for working in this region, including government agency and client directives relating to pandemics.

The Institute Biologist will be required to reside in Fort McMurray and work from a home-based office. Computer and network connectivity will be provided.

To Apply

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and the name and contact information of three persons as references. Applications will be received until the position is filled. To apply or receive further information please contact WBWRI at info@wbwri.org. We thank all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.