Long Point Bird Observatory Program Coordinator

About Birds Canada

Are you looking to channel your skills into meaningful, energizing work that will directly contribute to protecting our natural world? Birds Canada is the country’s premier national organization dedicated to bird conservation. Every day, our thousands of caring donors, 70+ passionate staff, and 70,000+ outstanding volunteers are taking action to help us better understand, appreciate, and conserve birds and their habitats. Together, we are Canada’s voice for birds – will you join us?

Position Overview

Birds Canada is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to help coordinate the programs and day-to-day operation of the Long Point Bird Observatory (‘LPBO’).  This position is  well suited for someone who is an excellent birder (by sound and sight) and naturalist, loves working outdoors and coordinating and participating in fieldwork, is very well organized, demonstrates initiative, has the ability to take a leadership role as part of a team, and has an exceptional work ethic and interpersonal skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Coordinator will take a shared leadership role for the delivery of Long Point Bird Observatory programs such as the Migration Monitoring Program (April 1-June 15 and August 1 to November 15), Young Ornithologists' Workshop and Internship, and the Latin American Training Program, and additional research, monitoring, education and outreach programming.

Specifically, the Coordinator will be responsible for leading migration monitoring activities on a daily basis following LPBO protocols.  Other responsibilities include co-operator coordination, training, and management and importantly, facilitating formal and informal public presentations and guiding.

The Coordinator will also assist in the operation and maintenance of the three historic research stations on Long Point (Old Cut, Breakwater, and the Tip), their grounds, and all related equipment.

Education

A BSc. in biology or a related topic, or an exceptional depth of experience in the field.

Skills and Experience

• Strong communication, leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to oversee a large group of cooperators and lead a major research operation. 
• Excellent bird identification skills by sound and sight.
• Previous banding and bander training experience with a strong emphasis on passerines is required. Certified trainer by the North American Banding Council or equivalent experience and expertise.
• Comfort with navigation using GPS, compass and map, and the stars.
• Experience in the safe operation of boats, canoes, ATV’s, and other equipment.
• A valid driver’s license, and boat operators licence.
• Basic handy-person skills and knowledge, or a willingness to learn and ask questions.
• An excellent working knowledge of windows-based computer programs.
• First Aid Certification, or ability to complete certification before start date.

Working Conditions

You must be amenable to working irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays during the field seasons (April 1 – June 30 and August 1 to November 15).  You must also be comfortable with communal living conditions and remote wilderness environments (minimal cellphone coverage, outhouses, bugs, snakes, and unpredictable weather). 

Employment Details

This is an 8-month contract with possibility for extension and renewal. The Program Coordinator will report to the Manager of Observatory Operations. This is a fully in-person position with opportunities for remote work outside of the field season. The Program Coordinator is expected to live and work in Port Rowan, Ontario at Long Point Bird Observatory and the Birds Canada Headquarters. The anticipated start date for this position is April 1, 2024.

Total Compensation and Benefits 

Compensation for this role is $50,400 - $56,423 CAD annually. Birds Canada also offers a generous benefits package including extended health and dental benefits (premiums primarily paid by the employer), short and long term disability coverage, 4 weeks of vacation and 12 personal health days per year, extra paid days off between Boxing and New Year’s Day, RRSP matching of up to 5% of your salary after 12 months of service, among other perks.  The Program Coordinator will also be provided with housing and food during the field seasons. 

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and 3 references via the Birds Canada Online Job Portal by February 23, 2024.  Please note that you must be legally entitled to work in Canada in order to be considered for this role. 

Birds Canada is committed to improving levels of diversity among its volunteers, supporters, staff, and board that reflects the diversity of communities across the country. In an effort to do so, we are actively tracking and seeking to improve our ability to reach all candidates with our job postings. Applicants belonging to racialized groups, who identify as Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, or who have differing abilities are therefore welcome to self-identify in their cover letter, if they feel comfortable, although this is not a requirement.

We thank all applicants for their expressed interest and application, however, only those candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.