Bird Banding Intern

To work as a member of our team of banders, interns and volunteers at Rocky Point Bird
Observatory (RPBO) in Metchosin, BC (near Victoria). The internships will provide the successful
applicants with significant technical skills and scientific knowledge invaluable for future work
related to Canada’s migratory birds. However, the positions are also open to individuals who have
a keen interest in birds with no intentions to use the experience for future employment.
Under the direction of the Bander, the field work component involves using
internationally-accepted standard protocols of the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Bird Banding
Lab, Bird Studies Canada and the Institute of Bird Populations to monitor birds by constant effort
mist-netting, and by sight and sound surveys along established transects (land birds and
seabirds). Specifically, the intern will assist in collecting field data, and entering and managing
data under the mentorship of experienced biologists, banders and station managers. The banding
day for passerine monitoring typically starts 45 minutes before sunrise and ends approximately 7
½ hours later.

During this internship, the intern will learn how to identify land bird species by sight and sound,
how to safely hold and handle birds and extract them from mist-nets. They will learn how to band
and accurately age and sex birds, as well as discuss the ecological and biological concepts
behind the observed patterns.

In addition to the field work, the interns will learn data management programs, including the
software programs required for data submission by North American banders. They will be
involved in other administrative and management aspects of banding station operations,
potentially including training volunteers, preparing habitat assessment reports, and assisting with
public relations and education.

Internships will be available between July 18 and October 31. Specific dates will be discussed
with the candidates. It may be possible to hold the position for the entire period, or from mid-July
to the end of August, or from the beginning of September to the end of October, for instance.
Please indicate your availability in your cover letter.

Submit your résumé by email with available dates and references to jobs@rpbo.org by April 15,
2022. We reserve the right to hire suitable candidates before this date, so early applications are
encouraged. The date may also be extended if additional applications are sought.

For more information, please contact Ann Nightingale or Jannaca Chick at jobs@rpbo.org.