Canada Jay Field Assistant(s)

 Two Field Assistant Positions Available

1.   March thru May 2024, 2. June thru August 2024

Ecology, Behaviour, and Survival of Canada Jays in Paradise Meadows, Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, BC

Principal Investigators: Mr. Dan Strickland, Dr. David Green and Dr. John Reynolds, Simon Fraser University; Dr. Ryan Norris, University of Guelph

Description of Study: This study, begun in 2016, seeks to document and understand the social behaviour, demography, ecology, and susceptibility to climate change of a colour-banded population of the Pacific morphotype of Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis obscurus). The Pacific morphotype, once considered to be a separate species, differs from the continent-spanning Boreal morphotype (P. c. canadensis) in being slightly smaller, having different plumage, and in having much larger social groups that often include two or even three separate breeding pairs.     

Duties and Qualifications:

Position 1. Duties will include recording of individuals in social groups, nest searching, performing nest watches, and data entry. Much of the on-site travel will be by snowshoes (supplied) but preference will be given to candidates who have Nordic skiing ability.

Position 2. Duties will include helping to band fledgling juveniles, video recording of intragroup behaviour, and data entry and synthesis aimed at determining dominance relationships.

Remuneration and Working Conditions: Compensation (through Simon Fraser University) will be $3000/month. The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for costs associated with travel to Courtenay, BC from their place of residence and with return travel at the end of the contract(s). For Position 1, field supervision will be by Strickland who will supply daily transportation to the study area from Courtenay and, if desired, free accommodation in Strickland’s condo (separate bedroom, but shared bathroom and kitchen). The successful applicant will be responsible for cooking their own meals and food costs. For Position 2, accommodation will be provided in the Mount Washington “village” adjacent to the study area and supervision will be by Strickland and a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University.

Questions? Please send CV and contact information of two references to Dan Strickland (perisoreus1@gmail.com). Review of applications on January 20th and continue until suitable candidates are found. Interviews may be conducted by phone or Zoom. Here is a recent article about this project.