Field Research Assistant Positions Available to Study Arctic Snow Buntings

Position Summary: We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistants (RAs) for ongoing work investigating the impacts of urbanization and climate change on breeding decisions and fitness of snow buntings in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada.

Expected duties: RAs are expected to assist with several ongoing projects. Possible duties include:

·      Capturing and banding Snow Buntings.

·      Hiking around the city to search/monitor nests of primarily buntings, but also for other passerine species.

·      Re-sighting returning birds via colour bands.

·      Assisting with RFID research on buntings.

·      Outreach programs with local elementary and high schools, the Nunavut Arctic College, and the Nunavut Research Institute.

Field Dates: Fieldwork will take place in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada and will begin in late May 2024 and end in late July 2024.

Salary: This is a fully funded position, with all research, travel and personal stipend costs fully covered. Salary will be determined once start and end dates have been finalized.

Minimum Qualifications:

·      Experience identifying birds of Eastern Canada, particularly those that occur in Nunavut.

·      Comfortable with sharing rooms and living together with a small field team in a remote location.

·      Comfortable hiking in uneven terrain and carrying up to 30lbs of field gear.

·      A positive attitude and willingness to learn from experienced professionals.

·      Excellent field notes and data entry skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

·      Experience handling and banding passerines.

·      Experience driving ATVs or side by side vehicles.

·      Experience with handheld GPS devices.

·      Previous experience in field research situations.

Supervision and Collaboration:  Research Assistants will be working with team members from the University of Windsor, University of Manitoba and Université du Québec à Rimouski and will be provided with background support from Dr. Oliver Love, Dr. Emily McKinnon and Dr. François Vézina.

Application: Please send a CV and a statement of interest to Patricia Rokitnicki (rokitnip@uwindsor.ca).