Field Technician – Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Project

Birds Canada is the country’s premier national organization dedicated to bird conservation. Every day, our thousands of caring donors, 80+ 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. Our national headquarters is located in Port Rowan, Ontario, connected to the historic Long Point Bird Observatory, with regional offices from coast to coast.

POSITION CONCEPT

The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Project is seeking 9 experienced field staff for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas to conduct bird surveys in Northern Ontario beginning in May 2024. Birds Canada will be leading the hiring process on behalf of all project partners.  Field Technicians for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas will collect field data on the occurrence, breeding behaviour and abundance of birds in the region. Project staff will be required to travel by vehicle, bike and by foot. Accommodations will be primarily in tents, camping. Technician must be comfortable spending long periods of time outdoors in hot/adverse/buggy weather conditions, waking up very early to get to survey sites, engaging with the public, carrying equipment and bushwhacking to get to sites. Staff will spend extended periods of time in the field, enter their own data, and will write reports on their observations.

EDUCATION

Although not required, some candidates may be the process of, or have already completed, a B.Sc. in biology or ecology or an equivalent wildlife-related program. Relevant experience or other informal and formal education/training are equally considered.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of Ontario birds, including the ability to identify birds by sight and sound
• Advanced map-reading, navigating and GPS skills
• Good observation and note-taking skills
• Experience camping and living/working in remote areas
• Good communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work and live in a communal environment as a part of a small team
• High enthusiasm and energy
• Possess a valid Ontario licence (Class G preferred), with a clean driving record
• Valid First Aid Certification (obtained before contract start date)

ASSETS

• Experience conducting point counts and/or surveying birds using other sampling techniques
• Experience canoeing or kayaking
• Knowledge of and ability to identify plants, trees, amphibians, reptiles, mammals including bats, fish and/or insects
• Meet Canada Summer Jobs requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Survey for breeding birds following standardized protocols
• Coordinate with supervisor and/or field crew leader to plan day-to-day activities
• Data management and entry
• Report on field observations

SALARY: $18.12-19.33/h, depending on project-relevant experience and expertise, for approximately 40h work week, plus statutory benefits. This position also includes a modest food budget and predetermined accommodation (campsites, primarily) depending on survey locations during the entire field season. We welcome applications from all candidates with the required qualifications and skills to apply to the position(s). However, please note that preference may be given to those who meet Canada Summer Jobs’ eligibility criteria.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 pm EST, January 26, 2023, but early applications are encouraged.

ANTICIPATED START DATE: May 6th, 2023

These positions will be directly hired by either Birds Canada, Ontario Nature or NRSI, so candidates should be willing to work for either organisation upon being selected. Longer contracts may be available beginning in April and extending to the end of August, in an as-needed role, assisting with other vegetation, fish and/or wildlife surveys.

TO APPLY: Please apply via our Job Application Portal, attaching your cover letter and resume (not exceeding 4 pages total). Please explicitly highlight relevant qualifications and skills, and indicate if you meet the Canada Summer Jobs’ eligibility criteria. While we welcome all applications, only those applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted. Birds Canada will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Please note: applications will be reviewed as they are received, and some positions may be filled prior to the deadline. Early applications encouraged.

Birds Canada is committed to improving levels of diversity among its volunteers, membership, staff, and board that reflects the diversity of communities across the country. In an effort to do so, we are actively 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.