Institute Bird Bander

Institute Bird Bander

The Wood Buffalo Wildlife Research Institute is accepting applications for an Institute Bird Bander, a term-employment position from May 1 to September 30, 2024. The Institute Bird Bander will be an employee of the WBWRI. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. The Institute Bird Bander will be supported by the Institute Biologist and and the WBWRI Board of Directors, a team of individuals having substantial experience in wildlife monitoring and research projects and management of complex programs.

The primary responsibilities of the Institute Bird Bander include:

• operation of the WBWRI’s fall migration monitoring station, including overseeing and mentoring junior bird banders and volunteers; and
• leading a banding crew for Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) in collaboration with Owl Moon Environmental Inc.’s bird banding project.

Qualifications

The Institute Bird Bander must have advanced skills in bird banding, mist-netting and the extraction of birds from mist-nets, identifying, aging and sexing of landbirds in the hand and be proficient in banding station operations, and must hold or qualify to hold a Canadian Wildlife Service bird-banding sub-permit. The ability to identify birds by song is also a requirement. Demonstrated experience in data management and quality control, and mentoring of assistant banders are necessary skills. Previous experience with MAPS and migration banding protocols would be an asset.

The Institute Bird Bander must also hold a valid Class 5 driver’s licence and be able to provide a driver’s abstract and documentation to demonstrate a minimum 3-year insurance coverage history to satisfy vehicle insurance coverage requirements. Experience driving a four-wheel drive truck would be an asset.

Conditions of Employment

Passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test is a requirement. Failure to pass this test would terminate employment. The Institute Bird Bander must exhibit highly responsible behavior during their employment, including strict adherence to human resources policies and safety procedures. The Institute Bird Bander will adhere to WBWRI safety and industrial site requirements for working in this region, including government agency and client directives relating to pandemics.

To Apply

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and the name and contact information of three persons as references.

Applications will be received until the position is filled. To apply or receive further information please contact WBWRI at info@wbwri.org. We thank all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.