New Brunswick Aerial Insectivore Stewardship Technician

Are you looking to channel your skills into meaningful, energizing work that will directly contribute to protecting our natural world? Do you want to work with an exceptional group of passionate and caring colleagues, while gaining valuable hands-on work experience?  If so, this position may be for you! 

Birds Canada is the country’s premier national organization dedicated to bird conservation. Every day, our thousands of caring donors, 80+ dedicated 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 – will you join us?

POSITION OVERVIEW

The New Brunswick Aerial Insectivore Stewardship Technician is responsible for conducting fieldwork and public outreach for the Atlantic Aerial Insectivore Conservation Program. Specific duties include but are not limited to: conducting roosting and nesting surveys for Chimney Swifts and Bank Swallows in a range of habitats; communicating with landowners, local governments, and the public about aerial insectivores; and entering survey data.

Technicians will be responsible for their own housing in New Brunswick and preference may be given to those living in northeastern New Brunswick. Field work will involve some hiking, long days outdoors, and the potential for camping (equipment provided). Technicians should be comfortable talking to members of the public.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

This full-time, fixed term role is anticipated to start on May 15, 2024 and end by late July or early August.  The Aerial Insectivore Field and Outreach Technician role reports to the Aerial Insectivore Program Coordinator.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct nest/roost monitoring and implement recovery activities for Chimney Swift and Bank Swallow;
• Conduct stewardship and outreach with urban and rural landowners and participate in the planning and implementation of additional outreach efforts (Swift Night Out events)
• Independently plan and coordinate with field supervisor for day-to-day activities
• Help create content to connect with volunteers and birders through social media (Discord, X, Facebook, Instagram)
• Regular data entry in the field (app-based) and from home office

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• General knowledge of biology and status of birds in Canada
• Understanding of bird or wildlife surveys and recovery activities
• Strong public communication skills and organization
• Able to work in a team environment and independently with little supervision 
• Experience collecting and managing scientific data

ASSETS

• Preference given to bilingual applicants (French and English)
• Previous experience working with birds and/or species at risk, especially Chimney Swift and Bank Swallow
• Stewardship or outreach experience, particularly pertaining to species at risk or environmental issues
• Meet Canada Summer Jobs requirements (be between 15 and 30 years old and be legally entitled to work in Canada)
• Ability to identify Aerial Insectivores by sight and sound

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• In progress or completed degree or diploma in biology, ecology or related field
• Ideally previous wildlife field work experience (ecology coursework could be sufficient for the right candidate)
• Valid Driver’s license and access to personal vehicle is required
• Valid First Aid Certification (obtained before contract start date)
• Legally entitled to work in Canada (if applicable, successful applicants must provide a copy of their Work Permit and temporary SIN prior to commencing work)

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary for this role is $18.12 CAD per hour, for an approximately 40-hour work week, plus statutory and discretionary benefits including pro-rated Vacation and Personal Health Days.  This position also includes a meal reimbursement for overnight work, mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use, and branded clothing that can be worn during public-facing events and fieldwork.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a covering letter outlining how your past experience makes you the perfect candidate for this role via the following link: Birds Canada Online Job Portal by February 29, 2024.  Birds Canada will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. 

Birds Canada is committed to improving levels of diversity among its volunteers, supporters, 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.