Newfoundland Breeding Bird Atlas Field Technician

Position Concept

Birds Canada is seeking 2-4 skilled field biologists to conduct surveys for the Newfoundland Breeding Bird Atlas for 8 to 10 weeks beginning May 23rd, 2022.  

The Newfoundland Breeding Bird Atlas is a 5-year project to map the distribution and abundance of all birds breeding on the island of Newfoundland. The island has been divided into 1,485 10 km by 10 km squares, which are systematically surveyed by volunteers and Atlas staff. To learn more about the Newfoundland Atlas, visit our website at www.nf.birdatlas.ca.

Field technicians are an essential component of the Atlas field program and are responsible for filling in survey coverage gaps in unpopulated and/or remote areas of Newfoundland. They face the unique challenge of accessing areas with few roads to conduct point counts and other atlas surveys. The terrain in these remote locations is often rugged; candidates should be in good physical condition, as some surveys will require several hours of hiking.

Technicians will spend nearly all their time in field, in various locations throughout Newfoundland; however, when not in the field, technicians will work from home and will be responsible for providing their own workspaces.  This position reports to the Newfoundland Atlas Coordinator (Catherine Dale).

COVID-19 STATEMENT: Fieldwork and in-person activities may be impacted by Covid-19 restrictions. Additionally, all staff entering Birds Canada workplaces (including field camps) are required to have proof of vaccination.

Essential skills and experience:

• The ability to identify boreal birds by sight and sound
• Experience conducting biological and/or scientific studies, following protocols and managing data
• Experience working both independently and with a team
• Willingness and flexibility to work long days in the field (early mornings and late nights)
• Experience navigating in remote areas with map, compass, GPS
• Experience camping and working outdoors in all weather conditions (cold, heat, rain, biting insects)
• A valid driver’s license

Additional asset skills and experience:

• Familiarity with Newfoundland bird species and ecosystems
• Wilderness First Aid certification (successful candidates must obtain certification prior to start date)
• Experience with remote, back-country camping

Salary: $2,600-$2,800 per month, depending on experience and funding.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conducting early morning point counts (both roadside and off-road)
• Surveying for breeding birds in accordance with Atlas protocols
• Assisting in the planning for the field season and managing day-to-day field activities with direction from the Atlas Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator
• Maintaining detailed field notes and entering the data into an online data portal
• Any other tasks assigned by the Atlas Coordinator, such as helping to lead volunteer outreach events and producing blog posts for the Atlas website

To apply:

Applicants should send a CV, cover letter, and the names and contact information for 2 references in a single PDF to Catherine Dale (cdale@birdscanada.org).  We encourage all candidates with the required skills to apply; however, note preference may be given to those who meet Canada Summer Jobs’ eligibility criteria.

Candidates will be recruited as soon as possible but the job posting officially closes on March 1st, 2022.

Birds Canada is committed to improving diversity among its volunteers, staff, and board to reflect the diversity of Canada. In an effort to do so we are actively tracking and seeking to improve our ability to reach all candidates with our job advertisements. Applicants belonging to racialized groups, who identify as Indigenous, LGBTQ+, or who have differing abilities are therefore invited to self-identify in their cover letter.

While Birds Canada thanks all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.