Shorebirds and Invertebrate Field Technician

Location: Based out of Peterborough, Ontario

Description: Looking for qualified field technicians to survey invertebrates at beaches throughout Ontario, beginning mid-May 2019 to August 2019. Technicians will conduct invertebrate samples, invertebrate identification, habitat surveys, and Piping Plover chick behaviour surveys throughout the summer. Technicians will also be required to create maps using ARCGIS and enter data regularly. In addition, technicians will be directly involved with Ontario Parks, Birds Studies Canada, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the public, and volunteers. Each technician will have the responsibility of planning day to day activities and communicating with volunteers and Park staff. Finally, the position will involve long hours of walking on the beach as well as camping overnight. The lab work will be based out of Peterborough, Ontario with visits to 16 beaches located near Manitoulin Island, Sandbanks, Toronto Island, and Point Pelee.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a good understanding of shorebird identification and invertebrate identification. Applicants must be physically fit (able to hike 10-20 km per day across sand and cobble) and must be able to maintain a positive attitude despite challenging field conditions (i.e. humid, hot, windy, and/or a lot of sun exposure). Being able to time manage and stay organized are essential. The ability to work as part of a team and independently is required. Applicants should also be comfortable in a lab setting with other techs where they may be identifying invertebrates for long hours.

Salary: $2500 - $3000/ month

To apply: Please send (1) cover letter detailing your interest in the position and summarizing your relevant skills and qualifications, (2) A resume detailing your involvement in avian and invertebrate research and other forms of fieldwork experience, (3) Contact information for 2 references in a single PDF to Elizabeth Steadman (email: elizabethasteadman@gmail.com) by March 30th, 2019. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be conducted before and after the deadline. Unfortunately, we are only able to hire Canadian citizens.