Job Opportunities
The following positions are currently open for
application:
- NSERC Industrial Undergraduate Summer
Student Research Positions
- Long Point Bird Observatory
Assistant Coordinator
- Long
Point Bird Observatory Internship
- Wetland Bird and Amphibian Survey
Technicians - Ontario
- Marsh Bird Research Techicians -
Saskatchewan
- Long Point Bird
Observatory Volunteer Field Biologists - Migration
Monitoring Program
- Long Point Bird Observatory
Volunteer Breeding Bird Census Assistants
- Bird Studies Canada - Long
Point Bird Observatory - University of Guelph - Volunteer
Field Assistants
- Volunteer Field Positions
Bird Studies Canada (BSC) is seeking university students for
NSERC summer internships. Up to 5 positions may be available for
projects described below. Potential candidates should indicate
which of the positions they are interested in applying to. All
positions will be full-time (temporary) for a maximum of
16-weeks (May-August), 35 hours/week. Students should meet the
following criteria to be considered for these positions:
- Eligible for an Industrial Undergraduate Student
Research Award, please
see website for details.
- Willing to work unusual hours (i.e., early mornings,
some evenings and weekends) to complete field work.
- Experience with biological fieldwork and/or research.
Applicants with interest and/or experience in ornithology
are preferred.
- Strong written and oral communication skills. " Strong
self-motivation. " Strong computer skills, MS Word, MS
Access, MS Excel
- Have a valid drivers license (e.g., G or G2)
- Positions will be for a 16-week period, starting on or
around 1 May 2012; salary range:$1,800-$2,300/mo, depending
on experience
List of current BSC job opportunities:
1. BANK SWALLOW RESEARCH AND MONITORING
The problem: Bank Swallow populations in Ontario (and
throughout eastern Canada) are experiencing rapid declines. The
reason for the decline is not well understood, but may come from
several direct and indirect sources, such as widespread habitat
loss and climate change. Despite being a common and widespread
bird, we know little about habitat requirements for Bank
Swallows.
Background: In 2010, BSC initiated research and monitoring
efforts to address questions about the distribution, population
ecology and habitat use for Bank Swallows in southern Ontario.
Our research focused on Bank Swallows breeding along the bluffs
of Lake Erie (i.e., from Long Point west to Rondeau Provincial
Park). The study area supports the largest known concentration
of breeding Bank Swallows worldwide (~50,000 breeding pairs). In
2012, BSC will be undertaking a new research avenues using radio
telemetry to track Bank Swallow breeding and post-breeding
movements. Our objectives are to (1) determine how Bank Swallows
use the local landscape to forage and identify factors that
affect behavioural choices in foraging locations (e.g., weather
patterns, nesting stage); (2) determine what factors best
explain variation in post-breeding movements, timing of
migratory departures and nocturnal roost site choice.
Responsibilities: This position is suitable for candidates
who: possess a strong work ethic; are highly motivated and
organized; have an interest in ornithology or conservation
biology and; enjoy long hours working outdoors. The candidates
responsibilities may include landowner contact, capturing and
handling birds at nest sites, radio transmitter application,
manual radio tracking (i.e, triangulation or homing methods),
nest monitoring, colony surveys by boat, data retrieval, and
data entry, organization, and analysis. In addition, if the
student desires to conduct a B.Sc. honours thesis using data
from this research project, BSC will support the student in this
endeavour; however the student should be prepared to secure an
academic (co-) supervisor for the project at their university.
Location: Work will be based out of Port Rowan, ON.
Accommodations will be available at a reasonable monthly rate.
Additional qualifications: Experience with the following is
helpful, but not required:
- capturing and handling birds
- radio telemetry
- nest monitoring
2. MARSH MONITORING SURVEYS
The problem: The Great Lakes rank as some of the most
polluted and stressed aquatic ecosystems in the world. They also
contain some of the best remaining examples of large extensive
wetlands, most of which have been destroyed by development.
Despite extensive efforts to restore and conserve these
remaining wetlands, scientists know relatively little about the
status and trends of the health of Great Lakes coastal wetlands.
Background: In the early 2000s, BSC became a partner in the
Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Consortium, a massive collaboration
of organizations from throughout the Great Lakes basin. The
consortiums goal was to develop a comprehensive suite of
ecological indicators that would track the health of Great Lakes
coastal wetlands. The final set of indicators consists of bird,
amphibian, vegetation, fish, macro-invertebrate, and water
quality metrics, summarized in a comprehensive monitoring plan.
The goal of this project is to carry out the bird and amphibian
component of the monitoring plan in 2012 at Great Lakes coastal
wetlands in Ontario, Michigan, and Ohio. Numerous other
collaborating organizations will be collecting information on
the remaining indicators throughout the rest of the Great Lakes
basin.
Responsibilities: Work as part of a crew to prepare for and
conduct point count surveys of wetland birds and calling
amphibians in the field using standardized survey protocols;
enter survey data into an online database throughout and/or
after the field season; and assist the Aquatic Surveys Biologist
to complete other tasks associated with the project as needed.
Location: Work will involve travelling throughout southern
Ontario and parts of Michigan and Ohio, with Port Rowan, ON,
serving as a base of operations. Transportation, accommodations,
and food will be provided by the project during field work.
Successful candidates will be required to attend a mandatory
one-day training session in mid- March 2012 at BSC headquarters
in Port Rowan, Ontario, although alternative arrangements are
possible if excessive travel prevents attendance.
Additional qualifications:
- have a valid passport and be able to travel in Canada
and the United States;
- have canoeing skills and be certified (or can easily be
certified) to operate small outboard boat motors and small
vessels in Ontario;
- have demonstrated ability to identify birds by sight and
sound and frogs and toads by sound that breed in southern
and central Ontario wetlands (e.g., treed swamps, wet
meadows, marshes); and
- be able to camp and work outdoors under harsh conditions
(heat, biting insects) for long periods of time, including
working outdoors at night to survey calling amphibians.
The applicant should also:
- be enrolled in year 3 or 4 of a Bachelor of Science or
equivalent community college diploma in biological science,
environmental science, wildlife/natural resource studies, or
another similar subject;
- be familiar with Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program
survey protocols or similar bird and amphibian field survey
techniques;
- have practical knowledge and experience using maps and
GPSs; " have valid First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) certification; and
- be willing and able to travel to Port Rowan, Ontario at
her/his expense.
3. CHIMNEY SWIFT RESEARCH AND MONITORING
The problem: Once considered an abundant species, Chimney
Swifts, like many other aerial insectivores in North America,
are experiencing strong population declines across their range.
Due to a lack of basic knowledge about Chimney Swift behaviour
and ecology, it is difficult to identify the reasons or pinpoint
locations of the most severe declines. Decreases in suitable
chimneys for roosting and nesting, a decline of aerial insect
availability, and an increase in unpredictable weather are among
several suspected causes.
Background:, In 2009, BSC initiated a research and monitoring
project that focused on determining if loss of nest and roosting
habitat was contributing to the decline of Ontarios Chimney
Swifts. Through a combination of volunteer and staff efforts we
collected data that identified and described active nest and
roosting habitat within Ontarios urban communities. Our
objectives are to: (1) Identify chimney characteristics that are
important to urban swifts; (2) Determine whether there is enough
habitat to support the population; (3) Determine how many birds
are present in key urban areas; (4) Collect data that will
contribute to the design of artificial nesting towers; and (5)
Increase awareness of the importance of urban biodiversity and
facilitate the conservation of Chimney Swift habitat. In 2012,
BSC will continue build on our previous work efforts, conducting
presence/absence surveys and locating previously unknown nest
and/or roosting chimneys in targeted communities throughout
southern Ontario.
Responsibilities: This position is suitable for candidates
who: possess a strong work ethic; are highly motivated and
organized; have an interest in ornithology or conservation
biology and; enjoy long hours working outdoors and in urban
landscapes. The candidates responsibilities may include
landowner contact, nest monitoring and population surveys in
urban areas, data retrieval, and data entry, and organization.
In addition, if the student desires to conduct a B.Sc. honours
thesis using data from this research project, BSC will support
the student in this endeavour; however the student should be
prepared to secure an academic (co-) supervisor for the project
at their university.
Location: Work will be based out of Port Rowan, ON.
Accommodations will be available at a reasonable monthly rate.
4. FOREST BIRD SPECIES AT RISK SURVEYS
The problem: This project will focus primarily on the Norfolk
Sand Plain. This diverse region supports several unique avian
species at risk (SAR). This project will gather knowledge on the
distribution, abundance and productivity of five forest bird SAR
with significant populations in this region: Acadian Flycatcher,
Cerulean Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, and
Eastern Whip-poor-will. Baseline knowledge is lacking for most
of these species and is needed by land managers in this region.
Background: BSC - Ontario region has been actively involved
in SAR research, monitoring, stewardship, outreach and
conservation for more than 20 years. The main objective of BSCs
SAR monitoring is to collect baseline data on species at risk
occurrence, abundance and productivity within the Norfolk Sand
Plain. Forested areas within the Norfolk Sand Plain are of high
conservation value, but are owned and managed by several
different agencies and organizations. We will work in
cooperation with interested landowners including the Long Point
Region Conservation Authority, Nature Conservancy of Canada,
Norfolk County and the St. Williams Conservation Reserve
Community Council to ensure that data collected will be used to
develop site based management plans. At present, current SAR
occurrence data is not readily available for these sites.
Responsibilities: The candidates responsibilities will
primarily include bird surveys throughout the Norfolk Sand Plain
focusing on areas with known or potential habitat for Acadian
Flycatcher, Hooded Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Cerulean
Warbler and Eastern Whip-poor-will. Other duties will include
nest monitoring, capturing and handling birds at nest sites,
habitat inventories, data entry, organization, and analysis. In
addition, if the student desires to conduct a B.Sc. honours
thesis using data from this research project, BSC will support
the student in this endeavour; however the student should be
prepared to secure an academic (co-) supervisor for the project
at their university.
Location: Work will be based out of Port Rowan, ON.
Accommodations will be available at a reasonable monthly rate.
Additional qualifications:
- have demonstrated ability to identify southwestern
Ontario birds by sight and sound;
- have previous experience with nest monitoring, habitat
inventories and the capturing and handling of birds;
- be able to work outdoors under harsh conditions (heat,
biting insects, Poison Ivy) for long periods of time;
- have practical knowledge and experience using maps and
GPS;
5. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER SURVEYS
The problem: The Golden-winged Warbler is listed a Threatened
species in Canada. The species is found in early successional
habitats in southern Ontario, and are most common in eastern
Ontario along the edge of the Canadian Shield. Threats to the
population include habitat loss, hybridization with Blue-winged
Warblers and nest parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds.
Background: BSC is partnering with Environment Canada to
conduct Golden-winged Warbler surveys in priority areas in
eastern Ontario. The goal of the project is to provide updated
population numbers, describe habitat characteristics, and
identify threats. Surveys will take place at 6 sites in Ontario
within priority focal areas identified in conservation plans.
Responsibilities: The candidates responsibilities will
primarily include surveys for Blue-winged and Golden-winged
Warblers in eastern Ontario. Other duties will include: the
collection of habitat data, deployment of audio recorders and
possible nest searching and monitoring. In addition, if the
student desires to conduct a B.Sc. honours thesis using data
from this research project, BSC will support the student in this
endeavour; however the student should be prepared to secure an
academic (co-) supervisor for the project at their university.
Location: TBD, but will be within the Kingston/Ottawa area.
Accommodations may be available at a reasonable monthly rate.
Additional qualifications:
- have demonstrated ability to identify southern Ontario
birds by sight and sound;
- have previous experience with nest monitoring, and
habitat inventories;
- be able to work outdoors under harsh conditions (heat,
biting insects, Poison Ivy, Prickly Ash) for long periods of
time;
- have practical knowledge and experience using maps and
GPS;
HOW TO APPLY:
Students are encouraged to apply by Wednesday, Feb 22,
2012 (however, competition remains open until positions are
filled). Please send a brief (one page) cover letter outlining
your interest in the position(s), along with your resume and 2-3
references. While BSC appreciates all applications, only
applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. The most
qualified applicants will proceed with the NSERC award
application.
Apply to :
Myles Falconer, Ontario Program Biologist
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160, 115 Front Street,
Port Rowan, ON, N0E 1M0.
Fax: 519-586-3532;
email
mfalconer@birdscanada.org.
Bird Studies Canada is the country's only national charitable
organization dedicated to advancing the understanding,
appreciation, and conservation of wild birds and their habitats.
For more information please visit
www.birdscanada.org.
Bird Studies Canada is seeking an assistant to help run the
core programs of the Long Point Bird Observatory (currently
Migration Monitoring, Tree Swallow Project, Breeding Bird Census
Project, Doug Tarry Natural History Fund - Young Ornithologist
Workshop/Internship and aspects of the Latin American Training
Program). The position will run from 1 April to 1 December
2012. The position is renewable annually based upon
performance and funding. Prospective applicants must have
superior birding, banding and bander training skills (with a
strong emphasis on passerines, mist netting, ageing and sexing).
A BSc in biology (or equivalent field experience) is desirable
as is experience working or volunteering at a migration
monitoring station. Previous experience training field personnel
(especially volunteers) is highly desirable. It is also
important to have an excellent working knowledge of currently
accepted ageing and sexing techniques, the ability to follow
well established standardized field protocols, strong leadership
and mentoring skills needed to oversee volunteers and seasonal
field staff and take charge of a major banding operation.
Motorboat experience, basic handy-person skills and a good
working knowledge of Windows-based computer programs are
desirable. The position is well suited for someone who truly
loves birding and fieldwork in a remote setting, enjoys
excellent physical health, is very well organized, demonstrates
initiative, has an exceptional work ethic and interpersonal
skills, and is ready for the challenge of helping to oversee the
oldest and busiest bird observatory in North America.
Starting monthly wage: $1800-2200CDN (plus legal benefits).
Costs of field food, accommodation, and field travel are
provided.
Please submit cover letter, resume (including names, phone
numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 references) to:
Stuart Mackenzie,
LPBO Program Coordinator,
Long Point Bird Observatory
c/o Bird Studies Canada,
P.O. Box 160,
Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada N0E 1M0,
519-586-3531(ext. 162);
Fax: 519-586-3532;
Email:
smackenzie@birdscanada.org.
Visit our web site at
www.birdscanada.org/longpointt to learn more about the Long
Point Bird Observatory and Bird Studies Canada. Closing date
for competition: 15 February 2012. Only eligible candidates
will be contacted.
Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) seeks an intern to aid in
the delivery of the Migration Monitoring Program for one or both
of the spring and fall migration seasons (April 1 to June 10
and/or Aug 1 to November 15). Located on the north shore of Lake
Erie, Long Point is one of the last wild areas left in southern
Ontario. The region is an internationally recognized World
Biosphere Reserve, a Globally Important Bird Area and supports a
fantastic diversity of habitats, plants, and animals. Founded in
1960, Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) is North America's
oldest bird observatory, and operates as a program of Bird
Studies Canada. The intern will primarily be a Bander-in-Charge
(BIC) at one of LPBOs three field stations helping to run the
migration monitoring program, liaise, train, and coordinate
volunteers, provide logistical support, maintain field station
facilities and equipment, computerize data, and generally
helping to ensure that the Observatory's programs are being
conducted to the highest possible standards. Experience working
or volunteering at a migration monitoring station is desirable.
With over 30,000 birds banded and millions counted annually at
LPBO, a great deal of birding, mist netting and banding
experience (i.e. at least 2,000 landbirds banded) is essential.
Previous motor boating experience and general handy-person
skills are desirable. The position is perfectly suited for
someone who loves birding and working in a remote setting, is an
excellent bander, can personally oversee the training and
direction of volunteers, can capably follow well-established
field protocols, is very well-organized, has an exceptional work
ethic, enjoys communicating with the public and school groups,
and most of all someone who is ready for a challenge. The Intern
will receive a monthly stipend of $800-1200 depending on
qualifications. On-site accommodations and food are provided.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume with
three references (include phone and e-mail addresses), and a
completed volunteer application form which can be downloaded
from our website (www.birdscanada.org/longpoint) to:
Stuart Mackenzie,
LPBO Program Coordinator,
Long Point Bird
Observatory
c/o Bird Studies Canada,
P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada N0E 1M0
519-586-3531 (ext.
162)
E-mail smackenzie@birdscanada.org
Please indicate whether
you are applying for the spring, fall or both field seasons.
Visit our web site
www.birdscanada.org/longpoint for more
information about the Long Point Bird Observatory and Bird
Studies Canada. Closing date for competition: 15 February 2012.
Only eligible candidates will be contacted.
Bird Studies Canada seeks two (2) Wetland Bird and Amphibian
Survey Technicians to conduct bird and amphibian (frog and toad)
point count surveys in Great Lakes coastal marshes in Ontario,
Michigan, and Ohio. Under the guidance of the Aquatic Surveys
Biologist, the Wetland Bird and Amphibian Survey Technicians
will:
Work as a crew to prepare for and conduct point count surveys
of wetland birds and calling amphibians in the field using
standardized survey protocols;
- Enter survey data into an online database throughout
and/or after the field season; and
- Assist the Aquatic Surveys Biologist to complete
other tasks associated with the project as needed.
These are salaried term contract positions:
- One contract begins on 26 March 2012 and extends
19 weeks in duration, ending on 3 August 2012.
- The other contract begins on 14 May 2012 and
extends 12 weeks in duration, ending on 3 August 2012.
Successful candidates will be required to attend a mandatory
one-day training session in mid- March 2012 at Bird Studies
Canada headquarters in Port Rowan, Ontario, although alternative
arrangements are possible if excessive travel prevents
attendance.
To qualify for the position, the successful applicant must:
- be a Canadian citizen;
- have a valid passport and be able to travel in Canada
and the United States of America;
- have a valid drivers license;
- have canoeing skills and be certified (or can easily be
certified) to operate small outboard boat motors and small
vessels in Ontario;
- have demonstrated ability to identify birds by sight and
sound and frogs and toads by sound that breed in southern
and central Ontario wetlands (e.g., treed swamps, wet
meadows, marshes); and
- be able to camp and work outdoors under harsh conditions
(heat, biting insects) for long periods of time, including
working outdoors at night to survey calling amphibians.
The applicant should also:
- at a minimum, possess a Bachelor of Science or
equivalent community college diploma in biological science,
environmental science, wildlife/natural resource studies, or
another similar subject;
- be familiar with Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program
survey protocols or similar bird and amphibian field survey
techniques;
- have excellent verbal communication and interpersonal
skills;
- have proficient computer skills with typical
applications like MS Word and Excel;
- have practical knowledge and experience using maps and
GPSs;
- have a demonstrated ability to work both independently
and as part of a group;
- have valid First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR) certification; and
- be willing and able to travel to Port Rowan, Ontario at
her/his expense.
Value of Term Contract
$2,100-$2,500/month, depending on experience, plus
transportation, accommodation, and food covered by the project
during field work.
Competition open until 1 March 2012 or until suitable
candidates found. Qualified candidates should submit an
application that: 1) outlines how they meet the qualifications
outlined above; 2) includes names, titles, and contact
information (including e-mail addresses) of at least three
references; and 3) indicates availability for one or the
other or both of the two contracts described above, to:
Dr. Doug Tozer
Aquatic Surveys Biologist
Bird Studies Canada
P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, Ontario N0E 1M0
e-mail:
dtozer@birdscanada.org
Applications submitted as e-mail attachments are preferred.
[Bird Studies Canada appreciates the interest of all of those
who apply for this position, but only those applicants who
qualify for an interview will be contacted.]
Bird Studies Canada invites applicants for seasonal research
technicians to work for the Prairie & Parkland Marsh Monitoring
Program. Successful applicants will conduct ecological fieldwork
at locations in Canadas Prairie Provinces.
Duties include:
- avian point-counts using call-broadcast methods,
- establishment of survey stations,
- assessments of wetland habitats,
- assisting with bird capture and banding efforts,
- and data entry.
Ideal candidates will be
- detail-oriented,
- self-organized,
- motivated,
- energetic team players.
Applicants should have
- a keen interest in birds,
- be in good physical condition,
- possess a strong work ethic,
- have an ability to multitask,
- be meticulous in collecting and recording data,
- and be able to maintain a positive attitude while
working long, irregular hours (morning surveys begin as
early as 4 a.m., evening/night surveys can end as late as 3
a.m.).
Candidates need to be able to
- demonstrate proficiency at identifying western birds by
sight and sound (particularly wetland-associated species and
land birds likely to occur within the region),
- must hold a valid drivers license,
- and be eligible to work in Canada.
Salary from $1,900 to $2,300/month (Cdn.), depending on
experience; accommodation will be provided (some combination of
houses, motels, and camping). Preference will be given to
candidates who have prior experience conducting avian point
counts, identifying common wetland flora, driving 4WD trucks,
traveling by kayak or canoe, interacting with rural landowners,
and navigating using maps, aerial photos, and GPS. Positions
range from 1.5-3.5 months beginning early- to mid-May and ending
30 June, 31 July, or 15 August. For more information or to
apply, contact
prairieprograms@birdscanada.org. Applications should address
Dr. Kiel Drake; please include a cover letter, resume, and
contact information for three references. In the cover letter,
provide an honest assessment of your bird identification skills.
Positions filled as soon as suitable candidates are found.
Applications accepted until 29 February, 2012. For more
information about the Prairie & Parkland Marsh Monitoring
Program visit
www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/ppmmp.
Located on the north shore of Lake Erie, Long Point is one of
the last wild areas left in southern Ontario. The region is an
internationally recognized World Biosphere Reserve, a Globally
Important Bird Area, and supports a fantastic diversity of
habitats, plants and animals. During migration huge numbers of
birds (and monarch butterflies) are funnelled through Long
Point. Founded in 1960, Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) is
North America's oldest bird observatory and has banded over
800,000 birds. The core program is centred on monitoring
populations of migrating birds through daily census and banding
routines at three field stations. Volunteers staying for at
least 1 month have food and accommodation fees waived.
Short-term volunteers are required to pay a nominal fee covering
housing, food and training. Up to 14 volunteers are required for
all or a part of the spring (5 April to 10 June) and fall field
seasons (10 August - 15 November). Previous ornithological work
(including bird banding) and excellent bird identification
skills are preferred, but not essential. All participants will
experience intensive and diverse training in field
ornithological techniques. International applicants with good
English skills are encouraged to apply. Email or mail your
resume with three references (include phone and e-mail
addresses) and a completed application form which can be
downloaded from
our website
to:
LPBO Assistant Landbird Programs Coordinator,
Long Point Bird Observatory c/o Bird Studies Canada,
P.O. Box 160 115 Front Rd.,
Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada N0E 1M0,
519-586-3531 (ext. 162);
Fax: 519-586-3532,
Email: lpbo@
birdscanada.org .
Located on the north shore of Lake Erie, Long Point is one of
the last wild areas left in southern Ontario. The region is an
internationally recognized World Biosphere Reserve, a Globally
Important Bird Area and supports a fantastic diversity of
habitats, plants, and animals. Founded in 1960, Long Point Bird
Observatory (LPBO) is North America's oldest bird observatory.
For the upccoming field season up to three field assistants are
needed to work on the Breeding Bird Census (BBC) project (25 May
to 5 July). They will receive accommodation and food, as well as
intensive training from LPBO staff. BBC assistants must have
excellent skills in identification of eastern North American
birds by sight and sound. LPBO has established 15, 10-hectare
plots in various vegetative communities across the dunes and
marshes of Long Point, with four sampled each year. Assistants
rise very early and commute by ATV, boat or foot, to arrive at
their study sites at dawn. Over the next few hours they map the
locations of all singing birds, look for nests, then
determine the number of bird territories on the plot. Previous
ornithological work conducting point counts, spot mapping or
nest searching is preferred, but not essential. Email or mail
your resume with three references (including phone and e-mail
addresses) and a completed application form which can be
downloaded from
our website
to:
LPBO Assistant Landbird Programs Coordinator,
Long Point Bird Observatory c/o Bird Studies Canada,
P.O. Box 160 115 Front Rd.,
Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada N0E 1M0,
519-586-3531 (ext. 162);
Fax: 519-586-3532;
Email:
lpbo@birdscanada.org .
Volunteer Field Assistants needed for a long-term study of breeding ecology of Tree Swallows at Long Point Bird
Observatory, Ontario. Main objective is to examine the effects
of environmental conditions, including climate change and the
abundance of the swallows' insect food supply, on breeding
performance; but other topics are also under investigation.
Assistants required between 15 April and 16 August: 2 in April,
3 from about 1 May to 10 July; 3 additional assistants needed
from about 29 May to 26 June; 1, mainly for data management and
some fieldwork, 1 July to 16 August. Previous experience
not necessary, but it is essential that you are willing to work
long and irregular hours with minimal supervision. Room and
board provided. Time commitments of 4+ weeks preferred. Work
involves checking nest boxes, weighing eggs and young, banding
adults and young, sampling insects, etc., at 3 sites (2 on
mainland, 1 at tip of Long Point, Lake Erie). Assistants can
expect to gain valuable experience in a stimulating environment
and may have opportunities to participate in other LPBO programs
including banding migrant birds in May. For more information
select this link.
Send cover letter and brief resume and
application form (indicate dates available and whether
you hold a driver's license) to:
Dr. Ryan Norris,
Department of Integrative Biology,
University of Guelph,
Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.
office ph: 519-824-4120; ext 56300,
office: NSC 2451, lab: NSC 2403/2404,
e-mail:
rnorris@uoguelph.ca,
web-site:
www.uoguelph.ca/~rnorris
Deadline for applications is 15 April 2012. Late
applications will be considered if positions still available.
Visit our web site
for more information about the volunteer programs
at Long Point Bird Observatory and a downloadable application form.
available, monitoring bird migration activities at Thunder Cape Bird
Observatory (TCBO), Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The field season runs
from late Apr to mid June in the spring and from late July to
early November in the fall. Volunteers will be involved in mistnetting,
banding, and censusing migratory birds, including passerines, hawks and
owls. TCBO, located at the tip of the Sibley Peninsula, is bordered by
Lake Superior and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. We provide comfortable
facilities in a beautiful wilderness setting. Volunteers staying over 2
weeks will have accommodation and food provided free. Experience is
preferred, but TCBO also aims to provide an excellent opportunity for
those eager to learn. Volunteers will be accepted throughout the season.
Additional information can be found on our website.
Questions and resumes can be directed to Allan Gilbert, Chair,
Thunder Cape Observatory Committee, c/o Thunder Bay Field
Naturalists, P.O. Box 10037, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T6 Email:
agilbert@lakeheadu.ca
Website:
www.tbfn.net/thunder-cape-bird-observatory.
