Aerial Insectivore Conservation Program Field Technicians – Atlantic Region

Bird Studies Canada (BSC) – Atlantic Region is seeking a skilled field biologist to assist with monitoring and outreach activities as part of BSC’s Aerial Insectivore Conservation Program. The candidate will liaise with landowners reporting swallows and Chimney Swifts on their properties, and will promote stewardship of nesting and foraging habitat at these sites. The candidate will also assist with planning and implementing outreach events to increase awareness of Aerial Insectivores and best management practices among target audiences. The position would begin May 1, 2019 and run for 8 to 10 weeks.

The candidate will be required to travel throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to visit landowners hosting aerial insectivore nesting/roosting sites and to provide stewardship information to landowners/members of the public. The candidate will also be responsible for coordinating citizen scientists to search for Chimney Swift roost and nest sites. Other duties include: assisting with the delivery of educational presentations and workshops about aerial insectivores, and assisting landowners with Project NestWatch data collection.  Rustic accommodation (field stations, campgrounds, motels), food allowance, and transport while in the field are provided.

The following skills and experience are essential:

• Identify Chimney Swift, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow and Tree Swallow by sight and sound
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills, experience liaising with landowners and volunteers
• Fluent in English and French
• Able to work in a team environment
• Able to work independently and with little supervision
• Experience entering and proofing data using MS Excel and MS Access
• Comfortable working long days, sometimes including extensive driving
• Ability to navigate by map and GPS in rural areas and on rough roads
• Candidates must also be legally entitled to work in Canada and have a valid driver’s license
• First Aid Certification (successful candidates must obtain first aid certification prior to start date)
• Able to begin work by May 1, 2019

Additional asset skills:

• Experience working with Arc GIS software

Salary:

$2,600 – $2,800/month based on experience, plus food, rustic accommodation, and transport while in the field.

Application deadline: Sunday February 17, 2019

To apply, please send a brief cover letter, highlighting your field experience, as well as your resume and the names and contact information for two references to Ally Manthorne at amanthorne@birdscanada.org  Please send cover letter, resume, and references as a single file.  Applications that fail to highlight relevant experience will not be considered further.  We encourage all candidates with the required qualifications and skills to apply to the position(s).  However, note that some preference may be given to those who meet Canada Summer Jobs’ eligibility criteria. While Bird Studies Canada thanks all applicants, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Bird Studies Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

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