Forest Birds at Risk Field Technician Contract

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?
Birds Canada is the country’s premier national organization dedicated to bird conservation. Every day, our thousands of caring donors, 100+ 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 Forest Birds at Risk Field Technicians will survey private and public woodlots for forest birds, with a focus on five target species at risk: Cerulean Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Prothonotary Warbler, and Red-headed Woodpecker. Daily responsibilities include conducting point count surveys, taking forest composition measurements, recording forest health risks, and entering data. Technicians will also search for and monitor nests of the above focal species. Technicians must be comfortable working independently, waking up before dawn, and spending long days hiking outdoors in hot, buggy conditions in areas with poison ivy and high numbers of ticks that carry Lyme disease. Technicians will also participate in volunteer, landowner, and project partner engagement activities from time to time.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

This fixed term 14-week role reports to the Forest Birds at Risk Field Biologist and is fully in-person. Anticipated start date for this role is April 21, 2025. The role is based primarily at Long Point Bird Observatory’s Old Cut Research Station (shared housing), near Port Rowan, ON. Surveys take place mostly in Norfolk and Elgin counties, with some technicians spending 2-3 weeks further west (e.g., Lambton, Middlesex; camping) or east (Frontenac Arch, based out of the Queen’s University Biological Station). The role involves a higher demand of physical, visual, auditory, and concentration effort than what would generally be considered typical due to the nature of the field work and shared accommodations.

We welcome applications from all candidates with the required qualifications and skills to apply to the position(s). However, please note that preference may be given to those who meet the Canada Summer Jobs eligibility criteria.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$20.54 – $21.75 per hour, commensurate with previous experience for an approximately 40-hour work week. Birds Canada offers all staff the equivalent of 20 vacation and 12 Personal Health Days per year, which will be prorated according to contract start date and duration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Communicate with supervisor and/or field crew leader to plan day-to-day activities
• Conduct point count surveys for forest birds, take forest composition measurements, and record forest health risks
• Search for and monitor nests of Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Prothonotary Warbler, Cerulean Warbler and Red-headed Woodpecker
• Help create and maintain good relationships with landowners and other project partners (through interactions during surveys or potential outreach opportunities)
• Data entry and organization
• Other tasks, as required

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• Excellent knowledge of Ontario forest birds, including the ability to identify birds by sight, song, and calls (i.e., must have at least 2 years of experience identifying birds outside coursework)
• High level of organization, initiative, and ability to take clear and detailed notes
• Able to work effectively and positively in a team environment as well as independently
• Working knowledge of Microsoft programs (Excel and Word)
• Possess a valid Ontario drivers licence (Class G preferred), with a clean driving record
• 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 visa and temporary SIN prior to commencing work)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Although not required, some candidates may be in the process of, or have already completed, a B.Sc. in biology or ecology or an equivalent wildlife-related program. Relevant experience or other informal and formal education/training are equally considered.
• Experience conducting point counts and/or surveying birds using other sampling techniques
• Experience working in the field and/or using GPS and compass
TO APPLY
Please submit your resume along with a covering letter outlining how your experience makes you the perfect candidate for this role via the Birds Canada Online Job Portal by 5pm EST on February 7, 2025. Birds Canada will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

At Birds Canada, we are committed to fostering a culture that values Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, and Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, as integral approaches that shape all that we do in our organization and for nature (read our full commitment to inclusion at this LINK). We oppose prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination, and aim to ensure that people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences feel a sense of belonging and can participate in protecting wild birds and their habitats.

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+, and/or who have a disability, are therefore welcome to mention this in their cover letter, if they feel comfortable, although this is not a requirement.