Biology fieldwork, Avian biology, Ornithology

Positions: High Elevation Landbird Program Field Technician
Organization: Birds Canada
Location: in-person biology fieldwork in New Brunswick

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, while gaining valuable hands-on work experience? If so, this position may be for you!

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

Birds Canada Atlantic Region is seeking 2-3 skilled field biologists to conduct surveys for Bicknell’s Thrush and other high-elevation bird in remote regions of northern New Brunswick. Field work will primarily consist of early morning and/or dusk point count surveys along pre-determined routes, and deployment of Automated Recording Units. The terrain is rugged and candidates should be in good physical condition, as some surveys will require several hours of hiking, bushwhacking, and overnight camping. For more information on our Bicknell’s Thrush research, visit: http://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/bicknells-thrush-conservation-program

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

This full-time, fixed term role for 8 weeks and is anticipated to start on 27 May 2025. The High Elevation Landbird Program Field Technician reports to the Associate Director and Field Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technicians implement the annual field activities for the High Elevation Landbird Program. Key duties include:
• Conduct dawn and dusk surveys for Bicknell’s Thrush and other high-elevation bird species, often while alone and in the dark
• Drive and hike to survey points, often camping nearby in a remote commercial forest
• Enter and manage survey data into NatureCounts, Birds Canada’s data storage system
• Deploy and retrieve Automated Recording Units (ARUs)
• Analyze ARU data with CallSeeker and Audacity software
• Cook, tidy, and other tasks related to living in a communal area

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to identify Bicknell’s Thrush and other high-elevation bird species by sound (and visually)
• Comfortable working long days (early morning and late nights)
• Comfortable working alone in areas with wildlife (moose, bear) and in the dark
• Comfortable living in a remote location with limited internet and cell phone access
• Able to work in a team environment
• Able to work independently and with little supervision
• Navigation in remote areas with map, compass, GPS
• Camping and working outdoors in all weather conditions (cold, heat, rain, biting insects)
• First Aid Certification (successful candidates must obtain first aid certification prior to start date)

ASSETS

• Bilingual French and English
• Experience deploying automated recording units and processing recordings using audio software (Audacity)
• Experience working and camping in remote forests and driving on poorly-maintained roads
• Experience with basic vehicle repair and changing tires
• Meet Canada Summer Jobs requirements (be between 15 and 30 years old and be legally entitled to work in Canada)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience conducting avian point count surveys and identifying bird species breeding in the Maritimes
• Valid Driver’s license (for Ontario residents: G preferred, G2 accepted)
• 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 Permit and temporary SIN prior to commencing work)

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary for this role is $18.12 per hour for an approximately 40 hour work week, plus statutory and discretionary benefits including pro-rated Vacation and Personal Health Days. This position also includes a modest food budget, vehicle access for in-field travel, and basic accommodations for the duration of the Field Season.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a covering letter outlining how your past experience makes you the perfect candidate for this role via Birds Canada’s Online Hiring Platform by 7 February.

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Birds Canada will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received and positions may be filled before the deadline. Early applications are encouraged. While Birds Canada thanks all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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.