Job Description

Birds Canada is hiring an experienced Field Biologist (Team Lead) to lead survey efforts and supervise field staff for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas beginning in May 2022. Birds Canada anticipates hiring one Team Lead and seven Field Technicians (see separate posting) to conduct bird surveys in Northern Ontario. This position in particular will lead field work in and around Algonquin Park. POSITION CONCEPT Working with project Field Technicians, the Field Biologist for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas will collect field data on the occurrence, breeding behaviour and abundance of birds in the region. Project staff will be required to travel by vehicle, by foot, and in some instances by canoe, kayak or bike. Accommodations will be primarily in tents, camping. Staff will spend extended periods of time in the field, enter their own data, and will write reports on their observations. The Field Biologist will be responsible for helping to plan field work and arrange logistics for the field season; training and supervising Field Technician(s), including planning daily activities and safety checks; and reporting on the field season\xe2\x80\x99s activities. They will ensure implementation of all required activities, completion of required tasks for their team, and promote a positive and collaborative learning and working environment amongst the team members and other staff. EDUCATION 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. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Good knowledge of Ontario birds, including the ability to identify birds by sight and sound
• Experience in project planning and implementation
• Some experience in a leadership role
• Advanced map-reading, navigating and GPS skills
• Good observation and note-taking skills
• Experience camping and living/working in remote areas
• Good communication skills (written and verbal), and ability to lead a small team
• High enthusiasm and energy
• Background in biology, ecology, wildlife or environmental studies
• Valid Driver\xe2\x80\x99s license required (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 visa and temporary SIN prior to commencing work)

ASSETS

• Experience conducting point counts and/or surveying birds using other sampling techniques
• Experience canoeing or kayaking
• Experience leading field crews in related types of monitoring projects
• Meet Canada Summer Jobs requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in planning the field season and arranging field logistics
• Train, supervise and direct a team of Field Technicians during remote field research and while living communally for entire field season
• Leadership role in planning day-to-day activities and communicating plans to Technicians
• Check in with supervisors regularly to ensure project plans are on course
• Survey for breeding birds
• Occasional public outreach or communication with landowners or Park staff
• Data management and entry
• Report on the field season\xe2\x80\x99s activities
• Other duties, as needed

SALARY: $19-21/h, depending on project-relevant experience and expertise, for approximately 40h work week, plus statutory benefits. This position also includes a modest food budget and predetermined accommodation (campsites, primarily) depending on survey locations during the entire field season. 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 Canada Summer Jobs\xe2\x80\x99 eligibility criteria. APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 pm EST, January 27, 2023, but early applications are encouraged. ANTICIPATED START DATE: May 8th, 2023 TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, and two reference contacts in a single document to Kaelyn Bumelis: kbumelis@birdscanada.org. In your cover letter and resume, please explicitly highlight relevant qualifications and skills, and indicate if you meet the Canada Summer Jobs\xe2\x80\x99 eligibility criteria. While we welcome all applications, only those applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted. 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 some positions may be filled prior to the deadline. Early applications encouraged.
Birds Canada is committed to improving levels of diversity among its volunteers, membership, staff, and board that reflects the diversity of communities across the country. In an effort to do so, we are actively tracking and seeking to improve our ability to reach all candidates with our job postings. Applicants belonging to racialized groups, who identify as Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, or who have differing abilities are therefore welcome to self-identify in their cover letter, if they feel comfortable, although this is not a requirement.