Summer Research Student

Overview

HIGHLIGHTS:

Spend the summer on Georgian Bay conducting PRAW & EWPW research

Summer Research Student Job Description

 

Title: Research Student

Reports To: Conservation Director

Location: Southeastern Georgian Bay

(South of 12 Mile Bay and north of Honey Harbour)

Duration: approximately 15 weeks (35 – 40 hours/week)

 

Overview:

The Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT) Research Students are additional staff support for the various research projects GBLT engages in. GBLT has two ongoing research projects regarding the breeding habitat of Eastern Whip-poor-will and the post-dispersal habitat of Prairie Warblers. In addition to this, research students will begin the initial year of a research project studying succession of coastal and inland wetlands along the Georgian Bay coast. This position would assist GBLT staff in completing presence/absence surveys of the species, vegetation surveys of breeding locations, ELC classification of breeding locations, and general species monitoring/observation work of both Eastern Whip-poor-will and Prairie Warbler. Responsibilities would include:

• Assist in the MOTUS tagging of Eastern Whip-poor-wills and the tracking of these tags
• Nest location surveys to determine nesting and breeding locations for Eastern Whip-poor-will
• Species level vegetation surveys of both Eastern Whip-poor-will and Prairie Warbler habitat
• ELC classification of habitats utilized by both Eastern Whip-poor-will and Prairie Warbler to provide a larger landscape level ecosystem analysis for habitat
• Assisting with other GBLT research and programs as necessary
• Managing, tracking, and reporting species and species at risk data

These positions will require knowledge of the Georgian Bay environment and will include training regarding the inventory work and survey protocols. It will require technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to work in small teams in remote locations.

 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Research

• Assist with MOTUS tagging and banding of Eastern Whip-poor-will
• Track Eastern Whip-poor-will and identify nesting locations
• Record data on Eastern Whip-poor-will, Prairie Warbler, and other species at risk when encountered in the field
• Complete vegetation surveys for areas with suitable habitat and wetlands
• Complete ELC classification of areas of suitable habitat and wetlands
• Assist with analyzing and compiling data

2. Other Conservation activities

• Assist with field monitoring of GBLT properties when time permits, including data collection, breeding bird surveys, reptile monitoring, etc.
• Participate in BioBlitzes on target properties
• Provide support for other research projects when time permits, including Bog Copper natural history studies, insect biomass studies, etc.
• Visit GBLT properties, including conservation easements, to track and record potential disturbance or impacts

3. Education

• Assist with events to promote species at risk knowledge and protection
• Liaise with landowners who are interested in learning more about the GBLT’s research and/or are interested in being part of the research
• Write articles for Landscripts or the GBLT’s website to help inform supporters about the research being completed

Skills & Aptitudes:

• Interest in the conservation of eastern Georgian Bay
• Familiar with environmental science and natural heritage
• Interest in and comfort around wildlife
• Experience, interest and/or abilities in field inventories, vegetation community classification, and field identification of birds and vascular plants
• Interest in outdoor recreation and familiarity with reading maps and working with GPS
• Familiarity with the ecosystem of Georgian Bay, as well as species assemblages
• Able to work well in small groups to accomplish specific goals and tasks quickly and efficiently
• Must be prepared to work flexible hours, including some weekends
• Must be comfortable with daily boat travel, both canoe and motorboat, in a variety of weather
• A boater’s license and boating experience in Georgian Bay is beneficial
• Must be available to be in southern Georgian Bay from late May to early September and willing to stay at a field site for a significant portion of that time
• Be familiar with and share the mission and objectives of the Georgian Bay Land Trust

 

Anticipated start date: Monday May 18, 2026

Anticipated end date: Friday August 28, 2026

Salary: $22/hr

Boat gas and expenses will be covered.

 

Candidates must be age 30 or under.

 

Preference will be given to students, particularly those enrolled in an environmental science-related program in college or university, and those who are based for the summer in close proximity to southern GBLT properties.

 

We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Please forward your resume and cover letter in confidence by FEBRUARY 8, 2025 to hiring@gblt.org with the subject Research Student Application.