Summer Research Student
Research students will assist with fieldwork for a study on Eastern Whip-poor-wills. Tasks will include species presence/absence surveys, vegetation surveys of breeding locations, and general species monitoring and observation. Research Students will work from late May to Labour Day weekend.
We’re looking for candidates:
- age 30 or under
- with experience or interest in environmental science, field inventories, vegetation community classification, and field identification of birds and vascular plants
- with an interest in outdoor recreation and familiarity with reading maps and working with GPS
- with an interest in and comfort around wildlife
- who are comfortable with daily boat travel
- who are willing to stay at a field station in Georgian Bay (Go Home Bay area) from late May – early September
- who are able to work well in small groups to accomplish specific goals.
Please see the full job description and application instructions below.
Summer Research Student Job Description 2023
Title: Research Student
Reports To: Protected Areas Manager
Location: Southern 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 one of GBLT’s research projects, provided funding is acquired for it. GBLT has applied for a research grant on Eastern Whip-poor-will in Georgian Bay, a project that would require the support of two Research Students to complete. 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 associated species. Responsibilities would include:
- Presence/absence surveys along the shoreline of Georgian Bay for Eastern Whip-poor-will and Common Nighthawk
- Nest location surveys to determine nesting and breeding locations for Eastern Whip-poor-will
- Vegetation surveys of nest locations involving identification of dominant plant type and cover and other abiotic factors
- ELC classification of habitats surrounding nest locations to inform of the larger landscape level ecosystems around nest sites
- 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
- Conduct presence/absence surveys of Eastern Whip-poor-will in suitable areas of habitat during the safe dates for the species
- Record data on Eastern Whip-poor-will, Common Nighthawk, and other species at risk when encountered in the field
- Complete vegetation surveys around confirmed and potential nesting sites
- Complete ELC classification of areas surrounding confirmed nesting sites
- 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 Prairie Warbler surveys, coastal wetland monitoring, 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 22, 2023
Anticipated end date: Saturday September 2, 2023
Salary: $20/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 17, 2022 to hiring@gblt.org.
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