Avian Monitoring Field Assistant

OPEN UNTIL FILLED – applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Job Type: Full Time Summer Position.

Term:  Tentatively May 1 to August 30, 2025.

The Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory (LSLBO) is located in the Boreal Forest’s Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, approximately 20 km north of Slave Lake, Alberta. We are looking for a hard-working, enthusiastic, detail-orientated individual to assist with our 32nd year of avian monitoring programs including visual counts and bird banding. Daily duties include setting up the station early each morning, recording avian abundances, extracting birds from mist-nets, assisting with bird banding and data recording, and data entry. Additional duties include arthropod surveys, equipment upkeep, trail maintenance, and helping with public tours. The field assistant may have the opportunity to experience additional collaborative research projects which may include biological sampling or remote field work. Experience working with mist-nets, banding, or handling birds is an asset, but not required. Successful candidates will be expected to work long days, including weekends and holidays, and must be flexible with schedule changes. For more information on our programs and this position, check out www.lslbo.org or our Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory Facebook page.

The Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory is a member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network and our station has been monitoring the migratory and breeding birds of the boreal forest for over 30 years. Partnering with Alberta Parks, the LSLBO also helps operate the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation, a year-round education and research centre located in Lesser Slave lake Provincial Park.  Seasonal staff accommodation is available at the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation at a cost of approximately $295/month.

Requirements

• Excellent identification skills of Northern Albertan birds by sight and sound.
• We welcome applications from all candidates with the required qualifications and skills to apply to the position(s). However, please note that preference for interviews may be given to those who meet Canada Summer Jobs’ eligibility criteria
• Detail-oriented with excellent field data recording and data entry skills.
• Physically capable to work long hours outdoors with lots of walking; including hiking through rough terrain in heavily forested areas.
• Safety conscience and bear aware.
• Accustomed to using binoculars.
• Comfortable with the chance to handle songbirds.
• Able to wake up and be ready to work as early as 4:30 AM.
• Able to work in poor weather conditions and tolerate biting insects.
• Standard First Aid and CPR Certification prior to commencement.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license. Your own transportation is an asset.
• Experience with arthropod identification is an asset.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume highlighting your birding/bird banding experience to: bic@lslbo.org

Robyn Perkins – Bander-in-Charge, Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory  Box 1076, Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received, so we recommend that you apply early. Final deadline for application submission is January 31, 2025

Tagged as: bird banding skill development, living in lesser slave lake provincial park, work with an amazing team