Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Intern
Position Overview
The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Intern will assist with data collection and community science events to support Ontario’s Third Breeding Bird Atlas (Atlas-3) project, which aims to collect field data on the occurrence and relative abundance of Ontario’s approximately 300 species of breeding birds. The intern will assist Ontario Nature staff with increasing volunteer participation in Atlas-3, which includes delivering training on how to conduct breeding bird surveys, supporting community events and contests, developing materials to support education about breeding birds, and assisting with field surveys for Atlas-3 in Northern Ontario, including data entry.
The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of wildlife and in particular breeding birds in Ontario, or a keen willingness to learn. The intern must work well independently and as part of a team and thrive in a fast-paced work environment where success requires close attention to detail, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to high-quality outcomes.
About Ontario Nature
Ontario Nature is a charitable conservation organization that protects wild species and wild spaces across Ontario through conservation, education and public engagement. We represent over 155 member groups, and more than 30,000 individual members and supporters throughout the province. We are there wherever and whenever nature needs us most. To learn more, visit: ontarionature.org.
Why Work With Ontario Nature
Shared office and collaborative opportunities with partner conservation organization in Thunder Bay
Fulfilling, purpose-driven work, alongside 30 passionate and committed colleagues across the province
An ongoing commitment to create an inclusive and equitable environment for employees, volunteers, members and supporters
Opportunities for advancement, skill development and cross-sectoral collaboration
Support for taking initiative and pursuing aligned personal interest projects
Team building and social opportunities
Principal Responsibilities
- Assist with the collection and documentation of breeding birds, and their habitats (vegetation, soils), in northern Ontario using standardized methods to help inform distribution mapping for Atlas-3;
- Assist with making connections in communities and connecting people with nature through local demonstration events in nearby Conservation Areas and Provincial Parks;
- Assist with the planning and successful delivery of public events related to collecting data on breeding birds and bird conservation;
- Support Ontario Nature staff, stewards, and volunteers participating in Atlas-3 activities such as developing social media posts and other communications materials, and;
- Assist with the management and interpretation of temporal and spatial data collected.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated interest in conservation in Ontario.
- Completed or working toward a diploma or Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science or a relevant field.
- Strong knowledge of breeding birds in Ontario and their identification, or a keen willingness to learn more.
- Experience with compiling information on conservation lands including natural features, threats, species at risk and invasive species.
- Experience with detailed notetaking, data collection and entry, and data quality assurance.
- Good verbal and written communications skills, including active listening.
- Ability to work well independently within a small team structure and collaboratively with partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in sometimes challenging conditions (e.g., high temperatures and humidity, heavy rain, dense bugs) and terrains.
- Valid class “G” driver’s license and ability to rent a vehicle in Ontario.
- Must live in Thunder Bay or willing to relocate.
- Meet requirements for Canada Summer Jobs:
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Between 15 and 30 years of age.
Ontario Nature requires that all employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the communities we operate in. The selected candidate must provide proof of vaccination at the time of hiring.
Desirable Assets
Experience conducting point counts and/or surveying birds using other sampling techniques
Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
Anticipated Start Date: June 6, 2022
Type of Position: 8-week contract, full-time
Compensation: $16.00-$18.00/hour depending on experience
Location: This position is based at Ontario Nature’s Boreal Conservation Office – 10 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, ON
Working Conditions: Atlas-3 project staff will be required to travel by vehicle, by foot, and in some instances by canoe. Accommodations will be primarily in tents, camping. Staff will spend extended periods of time in the field, enter their own data, and will be responsible for writing reports on their observations.
Physical Requirements: The position requires the ability to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g., high summer temperatures and humidity, heavy rain) and terrains.
To Apply
Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one PDF document, addressing your qualifications and experience as it relates to the job.
Include “Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Intern” in the subject line
Email your application to jobs@ontarionature.org
Deadline for applications: May 10, 2022
Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please.
Ontario Nature is committed to employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should make their requirements known when contacted.
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