Shrike Recovery Biologist
Position: Eastern Ontario Shrike Recovery Biologist
Project: Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery
Location: Smiths Falls, Ottawa, and Renfrew area
Type of Position: Part-time (15 hrs/wk), temporary (7 weeks)
Rate of Pay: $16.00 – $17.00/hr, depending on experience, plus 4% vacation pay
Anticipated Start: 3 May 2021
Hours of Work: Flexible schedule to suit project needs and weather conditions.
**NOTE: This position is dependent on external funding yet to be received by WPC, so start date and duration of contract may be adjusted as funding is confirmed**
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Wildlife Preservation Canada is seeking an experienced biologist to assist with the expansion of Loggerhead Shrike (LOSH) Recovery Program activities in to eastern Ontario. The Loggerhead Shrike is critically endangered with fewer that 50 birds found annually in Ontario in recent years. Eastern Ontario was an historic breeding area for LOSH in Ontario, but the population in this region dwindled in the early 2000s; however, birds have been spotted in the region in the last few years, suggesting the possible reestablishment of a breeding population. The Eastern Ontario Shrike Recovery Biologist will search for LOSH in this historic range, and monitor any birds found.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Lead Biologist, the contract biologist will be responsible for conducting targeted habitat surveys to locate LOSH in eastern Ontario, and monitoring any birds found to determine breeding status, and nesting success (if applicable). Specific duties will include:
- Road-side and on-site (with prior permission) surveys to locate breeding pairs of wild LOSH
- Remote nest monitoring to determine nest productivity
- Identification and reporting of all colour banded LOSH
- Initiating and maintaining landowner contact
- Data management, monthly reports, end-of-season reports
- Effective and timely communication with program staff and partners
- Additional tasks as required
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Strong interest in biology, conservation, and fieldwork, with at least a post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant discipline
- Ability to work professionally and safely in variable weather conditions with exposure to biting insects, and with minimal supervision.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Familiarity with grassland birds, and the ability to identify the majority of eastern grassland species by sight and sound
- Able to navigate in the field using a map and GPS unit.
- Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain positive relationships with private landowners.
- A valid driver’s license is required, as is access to a vehicle for the duration of the contract.
ELIGIBILITY
This position may be funded in part by the Canada Summer Jobs program. Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for this position:
- No more than 30 years of age at the start of employment;
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and
- legally entitled to work according to the relevant Ontario legislation and regulations.
Please indicate in your application if you meet these requirements.
Note that housing for the duration of this contract is the responsibility of the applicant, so this position is best suited to someone living within the target region.
To apply please send a cover letter and resume to: Hazel Wheeler, Lead Biologist – Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery, hazel@wildlifepreservation.ca Please submit your application as a single PDF or MS word file and include the email subject heading “Eastern Ontario Shrike Recovery Biologist Application”. Applications will be assessed as they are submitted, and the positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are found. Applications will not be considered after midnight (EST) March 31, 2021.
We thank all who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Bookmark Job
You must sign in to bookmark this listing.