Bird Projects Biologist (Maternity Leave Coverage)

Birds Canada is seeking a motivated, personable, and experienced biologist to coordinate programs in the Maritimes on a full-time contract for a one-year maternity leave replacement position. The Bird Projects Biologist will be responsible for coordinating the High Elevation Landbird and Nocturnal Owl Programs. This position requires a mix of research, writing, and quantitative skills with people-skills, outreach, teamwork, and supervisory experience. The Bird Projects Biologist works closely with other Birds Canada staff and project partners, and has responsibility for communication and reporting to project funders, conservation partners, Birds Canada’s membership, and regional volunteers. They are also responsible for data management and analyses, background research, conducting and coordinating field surveys, supporting volunteers, and supervising field teams. They also have significant responsibility for fundraising for their assigned projects.

Duties of the position include:

• Coordinate and implement annual field program for High Elevation Landbird Program and Nocturnal Owl Survey, including hiring, training and supervising, and overseeing field activities and supporting volunteers;
• Oversee and implement outreach and stewardship aspects of assigned projects (e.g., liaising with forestry companies, provincial and federal biologists, academic and local communities);
• Perform data management, statistical analysis, and mapping for assigned programs;
• Recruit and manage volunteers, update and distribute survey materials to program participants and coordinate volunteer field activities;
• Complete reports for colleagues, staff, funders, and volunteers, including annual reports, newsletters, scientific reports, and articles for Birds Canada (e.g., eNews and BirdWatch Canada magazine);
• Maintain and develop funding support for assigned programs, primarily for the High Elevation Landbird Program and Nocturnal Owl Survey; monitor expenditures against approved budget;
• Represent organization to members and supporters, at scientific and technical meetings at provincial and higher levels, and participate in appropriate collaborative conservation initiatives, including the International Bicknell’s Thrush Conservation Group.

The following skills and experience are essential:

• Masters of Science with relevant experience in field biology, ecology, or related field;
• This position also requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong bird identification skills (by both sight and sound), experience with field surveys, experience managing field programs in remote settings, strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving and communication skills (oral and written), and a sound understanding and practical experience with GIS software, particularly ArcGIS, are essential qualifications. Computer, analytical, and database management skills, experience managing volunteers and staff, and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines are also essential.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Assets:

• Knowledge and experience working with Bicknell’s Thrush or other forest birds;
• Experience fundraising and managing budgets, bilingualism (French/English), and knowledge of forest/landscape issues and working conditions in the Maritimes;
• First Aid Certification.

Salary: $45,700 – $47,000/annually, dependent on skills and experience

Deadline for applications: Monday, 6 January, 2020

To apply, please send a brief cover letter, highlighting your relevant skills and experience, as well as your resume and the names and contact information for two references to Laura Tranquilla at ltranquilla@birdscanada.org. Please send cover letter, resume, and references as a single file. Applications that fail to highlight relevant experience will not be considered further.

While Birds Canada thanks all applicants, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Birds Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.