Recovery Biologists (2 positions)
Organization: Wildlife Preservation Canada
Website: http://www.wildlifepreservation.ca
Location: Southern Ontario
Wildlife Preservation Canada is seeking two experienced biologists to
implement 2015 field season activities for t
he Eastern Loggerhead
Shrike (ELOSH) Recovery Program. Two positions will be filled, one
each in the Carden and Napanee Alvars. Some work may also occur in
Smiths Falls, Pembroke/Renfrew and Grey-Bruce/Manitoulin. The Eastern
Loggerhead Shrike is critically endangered with a total of only 16
known pairs breeding in Ontario in 2014. The Carden and Napanee Alvars
are the two core areas where ELOSH continue to breed, while ELOSH
sightings still occur in Smiths Falls, Pembroke/Renfrew, Grey-Bruce
and Manitoulin. Wildlife Preservation Canada has been managing a
unique model recovery program for ELOSH since 2001 that includes wild
population surveying and monitoring, captive breeding and release, and
habitat stewardship projects.
Job Description:
Under the supervision of the Species Recovery Biologist, staff will be
responsible for monitoring the wild population in their designated
core area(s), and the care and soft-release of groups of
captive-hatched juveniles (transferred to release sites from one of
the program’s breeding facilities over July-August); this offers a
unique opportunity to work first-hand with an endangered species and
the chance to gain experience in animal care and population recovery
techniques in a field setting.
Responsibilities:
• Road-side and on-site (with prior permission) surveys to locate
breeding pairs of wild ELOSH
• Remote nest monitoring to determine nest productivity
• Identification and reporting of all colour banded ELOSH
• Initiating and maintaining landowner contact
• Working closely with local landowners and local NGO partners to
develop habitat stewardship projects
• Coordinate volunteer survey efforts in the Carden core (Adopt-a-Site program)
• Daily care and husbandry of captive young prior to release during
July and August (behavioural observations and provision of live food)
• Soft-release of young; post-release monitoring and supplemental feeding
• Release site and enclosure preparation and maintenance
• Assisting with banding of all captive young prior to release
• Attachment of remote tracking devices to a subset of captive young
prior to release
• Data management, monthly reports, end-of-season reports
• Effective and timely communication with program staff and partners
• General field site maintenance
• Additional tasks as required
Qualifications:
Applicants must have prior experience with bird monitoring/surveying
and have completed at least an undergraduate degree in a relevant
discipline (completion of a Master’s or equivalent level of
knowledge/experience is preferred). Experience with nest searching and
colour band identification preferred, as is familiarity with call
playback surveys. Banding experience is an asset. Applicants should
also have some familiarity with grassland birds and the ability to
identify the majority of species by sight and sound. Prior experience
with animal care in a captive setting is preferred. Bird
rehabilitation experience is a major asset. This position requires
strong organizational and communication skills and multi-tasking
abilities. Preference will be given to candidates with previous
experience supervising volunteers and/or managing field research
projects.
In addition, qualified candidates should be able to navigate in the
field using a map, compass, and GPS, work independently, and be
willing to work long hours and live in rustic field quarters.
Applicants should be physically fit, able to endure working in
variable weather conditions with exposure to biting insects. A valid
driver’s license is required and access to a vehicle for the duration
of the contract is preferred.
Most Eastern Loggerhead Shrikes breed on private lands, so
considerable landowner contact is required. The successful candidate
must have good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain
positive relationships with private landowners.
Position runs from early May through September 2015, with the
possibility of a contract extension into the fall of 2015.
Compensation is Cdn $2200-2500/month, depending on experience, with a
housing subsidy available if the successful candidate does not have
access to local accommodation.
To apply please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information
for three references to: Hazel Wheeler, Species Recovery Biologist:
hazel[at]wildlifepreservation.ca
Please submit your application as a single PDF or MS word file and
include the email subject heading “Shrike Recovery Biologist
Application”. Please apply ASAP as the positions will be filled as
soon as suitable candidates are found (applications will not be
considered after March 1, 2015). All applicants must be legally
eligible to work in Canada.