Conducting avian point count surveys and vegetation surveys in central and northern boreal forests of Alberta.
Technical and required training will be conducted prior to the start of the field season. Field work will be conducted in teams in remote and rugged conditions. Data collection will be physically demanding; bird technician should be prepared for unpredictable/uncooperative weather conditions, difficult terrain, wildlife
encounters (including bears), and persistent insects. Technicians will live in tent-based field camps.
Field work will be conducted from May to July. Office work will be conducted in July/August (entering, interpreting, and summarizing field data in Edmonton CWS Office).
Salary: Approximately $4600.00 per month. Time Period: 90 working days starting May 1, 2012. Food, accommodation, and transportation in the field will be provided.
SKILLS – REQUIRED:
• Previous experience (>=2 field seasons experience) conducting point count surveys for landbirds in boreal or hemi-boreal forest regions of Canada or United States.
• Previous experience as a crew leader on a field-based project (>= 3 field seasons experience). Must have experience organizing and conducting field work and field logistics including: sampling/survey schedule, travel schedule, field equipment, field vehicles; maintaining a field camp; organizing and summarizing data; supervising at least one staff member.
• Ability to identify boreal forest landbirds by sight and sound.
• Physically fit, comfortable working and camping in forest environments and willing to live in tent-based field camps.
• Experience working in remote settings.
• Experience navigating in remote forest regions areas using map, compass, and GPS.
• Some experience conducting vegetation surveys (required-knowledge of non-vascular and vascular plant identification and vegetation community classification e.g. Ecosite Classification or Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification).
• Ability to work very early mornings and long days.
• Experience in the safe operation of off-road vehicles (4×4 trucks, ATVs).
• Experience using MS Office software applications, particularly Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Experience entering, assembling, summarizing and managing scientific data.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Initiative
• Effective interpersonal relationships
• Thoroughness
• Dependability
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Willingness to travel and work in remote locations for extended time periods.
• Willingness to work irregular hours and on weekends.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants should prepare a cover letter that provides clear and concise examples of relevant experience and skills noting the QUALIFICATIONS and SUITABILITIES listed above. Please include in your description of your relevant experience: Who-employer; When and How Long-date and time period of experience in months or years; Where-location including city/town and province and specific location of field experience (e.g. boreal forest, sub-boreal forest, grassland, montane, aspen parkland); What-describe your specific duties.
Submit cover letter, resume, and 2 references as one document (MS Word format or PDF) if interested in this position to: Thea.Carpenter@ec.gc.ca.
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 17, 2012.
Please note: While we thank all applicants for your interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.