efforts and monitoring of the wild population of Eastern Loggerhead Shrike in
Napanee, Ontario. Some work may also occur in Smiths Falls, Pembroke and
Renfrew. The Eastern Loggerhead Shrike is critically endangered with a total of
only 21 known pairs breeding in Ontario in 2011. The greater Napanee area is
one of the two core areas where ELOSH continue to breed, while ELOSH sightings
in Smiths Falls and Pembroke/Renfrew have been increasing in recent years. This
position also includes an opportunity to assist with the care and soft-release
of groups of captive young (transferred to Napanee from one of WPC’s field
breeding sites).
Responsibilities:
• Road-side and on-site (with prior permission) surveys to locate breeding
pairs of wild ELOSH
• Wild population monitoring (nest searching, behavioural monitoring,
collection of productivity data)
• Identification and reporting of all colour banded ELOSH
• Initiating and maintaining landowner contact
• Liaising with local NGO partners on habitat stewardship activities
• Collaborating with researchers from other organizations and assisting with
activities such as wild adult trapping and banding and wild nestling banding
• Coordinate volunteer survey efforts in the Carden core (developing an
“Adopt-a-Site program”)
• Overall management and coordination of activities at the captive release site
(including diet preparation (live food), daily behavioural observations of
pairs and their young, soft-release of young, supplemental feeding and
post-release monitoring)
• Banding of all captive young prior to release
• Data management, monthly reports, end-of-season reports
• Additional tasks as required
Qualifications:
Applicants should have prior experience with bird monitoring/surveying and have
completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (or possess
equivalent knowledge/experience). Experience with nest searching and colour
band identification preferred. Familiarity with call play-back surveys is
preferred. Previous experience with animal care and captive breeding is ideal.
Bird rehabilitation experience is a major asset. Qualified candidates must also
be able to navigate in the field using a map, compass, and GPS, work
independently, and be willing to work long hours. Applicants should be
physically fit and 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 and local accommodation for the duration of the contract is preferred.
This position requires strong organizational skills and multi-tasking
abilities. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience
supervising field staff/volunteers and/or managing field research projects.
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 late March through September 2012. Some opportunities for
contract extension may be available. Compensation will be based on a daily rate
of $140 (inclusive of mileage) up to a maximum of $17,000 for the duration of
the contract. Work will depend in part on number of shrikes located.
To apply please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three
references to: Tara Imlay, Species Recovery Biologist, tara@wildlifepreservation.ca
or Wildlife Preservation Canada, RR#5 5420 Highway 6 North, Guelph, Ontario N1H
6J2. Email applications preferred. Please submit your application as a single
PDF or MS word file and include the email subject heading “Napanee Shrike
Biologist Application”. Please apply ASAP as the position will be filled
as soon as a suitable candidate is found (applications will not be considered
after February 1, 2012). All applicants must be legally eligible to work in
Canada.
