Assistant Bird Bander
Organization: Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory Society
Location: Slave Lake, Alberta
Housing: staff accommodation (see below)
Job Type: Full Time Summer Position.
Term: Tentatively May 1 to September 30, 2019 with possibility of extension.
Wage: $3250 to 3500 per month based on experience and qualifications.
Job Description
The Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory (LSLBO) is located in the Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, approximately 20km north of Slave Lake, Alberta. During our spring and fall migration monitoring programs, we operate 12 standard mist-nets and 2 aerial nets to band songbirds. In the summer, we operate 4 MAPS stations and may be performing breeding bird surveys in remote locations. We are looking for one hard-working, enthusiastic, detail-orientated individual to assist with our long-term avian monitoring programs including visual counts and bird banding. Daily duties include setting up the station early each morning, conducting visual counts, extracting and banding birds, and training and managing volunteers and assistants, as well as data recording, tabulating daily totals, completing the daily log, and data entry. Additional duties include equipment upkeep, trail maintenance, and demonstrating bird banding to the public. Experience working with mist-nets, identifying, aging, and sexing birds in the hand is required. Successful candidates may be expected to work long days, including weekends and holidays and must be flexible with schedule changes. If the candidate possesses or can obtain a permit to band Northern Saw-whet Owls using mist-nets, the contract may be extended until mid to late October. Seasonal staff accommodation is available at the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation at a cost of $295/month. More information on the LSLBO is available at http://www.lslbo.org
Requirements
- Excellent identification skills of the birds of northern Alberta by sight and sound.
- Possess or be eligible to obtain a Canadian Scientific Permit to Capture and Band Migratory Birds (Passerines and other landbirds).
- Physically capable to work long hours on your feet with lots of walking; including hiking through rough terrain in heavily forested areas.
- Work in poor weather conditions and tolerate biting insects.
- Enthusiasm for early mornings.
- Detail-oriented with excellent field data recording and data entry skills (Microsoft Office).
- Proven leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Safety conscience and bear aware.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license.
- Standard First Aid and CPR Certificate prior to commencement.
To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to the Bander in Charge at BIC@lslbo.org
Applications will be reviewed as they are received so submit your resume as soon as possible. This posting will remain open until a successful candidate is found for this position.