Wildlife Preservation Canada is seeking one Shrike Biologist with survey efforts and monitoring of the wild population of Eastern Loggerhead Shrike in Napanee, Ontario. Some work will also occur in Smiths Falls, Pembroke\/Renfrew and Grey-Bruce\/Manitoulin core areas. The Eastern Loggerhead Shrike is critically endangered with a total of only 23 known pairs breeding in Ontario in 2013. The greater Napanee area is one of the two core areas where ELOSH continue to breed, while ELOSH sightings in Smiths Falls, Pembroke\/Renfrew, and Grey-Bruce Manitoulin still occur. This position also includes assisting with the care and soft-release of groups of captive young (transferred to Napanee from one of the program\u2019s breeding facilities over July-August).<\/p>\n
Responsibilities:
\n\u2022 Road-side and on-site (with prior permission) surveys to locate breeding pairs of wild ELOSH
\n\u2022 Wild population monitoring (nest searching, behavioural monitoring, collection of productivity data)
\n\u2022 Identification and reporting of all colour banded ELOSH
\n\u2022 Initiating and maintaining landowner contact, communication and outreach
\n\u2022 Liaising with local NGO partners on habitat stewardship activities
\n\u2022 Collaborating with researchers from other organizations and assisting with activities such as wild adult trapping and banding and wild nestling banding
\n\u2022 Coordinate volunteer survey efforts in the Napanee, Smiths Falls, Pembroke\/Renfrew and Manitoulin cores (the \u201cAdopt-a-Site program\u201d)
\n\u2022 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)
\n\u2022 Data management, monthly reports, end-of-season reports
\n\u2022 Additional tasks as required<\/p>\n
The Napanee Biologist may also have the opportunity to assist with the banding of captive young and the attachment of geolocators onto a subset of young to be released.<\/p>\n
Qualifications:
\nApplicants should have prior experience with bird monitoring\/surveying and have completed at least an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (completion of a Master\u2019s or equivalent level of knowledge\/experience is preferred). Experience with nest searching and colour band identification is an asset, as is previous experience with animal care and captive breeding. Familiarity with call play-back surveys is preferred. 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Position runs from early March through October 2013, with the possibility of a contract extension into the fall of 2013. Compensation is Cdn$2000-2300\/month, depending on experience. WPC may also be able to subsidize housing costs if the successful candidate does not have access to local accommodation in the Napanee area. To apply please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to: Jessica Steiner, Species Recovery Biologist, jessica@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 \u201cNapanee Shrike Biologist Application\u201d. 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, 2013). All applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada.<\/p>\n