Bumble Bee Field Interns (2 Positions)
Position: Bumble Bee Field Interns
Project: Native Pollinator Initiative
Location: Based out of Guelph, Ontario – field work will require some travel
Type of position: Full-time (40 hours /week) temporary position (16 weeks)
Anticipated start: Week of 17 April 2017
Rate of pay: $1,897 per month fixed salary, including 4% vacation pay
Hours of work: Flexible to suit project needs and weather conditions. Working some weekends will be required
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) is seeking two summer technicians to assist with the implementation of 2017 activities related to the Native Pollinator Initiative. Work will involve mostly time in the field, occurring at multiple sites primarily within the Wellington-Halton Hills region. The goal of our pollinator program is to facilitate the recovery of declining bumble bees and other at-risk pollinators, through field surveys, research, and the development of a conservation breeding program for the Yellow-banded Bumble Bee. Working under the direction of the Project Lead Biologist and Field Crew Leader, the technicians will assist with various components of this program, including: 1) wild bumble bee population surveys, monitoring activities, and collections, 2) assisting in the preparation for and delivery of science communication and outreach programs, and 3) assisting with data entry, compilation, analysis, and preliminary report preparation. Supervision will be provided daily by either the Project Lead Biologist or Project Field Crew Leader, and technicians will always work in a minimum of groups of 2.
- DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
– The technicians will be undertaking tasks and responsibilities that fall within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field of conservation biology.
- Assist with spring and summer wild bumble bee population surveys at multiple sites in Southern Ontario, including spring collections of Yellow-banded Bumble Bee queens for use in our captive breeding program (~60%)
- Assist with monitoring deployed bumble bee colony nest boxes (~20%)
- Participate in other projects and perform additional duties as required (e.g., development and delivery of science communication and outreach programs, data entry and analysis, preliminary report preparation) (~20%)
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Strong interest in ecology, conservation, and research-based field work.
- Enrolled in an applicable college or university program, e.g., biology, ecology, environmental science, zoology, wildlife biology, other similar disciplines.
- Ability to work professionally and safely in uncomfortable weather conditions (high heat and humidity), for long hours (up to 12 hours/day).
- Ability to be available on short notice due to weather-dependence of field activities.
- Ability and willingness to work independently at times and seek clarification if unsure of correct procedures.
- A strong eye for detail and experience with keeping accurate, neat field records and performing precise data entry.
- Strong communication skills and a positive attitude, ability to work in a team environment.
- Previous experience conducting biological surveys and experience with plants and/or insect identification an asset.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite for purposes of word processing and data entry in Excel an asset.
- G-class driver’s license and access to a vehicle an asset.
ELIGIBILITY
These positions are tentative on funding by the Canada Summer Jobs program. Each technician must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
- was registered as a full-time student during the preceding academic year and intends to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year;
- be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and;
- be legally entitled to work according to the relevant Ontario legislation and regulations.
To apply please send a cover letter and resume to: Sarah Johnson, Project Lead Biologist, sarah@wildlifepreservation.ca. Please submit your application as a single PDF or MS word file attachment and include in the email subject heading “WPC Native Pollinator Initiative – Bumble Bee Conservation Technician”. Application deadline is midnight 20 March 2017; however, applications should be forwarded ASAP and will be reviewed as they are submitted.
Please note these positions are only open to continuing students that are Canadian residents. Thank you for your interest!
Bookmark Job
You must sign in to bookmark this listing.