Wildlife Biology Technician

Purpose of Position: The Wildlife Technician will assist the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority in identifying species, including species at risk, using Conservation Areas to inform management plan development for these properties. Specific Responsibilities: The Wildlife Technician will: - actively participate as part of a team in monitoring initiatives related to birds, amphibians and potentially bats at LTVCA’s Conservation Areas. As part of this work, they will assist with the following: - using computer software to cluster similar sound bites, - identifying bird, amphibian and potentially bat sonograms (sounds) from recordings, - assessing sound data to determine the highest level of breeding evidence for bird species at risk, - digitally documenting, reporting and presenting data (Excel, database and/or GIS mapping), - reporting species sightings through appropriate citizen science apps and/or reporting forms, - setting up and monitoring bioacoustic units to collect acoustic bird and amphibian sonograms and the ultrasonic calls of bats, - properly preparing for fieldwork and wrapping-up after a day’s fieldwork, - collecting and documenting survey information through the preparation of neat, concise and complete field notes and field sheets, - taking GPS locations, - taking photo documentation of the project, - using clear verbal communications in a team environment, - preparing communications materials, including information and images, related to the work being undertaken, - ensuring personal and team safety, - assisting stewardship and other LTVCA staff and - other duties as assigned. Leadership skills will be built with increased levels of responsibility once the Wildlife Technician is familiar with the work to be completed. In addition, they will assist with other LTVCA projects where opportunities arise (e.g. Ecological Land Classification of habitats at Conservation Areas, monitoring of HOBO data loggers, aquatic species sampling, water quality monitoring, stewardship initiatives etc.) to further diversify their experience (e.g. brief job shadowing opportunities). Qualifications: Canada Summer Jobs eligibility requirements: - be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period; - be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment (international students are not eligible participants); - have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and - be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations. - Have completed or be enrolled in a University or College level program in a related discipline (e.g. Environmental Science/Studies, Fish & Wildlife, Biology, Ecology). - Be skilled in identifying bird and amphibian species from sound. - Knowledge of Kaleidoscope Pro and/or Sonobat North America software is an asset. - Knowledge of how to identify bats from sonograms is an asset. - Understanding of Ontario breeding bird codes is an asset. - Data management skills are an asset. - GIS skills are an asset. - Experience developing communications materials is an asset. - Ability to work in an outdoor environment over uneven terrain (navigating through forest and swamp forest habitats) and in variable weather conditions is an asset. - Experience in field surveys (e.g. breeding bird surveys, amphibian call counts and/or the use of bioacoustic monitoring equipment) is an asset. - Courteous, effective listener with good comprehension skills, the ability to work co-operatively with others and a desire to assist other staff when required to do so in other work areas. - Demonstrate responsibility to independently complete tasks assigned and take the initiative to make suggestions and improvements. - Honest, enthusiastic and punctual. - Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license is an asset.