About the position
DutiesUnder the supervision of government scientific and technical staff, the selected student will support field and camp operations, including preparing equipment for chartered flights and participating in daily camp tasks (e.g., cooking, cleaning, and maintaining infrastructure).
The student will participate in daily monitoring of thick-billed murres at their breeding cliff colony (e.g. bird capture, handling, blood sampling, banding, nest monitoring), as well as documenting other species present. The student will conduct data entry, quality control, and preliminary data processing in the field, including extracting and managing data, and programming biologging devices to support real-time adjustments to monitoring protocols. The student will be assigned primary responsibility for one or more monitoring protocols, including leading implementation, training team members, and ensuring consistent application throughout the field season.
The student will also assist with data entry, the organization and storage of field equipment and biological samples following the field season.
Work environmentThe Biodiversity Research Division of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), based at the National Wildlife Research Centre in Ottawa, conducts long-term ecological research in collaboration with academic partners. This student field research assistant position will provide the opportunity to work at Seabird Field Station of Coats Island, an Arctic ECCC field camp located on a small, remote island accessible only by chartered flights.
The selected student will work as part of a small but diverse team that includes ECCC research staff, collaborators from Canadian universities, and Indigenous partners. The field environment is physically demanding, with conditions that are often cold, wet, windy, and occasionally snowy. Work is expected to continue in inclement weather.
Due to the remote and isolated nature of the field camp, the student will live and work in close quarters with approximately 8 team members for roughly 5 weeks of the field season. The student will be provided with all required safety equipment, scientific gear, and shared accommodation. The work environment is collaborative, respectful, and inclusive, and requires strong interpersonal skills and adaptability.
The student is expected to work a maximum of 37.5 hours per week.
Positions to be filled
1
Important messages
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities, all candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria by the date of appointment:
- Be recognized as having full-time student status at an accredited Canadian post-secondary academic institution (this includes students with a disability deemed to have full-time status). Individuals pending approval of acceptance or in the process of submitting applications are encouraged to apply, as proof of enrollment will only be required prior to the start date.
- Be enrolled in an academic program that requires research as part of the curriculum.
- Be at least the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.
This includes students with physical or emotional disabilities deemed to have full-time status by their academic institution. Adult students registered in education and retraining programs at the secondary level may also be eligible for student employment programs. Learn more about whether you are eligible.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
The student must be currently enrolled or willing to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate (master’s) program in the field of environmental science or biology, and must be a full-time student.
The research done as part of this program must be applicable and relevant to the student’s thesis.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
-Experience identifying a variety of bird species by sight and sound
-Experience using optics (e.g., binoculars, spotting scopes)
-Experience recording, transcribing, and curating complex datasets
-Experience with data extraction, management, and analysis using R
-Experience operating ATVs or manual transmission 4WD vehicles
-Experience following established field protocols
-Experience leading and coordinating field activities
-Experience capturing, banding, and blood sampling birds
-Experience with climbing techniques, including rappelling and rope ascent
Applied / assessed at a later date
- Hold a possession and Acquisition (PAL) Firearm License
- Hold a first Aid, CPR/AED Level C certification (Wilderness First Aid preferred)
-Knowledge of avian biology, conservation and monitoring
-Ability to work independently and as a team
-Ability to work on a diverse team
-Ability to lead and implement field protocols
-Ability to operate safely around wildlife
-Ability to operate safely around vehicles, small vehicles and aircraft
Our commitment
We're committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Learn more about assessment accommodation.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.
Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.
Preference
Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.
Learn more about preference to veterans.
How to apply
Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.
Information you must provide
- Your résumé
- Contact information for 2 references
- A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year
We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.