Field biology jobs, Summer jobs

Position: Piping Plover Technician
Organization: Birds Canada 

Dates: 13-weeks, anticipated start date May 4, 2026
Location: This is an on-site field technician role. Location of this position will be determined by plover nesting locations in 2026, which could include the Bruce-Grey-Simcoe Region, Durham Region, or Northumberland County, Ontario. Travel may be required; campsites are provided when necessary.

Are you looking to apply your skills to work that is meaningful, engaging, and makes a real difference for nature? Do you want to work in a collaborative, values-driven organization that supports flexibility and well-being while tackling important conservation challenges?

Birds Canada is the country’s leading national organization dedicated to bird conservation. Our team of 100+ staff works alongside thousands of committed volunteers and supporters to Uncover the science needed to understand birds, Unite people and communities around conservation, and Act to protect birds and their habitats. Together, we are Canada’s Voice for Birds. Will you join us?

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Piping Plover Technician will assist with all aspects of the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to; beach surveys, nest monitoring, data collection and entry, implementing recovery activities, public outreach and education on beaches and at special events, social media, volunteer coordination, and public speaking.

The successful candidate will commute to active and historic Piping Plover breeding beaches on a regular basis, and must be comfortable working independently, interacting with the public, and spending long days outdoors in the heat and sun.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

This fixed term 13-week hybrid role reports to the Piping Plover Field Biologist, with an anticipated start date of May 4, 2026. Confirmation of this position is subject to funding and is expected by April 2026.

Location of this position will be determined by plover nesting locations in 2026, which could include the Bruce-Grey-Simcoe Region, Durham Region, or Northumberland County. Travel may be required; campsites are provided when necessary. Due to the nature of the fieldwork and accommodations, this role involves higher-than-typical physical, visual, auditory and sustained concentration demands.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Communicate with the Field Biologist and Coordinator to plan day-to-day activities.
• Conduct surveys, monitor nests, and implement recovery activities at Piping Plover beaches.
• Conduct stewardship and outreach with the public during surveying, monitoring, and events.
• Participate in the development and implementation of additional outreach efforts; special events, presentations, social media, and website content, etc.
• Support the Field Biologist and Coordinator with volunteer coordination, including supporting volunteer training, scheduling, and recruitment.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with beach users, volunteers, residents, stakeholders, and Rightsholders.
• Complete data entry and proofing, and support data analysis and report writing as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Good knowledge of Ontario birds, especially shorebirds and raptors, and ability to identify target program birds by sight and sound
• Excellent observation and note-taking skills
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Experience and/or enthusiasm for engaging with members of the public, using various mediums (social media, booth & tent displays, presentations, handout material creation, etc.).
• Ability to work and live in a remote, communal environment as a part of a small team
• Self-initiative with a high level of motivation and energy
• Valid Ontario driver’s license (G preferred, G2 accepted), with clean record
• Valid First Aid Certification (obtained before contract start date)
• Preference will be given to those who meet Canada Summer Jobs eligibility requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Although not required, some candidates may be in the process of, or have already completed, a B.Sc. in biology or ecology or an equivalent wildlife-related program. Relevant experience or other informal and formal education/training are equally considered.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary for this role is $18.30 - $19.52 per hour depending on project-relevant experience and expertise for an approximately 40-hour work week. Compensation includes statutory and discretionary benefits including pro-rated Vacation and Personal Health Days. Accommodation costs during work-related travel (campsites or Airbnb rentals) are reimbursed.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a covering letter outlining how your experience makes you the perfect candidate for this role via the Birds Canada Online Job Portal by 5pm EST on February 27, 2026. Birds Canada will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. Please include your location in your cover letter.

At Birds Canada, we are committed to fostering a culture that values Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, and Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, as integral approaches that shape all that we do in our organization and for nature (read our full commitment to inclusion at this LINK). We oppose prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination, and aim to ensure that people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences feel a sense of belonging and can participate in protecting wild birds and their habitats.

We are actively seeking to improve our ability to reach all candidates with our job postings. Applicants belonging to racialized groups, who identify as Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or who have a disability, are therefore welcome to mention this in their cover letter, if they feel comfortable, although this is not a requirement.

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