Bird conservation fieldwork positions

Position: Observatory Field Operations Coordinator
Organization: Birds Canada 
Department: Long Point Bird Observatory
Location: Long Point Bird Observatory’s remote field stations (Breakwater and The Tip) / Port Rowan (Hybrid)

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 Observatory Field Operations Coordinator (‘Coordinator’) is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of migration monitoring, education, and training programs at Long Point Bird Observatory’s remote field stations (Breakwater and The Tip). This role includes leading and supporting people, coordinating logistics, maintaining facilities and equipment, and overseeing data collection, management, and reporting. The Coordinator reports to the Research Ecologist and Observatory Manager and is a sub-permittee under LPBO’s Master Banding Permit. Outside of the migration monitoring season, this role helps organize and participate in additional surveys, censuses, and monitoring initiatives in Ontario as a part of collaborative projects with other Birds Canada teams and external partners.

This is a unique opportunity for a motivated and skilled field professional — an avid birder with strong identification skills and a genuine enthusiasm and appreciation for hands-on conservation work. You thrive working outdoors, take initiative, and bring strong organizational and communication skills to a collaborative team environment. The Coordinator must lead by example, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and work ethic, and be comfortable leading and mentoring volunteers and cooperators. Teaching and mentoring through hands-on experience – learning by doing – is central to success in this role.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

This full time role is anticipated to start in May 2026 and will be based from remote field stations (boat access only) during the migration monitoring season (April to early July, late August to mid-November), with options to work the rest of the year in-person at Birds Canada’s Headquarters in Port Rowan or remotely from your home base.

This position involves early mornings and extended field days in remote outdoor settings. The role requires physical fitness to lift and transport field equipment, hike long distances over varied terrain, and travel by boat to field sites. Work occurs in a range of weather conditions, including heat, wind, and rain. During the monitoring season, the position includes living in shared accommodations with limited personal space, utilities, and internet connectivity. While situated at remote field stations, room and board (food) is included.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

• Competitive starting salary: $56,987 annually, commensurate with experience.
• 5% RRSP matching after 12 months of employment.
• Primarily employer-paid extended benefits package including health and dental coverage, Basic Group Life Insurance, Group out-of-province travel insurance, Vision, ADD&D, short- and long-term disability coverage, and an Employee Assistance Plan.
• 4 weeks’ vacation per year to start along with 12 personal health days and additional paid vacation days between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
• Exclusive employee discounts and other perks.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Monitoring

• Ensure the Migration Monitoring Program follows LPBO protocols and the highest scientific and ethical standards.
• Organize and participate in additional surveys and monitoring projects as part of internal and external collaborations that may occur elsewhere in the province.
• Support observatory and collaborator-driven research including reporting, logistics, fees, permitting, publishing, and supervision.
• Oversee data collection, entry, and reporting to ensure accurate and complete protocols and databases.
• Complete all required reporting and permitting for research programs, including annual LPBO reports.

Training and Volunteer and Intern Management

• Maintain a nurturing, world-class and state-of-the-art training program, global in reach and influence, with a special focus on extending training opportunities to Latin American participants.
• Ensure LPBO activities are undertaken with a safety-first mind-set, following all health and safety protocols and procedures.
• Recruit, schedule, train, and coordinate volunteers and interns each migration season.
• Provide mentorship, logistical support, and supervision to cooperators
• Foster an inclusive, supportive, and professional research environment, ensuring volunteers’ well-being and interpersonal cohesion.

Public Engagement and Outreach

• Assist the LPBO team with the planning, delivery, and supporting implementation of outreach and education programming, including the Doug Tarry Natural History Fund’s Young Ornithologist Workshop and Internship, school visits (when the Coordinator is on the mainland), and special interest group programs that may visit remote stations.
• Assist with Birdathon and other fundraising initiatives.
• Assist in the fulfillment of the LPBO Communications strategy: provide content for social media updates, regularly publish sightings, engagement stories, and news.
• Help maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, partner organizations, and academic institutions.

Facility and Equipment Management

• Ensure remote research stations are well-maintained, clean, and fully operational.
• Oversee maintenance and care of vehicles, boats, and research equipment.
• Conduct supply runs and ensure research stations are stocked with necessary provisions.
• Perform or arrange routine maintenance, including cleaning, minor repairs, landscaping, carpentry, plumbing, painting, and invasive species removal.
• Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Assets to identify facility needs and implement solutions.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Exceptional bird identification skills by sight and sound.
• Previous bird banding and bander training experience with a strong emphasis on passerines.
• Certification as a Trainer by the North American Banding Council (or equivalent experience and expertise).
• Comfort with navigation using GPS, compass and map, and the stars.
• A valid Class G Ontario driver’s license (or equivalent) and a valid boating license.
• Excellent working knowledge of Windows computer programs.
• Experience in the safe operations of boats, canoes, ATVs, and other equipment is desired.
• Basic handy-person skills and know-how or a willingness to learn is desired.

EDUCATION

A B.Sc. in biology or similar, or an exceptional depth of experience in the field is required.

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 January 30, 2026. Birds Canada will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

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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