Summer jobs, Student jobs

Position: Coastal Species at Risk Assistant
Type: summer (preference to Canada Summer Jobs eligibility, age 30 & under)
Organization: Birds Canada
Location: Open to qualified candidates who have access to housing in the Southwest Nova Scotia region (Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne counties)

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 use science to uncover the reasons behind changes in bird populations and the evidence needed to understand and conserve 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
Working closely with an interdisciplinary team of experienced biologists, the Coastal Species at Risk Assistant will help advance national and regional conservation objectives for endangered Piping Plover in the Kespukwitk/Southwest Nova Scotia region. The Assistant will be part of a team of staff, volunteers, and partners monitoring and protecting breeding endangered Piping Plover, while fostering coastal stewardship on local beaches.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
This full-time, fixed term (8-week) role will start on 1 June and end on 24 July 2026. The Coastal Species at Risk Assistant reports to the Atlantic Shorebird Programs Biologist.  Preference will be given to those who meet Canada Summer Jobs eligibility criteria. This ad is for an existing vacancy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities of this role include field monitoring, habitat protection, public outreach, and data management in support of endangered Piping Plover conservation on beaches in southwest Nova Scotia (Lunenburg, Queens, and Shelburne counties).

• Conduct fieldwork on coastal beaches to monitor endangered Piping Plover and support the maintenance of signs and fencing that protect nesting habitat.
• Collaborate with staff, partners, and community volunteers to ensure nesting sites are regularly assessed.
• Assist with coordinating fieldwork schedules and maintain flexibility, including some longer days in the field and occasional weekend work during peak beachgoer periods.
• Provide regular updates to supervisors throughout the field season and flag any issues as they arise.
• Deliver targeted educational outreach to beachgoers and nearby communities.
• Ensure all data is entered into NatureCounts and other reporting systems throughout the duration of the position.
• Support additional tasks as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational skills, along with enthusiasm for bird conservation and environmental education.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to engage with beachgoers.
• Some experience working outdoors, ideally on environmental projects, and enthusiasm for coastal fieldwork.
• Some experience conducting, collecting, managing, and summarizing data.
• Ability to work independently in remote coastal areas (with cell service available at most sites) and carry equipment over several kilometres on beaches.
• Familiarity with the ecology and conservation needs of Piping Plovers and other coastal wildlife.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER ESSENTIALS:

• Fluency in English (ability to speak French is an asset but not required)
• In-progress or completed degree or diploma in biology, ecology or related field, or equivalent experience
• Valid driver’s license and access to personal vehicle for field work
• Valid First Aid certification (obtained before contract start date)
• For home-based office portions of the role, you must have access to a personal computer and reliable internet
• You must be legally entitled to work in Canada (if applicable, successful applicants must provide a copy of their Work Permit and temporary SIN prior to commencing work)
• Preference will be given to those who meet Canada Summer Jobs eligibility criteria

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The wage for this role is $18.48 per hour for a 40-hour work week, plus statutory and discretionary benefits including prorated Vacation and Personal Health Days. This position also includes a meal reimbursement for overnight work, and branded clothing for public-facing events and fieldwork. Mileage reimbursement ($0.67/km) will be provided for use of a personal vehicle for travel to field sites.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining how your experience makes you the perfect candidate for this role via the Birds Canada Online Job Portal. Interviews will begin immediately upon posting, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply early, as interviews will begin immediately.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

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.