Owl Moon Environmental Inc. (OMEI; www.owlmoon.ca) is accepting applications for Bander-in-Charge (BIC) positions for the summer 2024 season. We are hiring up to six BICs to assist with the operations of our network of Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) bird banding stations, operated collaboratively with The Institute for Bird Populations (http://www.birdpop.org/maps.htm). Our MAPS program is supported by the Oil Sands Monitoring program, a collaborative initiative within Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas that brings researchers together across a broad range of terrestrial biological monitoring. Program objectives are to understand the effects of oil sands development and the cumulative impacts of development on songbird populations. Under this initiative, our MAPS program includes banding stations near Conklin, Lac la Biche and Cold Lake, as well as near to and north of Fort McMurray, Alberta. The BIC will be responsible for the maintenance and operation of six remote MAPS banding stations. Positions will commence on May 21, and will extend through August 8, 2024. Applicants must be qualified to live and work within Canada, and preference will be given to applicants currently living in Canada.

Successful candidates must have advanced skills in mist-netting, bird banding, identifying, aging and sexing of landbirds in the hand, ability to identify birds by song, operation of a banding station, data management, and either hold or qualify to hold a CWS bird-banding subpermit. NABC certification and previous experience with the MAPS protocol would be very useful assets. Working with an assistant bander, a successful candidate will supervise, guide, and provide advanced training to their assistant on bird-banding, aging and sexing of birds, and banding station operations. Demonstrated leadership skills, attention to detail, adherence to safety requirements, and tolerance of long and sometimes difficult field days that begin before dawn, and an ability to supervise and maintain a healthy team atmosphere are required. Applicants must hold a current, valid driver’s licence (equivalent to Alberta Class 5), allowing them to drive (truck will be provided) in Alberta.

BIC’s will be employees of OMEI and will receive payment of between CA$3,800 and CA$4,000 (less required deductions) per month to be paid biweekly, depending on experience. Food and accommodation will be provided. Successful applicants will have their travel paid or receive a travel allowance to offset the costs of travel to and from Fort McMurray. BIC’s will adhere to OMEI safety and industrial site requirements for working in this region, including government agency and client directives relating to pandemics, and will be required to pass a pre-employment Alcohol & Drug test. Safety training courses (e.g., First Aid, OSSA Basic Safety Orientation, Bear Awareness) will be provided. Upon completing the season adequately and responsibly and adhering to all required safety protocols, you will receive a lump-sum bonus of CA$2,500 at the conclusion of the program. No health or other benefits beyond those described herein will be included.

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and the name and contact information of three persons as references. Successful candidates must be able to provide a driver’s abstract as well as an insurance agency letter (or equivalent insurance history document) that shows at least 3 years of previous vehicle insurance coverage to demonstrate a driving record that qualifies for coverage under OMEI’s vehicle insurance policy. Applications will be received until all positions are filled. To apply or receive further information please contact OMEI Human Resources at [email protected]. We thank all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.