MAPS Bander-in-Charge

Owl Moon Environmental Inc. (OMEI; www.owlmoon.ca) is accepting applications for Bander-in-Charge (BIC) positions for the summer 2025 season. We are hiring up to six BICs to assist with the operations of our network of Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) 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 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 would be responsible for the maintenance and operation of six remote MAPS banding stations. Positions would commence on May 21, and would extend through August 8, 2025. You would be expected to arrive in Fort McMurray on May 20, to begin training early on May 21. Applicants must be qualified to live and work within 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. The successful candidate would 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 would be provided) in Alberta.

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

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and the name and contact information of three persons as references. Successful candidates must 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 hr@owlmoon.ca. We thank all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.