Avian Biologist

Natural Resource Solutions Inc. (NRSI) is proud to provide high quality and cost-effective natural environment consulting solutions to our clients across Canada. We are a highly respected niche biological consulting firm with offices in Waterloo, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta. Our team of skilled ecologists provide expertise in the identification and management of significant and sensitive natural species and their habitats.

Why Us?

At NRSI we value our people and strive to provide a healthy work-life balance and a safe work environment. We offer a competitive hourly wage, the opportunity to work with other highly experienced staff, and career growth opportunities by promoting from within our organization.

Your Contribution to NRSI

NRSI is looking for one or more qualified and experienced Avian Biologists to join NRSI’s team. The primary focus of this position will be the completion of breeding bird surveys, as well as other avian surveys (migration, behavior, etc.) at a variety of project sites across Ontario. The biologist(s) will also assist with other field and office projects work, including other ecological field surveys. There may be other opportunities throughout the contract to lead and/or assist with other survey types if the applicant demonstrates skills in other areas of biology. The primary duties and responsibilities for this role include:

• Conducting avian surveys across Ontario using the applicable bird survey protocols and methodologies,
• Traveling to remote locations in Ontario to conduct field surveys, several multi-week trips may be required for this role,
• Taking well-organized and detailed field notes,
• Communicating frequently and as required with project managers, other field staff, and clients,
• Following all applicable Health and Safety requirements,
• Occasional assistance with other field- or office-related tasks.

Your Education:

• A post-secondary degree or diploma, or high school diploma.

Key Job Requirements:

• Minimum 1 Year of experience in conducting avian surveys (e.g., breeding bird surveys, point counts, area searches, documenting breeding evidence).
• Proficient in identifying most breeding birds of southern and central Ontario, with a strong focus on songbirds (visually and auditorily).
• Minimum 1 year of experience with bird survey protocols (e.g., Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, Marsh Monitoring Program)
• Comfortable with fieldwork in remote locations, including camping and extensive travel.
• Ability to work independently and maintain detailed, accurate field notes.
• Experience in technical report writing, data entry, and analysis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Physically fit and able to conduct fieldwork in challenging conditions (long hours, early mornings, varied weather, rough terrain, insects, etc.).
• Must have a Valid driver’s license, and access to an insured personal vehicle, with the eligibility to drive rental vehicles (18+). The company will reimburse the authorized mileage for work purposes as per the company policy.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification.

Assets:

• Certifications in ELC and the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES).
• Experience completing surveys for pollinators/insects, herpetofauna, birds, and mammals.
• Any additional avian field experience other than the required one.
• Experience in other terrestrial field surveys (e.g., ecological land classification, herpetofauna, mammal, insect surveys)

Application Closing Date: April 30, 2025. Interviews will begin as suitable applicants are found.

Application Requirements: A cover letter addressed to Daniel Riley is required with all applications.

Position Start Date: May 19, 2025.

Position End Date: August 29, 2025

Location: Waterloo, ON. Applicants located outside of the Waterloo area will be considered, depending on experience and ability to travel for field work.

Salary: $23.50-$26.60 per hour commensurate on experience.

Estimated number of hours per week, including authorized travel: 40 hours (may be variable outside of breeding bird season, May 24 to July 10).

NRSI is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

NRSI is also committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in our recruitment process, employment, services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact our HR Department at 519-807-0592.