Northern Biologist

Wildlife biology, ecology, conservation

Position: Northern Biologist

Organization: Birds Canada

Location: The role is primarily remote, or based at one of Birds Canada’s offices (Port Rowan, ON or Sackville, NB), with regular travel to northern and remote locations for field work.

Are you looking to apply your skills to work that is meaningful, impactful, 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, unite people and communities around conservation, and act to protect birds and their habitats.

Birds Canada consistently sees strong employee wellness outcomes and high Employee Net Promoter Scores, reflecting a workplace where people feel supported, engaged, and proud of the work they do.

Together, we are Canada’s Voice for Birds. Will you join us?

Position Overview

The Northern Biologist (“Biologist”) plays an important role supporting all aspects of the Science in the North project including monitoring efforts, technology related to monitoring, outreach and capacity building, and community engagement. Working closely with all members of the Science in the North (“SITN”) team, the Biologist will support northern Indigenous collaborators and SITN program staff in a wide range of activities, primarily focused on monitoring and working directly with communities.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

This is a full-time role anticipated to start in late June/early July 2026 and continue through November 2028, with possibility of extension or continued employment subject to available funding. The Biologist reports to the Science in the North Project Manager and is primarily remote or based at one of Birds Canada’s offices (Port Rowan, ON or Sackville, NB), with regular travel to northern and remote locations for field work in a variety of seasonal conditions. Field activities may include hiking on uneven terrain, carrying and setting up equipment, conducting bird surveys, and participating in extended trips to remote communities.

Due to travel considerations, preference may be given to candidates located in northern focal regions (Boreal Ontario, Quebec, or Labrador) or near major transportation hubs serving the eastern north, including Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, and Winnipeg. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Total Compensation

Birds Canada is proud to offer an exceptional Total Compensation Package, including a competitive starting salary and 5% RRSP matching after 12 months of service. In addition, staff enjoy a primarily employer-paid extended benefits package including health and dental coverage, Basic Group Life Insurance, Group out-of-province travel medical insurance, Vision, ADD&D, short- and long-term disability coverage, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). We offer all staff 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. As part of our commitment to Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, Birds Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and encourages staff to take time to deepen their understanding and participate in local Indigenous events and learning opportunities.

STARTING SALARY: Compensation for this role starts at $56,987 annually. Final compensation will be commensurate with experience and aligned with internal equity.

Duties And Responsibilities

Support northern Indigenous-led bird monitoring projects:

• Working with the Science in the North team, understand and support monitoring goals of Indigenous groups and communities
• Co-develop and implement bird monitoring projects across northern regions
• Help with deployment, retrieval, and interpretation of Autonomous Recording Units, supporting the Bird Monitoring Biologist
• Contribute to wildlife tracking and monitoring projects and have opportunity to co-lead projects, especially on waterfowl
• Support or lead analyses of bird monitoring data
• Communicate Birds Canada goals and values respectfully and professionally while working in northern communities
  
  

Support Indigenous groups, Birds Canada, and northern partners in outreach, community engagement, and capacity building:

• Provide in-person and virtual training for community-led or co-developed projects relating to bird identification, monitoring protocols, recording technology use
• Support and help coordinate community projects, including outreach events, community talks, and Indigenous collaborator-led community engagement
• Help with development of outreach material – training resources, identification guides, information packets
  
  

Support other aspects of Science in the North project and Birds Canada programs in the North:

• Data gathering and summary for Indigenous communities and partners
• Motus deployment, Key Biodiversity Area planning, conservation area support
• Assisting team members with projects
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Experience

• Bird monitoring experience – acoustic and visual identification, surveying protocols
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously work on a variety of projects with shifting goals
• Able to work closely with a team, both virtually and in remote locations
• Prior experience working with Indigenous Peoples and in northern regions
• Knowledge of Northern Canada’s bird fauna, including relevant biology and conservation needs
• ARU experience from deployment to analysis, including interpretation of data
• Passion for conservation and understanding of conservation priorities
• English essential, French or Indigenous language fluency are strong assets
  
  

EDUCATION

B.Sc. or M.Sc. with a focus on wildlife biology, conservation, or related field.

We recognize that experience can be gained in many ways, including through non-traditional or community-based paths. If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply and share how your experience aligns.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a covering letter outlining how your experience aligns with this role via the Birds Canada Online Job Portal by 12pm EST on June 5, 2026. Birds Canada will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

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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 welcome to self-identify in their cover letter, if they feel comfortable. This is entirely optional.