Biology Work Study Positions

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4 work study positions in two Biology projects are accepting applications.

Please see the job ads at the Career Centre:  http://www.ufv.ca/jobs

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Project Title: Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology to Study the Nesting Behaviour of Tree Swallows

2 positions, May 2015 – September 2015, 120 hours each.

Salary: $11.28 per hour

Description of project:

The main objective of this project will be to develop RFID capability to study the nesting behaviour of tree swallows at Colony Farm Regional Park in Coquitlam, British Columbia.

This involves applying small radio tags to nesting swallows. These tags uniquely identify each individual bird and allows the tracking of each bird into and out of a nesting box. Such data can inform us of how many times male and female swallows visit their eggs and chicks and how long each visit to the nest box lasts. Along with electronic tracking of the nesting adults, each nest will be regularly checked (two to three times per week) during nesting season to track nest building, egg-laying and chick-rearing activities of the birds. Training will be provided in the use of the RFID equipment.

List of tasks to be performed by student: 

  • Regular checking of nest boxes to record nesting progress by swallows.
  • Monitoring swallow boxes to help capture male and female swallows to allow banding of swallows and attachment of RFID tag.
  • Taking data and helping with banding and tagging of swallows.
  • Data collection – downloading data from data loggers from each box once a week.
  • Data analysis of nest box data and logged data from RFID tags.
  • Helping with the running of a very active banding station, with tasks including bird banding, data recording, site maintenance and data entry.

Requirements:

  • Student must have a GPA of 2.0
  • Student must have completed first year biology courses.
  • Student must be returning to full-time study in the Fall semester.
  • The banding station is at Colony Farm Regional Park and the student will require their own transportation to get there.
  • Bird banding is carried in the early hours of the morning (starting at dawn), so the student must be able to work early morning hours on banding days (Tuesdays and Thursdays and one weekend day).
  • To band birds at the station, any student hired for these positions is expected to attend a bird banding course in Burnaby from June 5th to June 7th.

For more information or to apply for a position, please contact Debbie Wheeler (debbie.wheeler@ufv.ca)

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Project Title: Western Painted Turtle Nest Monitoring

2 positions, May 15, 2015 – July 2015, 120 hours each

Salary:  $11.28/hour

Job Description

Nest monitoring for Western Painted Turtles takes place nightly at Nicomen Slough (45 min from UFV, in Deroche). Monitoring occurs from mid-May to early July from approximately 5:00pm – midnight, each evening. Monitors walk easily accessible nesting areas looking for female turtles attempting to nest, attempt to identify turtles through shell notch patterns, confirm presence of nest and record data related to the nest (location, temperature, identification of female etc.). This process requires minimal physical effort.

Work-study students will work 2 – 3 regular nights a week for a total of 120 hours over approximately 8 weeks. Nicomen Slough site is rural. For safety reasons two people participate in this project together for each shift, and all individuals will be paired with a partner.

Qualifications

Interest in wildlife conservation and completion of first year biology courses.
Students are required to be self-motivating with attention to detail, safety and producing quality work/data. Ability to work well as a small team, communicate with supervisor, and manage/report data is essential. People in the surrounding area are mostly familiar with the project. You will be expected to maintain a courteous manner to all members of the public and explain your project to the best of your ability.
Summer work-study students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be returning to full-time study in fall semester.
Students must provide their own transportation to the study site at Nicomen Slough.

For more information and to apply:

Christine Dalton | christine.dalton@ufv.ca | (604)504-7441