2019 Waterfowl Technician

~ Delta Waterfowl Foundation is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowling in North America. ~

Headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Delta delivers on this mission for you, the duck hunter, in four key ways:

• Delta produces ducks for you. Delta’s effective, science-based duck production programs, including Predator Management and Hen Houses, add thousands of ducks every year to your fall fight.
• Delta conserves breeding duck habitat for you. Through tireless agriculture policy efforts and innovative, incentive-based habitat programs such as North Dakota Working Wetlands, Delta ensures future duck production for you.
• Delta enhances duck hunting opportunities for you. Utilizing a vast network of chapters and volunteers, Delta defends hunting rights and access anytime, anywhere they’re threatened, on the local, state/provincial and federal levels.
• Delta protects the tradition of duck hunting for you. Through First Hunt — the largest waterfowl-specific hunter recruitment program in the world — and our hunter retention research, Delta is introducing thousands of new duck hunters and ensuring current waterfowlers continue hunting.

Position Overview

Technicians are needed to assist a project investigating the breeding ecology of Canvasbacks, as well as other nesting ducks in response to predator reduction in Southwestern Manitoba.

• Start Date: April 20 - May 1
• End Date: Early August

Responsibilities

• Field work will involve conducting breeding pair surveys, extensive nest searching for both upland and over-water duck nests, and brood surveys to estimate local productivity.
• Work days often start around 6:00am with the majority of duties being completed by early afternoon however, it is not uncommon for additional tasks to arise requiring further attention.
• During the nest searching period (6-8 weeks), work days are comprised of long hours with very few days off.
• Over-water nest searching is laborious and applicants should be in good physical condition with a strong work ethic.
• This work will be conducted alongside a project utilizing a UAV to estimate potential biases associated with traditional nest searching and survey protocol.

Technical Duties:

• Positively identify numerous dabbling and diving-duck species (including adults and broods), from long distances under variable light and weather conditions.
• Candling/floating eggs to determine incubation stage.
• Ability to collect, enter, and verify unbiased data, using applications such as Microsoft Excel.
• Use of trail cameras to monitor wildlife.
• Routine vehicle maintenance.
• Experience operating ATV’s.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid Driver’s License with clean driving record.
• Must obtain a passport for working internationally.
• Working towards or has completed a degree in Biology, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management or related field.
• Positive attitude along with a passion for waterfowl and conservation.

Desired Skills:

• An understanding of processes surrounding the breeding ecology and management of various waterfowl species.
• Ability to collect, enter, and verify unbiased data- Data will be collected for a variety of analyses so attention to detail and the ability to multi-task are both pertinent skills needed to fulfill these positions.
• Strong organization and communication capabilities- This crew has many moving parts so experience relating to logistics and the ability to communicate successfully are highly desirable.
• Strong work ethic and the ability to be productive in groups as well as individually- Most work is conducted in small groups but some tasks require work to be completed independently.
• Willingness to live in close quarters and get along with a diverse group of people.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload one document including cover letter, CV, earliest potential start date, and contact information (email, address, telephone numbers) for at least 3 and up to 6 professional references in addition to unofficial transcripts to Jake Bushaw with “Delta Waterfowl Technician” in the subject line.
• Do not wait until the closing date to submit applications as positions will be filled as applications are received.
• Closing Date: February 15, 2019