Senior Student Research Assistant

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Private information received in relation to the request will only be used to facilitate the recruitment process and will be kept confidential and shared only as needed with the selection committee. Posting Details Job Title Senior Student Research Assistant – Northern Saw-whet Owl Motus Project Appointment Type Casual Student position Position Dates September 2026 to May 31, 2027 Hours per week/FTE Varies About the Position Lethbridge Polytechnic is seeking a Senior Student Research Assistant to support a collaborative research project examining the migration, breeding ecology, and dispersal of Northern Saw-whet Owls in the Cypress Hills. The project is led by Medicine Hat College in partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic. The successful candidate will serve as the lead LP student researcher on the project. During fall 2026 and winter 2027, the student will complete a focused literature review, help refine spring migration monitoring and Motus telemetry protocols, assess regional receiver coverage, and support the development of project data-management workflows. In spring 2027, the student will assist with field preparations and preliminary migration monitoring at the Northern Saw-whet Owl banding station in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Hours will vary over the appointment, generally averaging 3–5 hours per week during the literature review and planning phases, with more concentrated evening and overnight shifts during the spring 2027 field season. This position provides an opportunity to develop applied research experience in ornithology, migration ecology, wildlife telemetry, scientific communication, and field-project coordination while working with researchers from Lethbridge Polytechnic and Medicine Hat College. This position provides an opportunity to develop applied research experience in ornithology, migration ecology, wildlife telemetry, scientific communication, and field-project coordination while working with researchers from Lethbridge Polytechnic and Medicine Hat College. Conduct a focused review of peer-reviewed and grey literature concerning Northern Saw-whet Owl spring migration, breeding ecology, dispersal, and environmental factors affecting capture efficiency. Review Motus Wildlife Tracking System transmitter-deployment methods for Northern Saw-whet Owls and other similarly sized birds. Map existing Motus receiver infrastructure in and around the Cypress Hills and assess anticipated detection coverage. Prepare recommendations concerning spring monitoring dates, nightly effort, lure settings, field protocols, nanotag deployment, and data collection. Assist with establishing data-entry, quality-assurance, and project data-management procedures. Assist the Bander in Charge with site preparation, equipment testing, mist-net operations, owl processing, and preliminary spring migration monitoring. Help coordinate the day-to-day work of the project's second student Research Assistant during shared field activities. Support Motus nanotag deployment under approved protocols and the direct supervision of appropriately permitted personnel. Maintain accurate field records and contribute to data entry, project reporting, presentations, and other dissemination products as appropriate. Currently enrolled as an LP student in Ecosystem Management, Renewable Resource Management, Environmental Assessment and Restoration, or another relevant environmental science, biology, or natural resource program. Strong scientific writing, information-synthesis, and literature-search skills. Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate research records. Ability to work independently with limited day-to-day supervision. Genuine interest in ornithology, raptor biology, migration ecology, wildlife telemetry, or applied conservation research. Availability and willingness to travel to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park during the spring 2027 field season. Availability for evening, overnight, and occasional weekend fieldwork. Ability to work outdoors in cold and variable spring conditions, travel over uneven terrain, and lift or carry field equipment weighing up to approximately 25 lb. Previous bird-banding, ornithological, or wildlife field-research experience. Familiarity with the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, radio telemetry, or wildlife movement research. Experience using scholarly databases and reference-management software. Experience with GIS or spatial-data applications. Experience entering, managing, or quality-checking research data. Salary $24.00 per hour Working Here If you would like to request an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact hiringaccommodations@lethpolytech.
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