Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

History

FAT Courses

FAT Aquatic/wetland plant courses

Environmental consulting services

Environmental consulting course

FAT Bird courses

FAT terrestrial plant courses

FAT Program

GIS certification course

Internship program & opportunities

Primate FAT Courses

Medicinal plant FAT Courses

FAT Courses in management/leadership

Nicaragua Ecology and Behaviour of primates courses

Costa Rica Ecology and Behaviour of primates courses

Rainforest Ecology course

International Ethnobotany course

Application form for all programs

Reference form and letter for all programs

Biological Field School

Biological Field School application form

Reference form and letter for Biological Field School

Workshops

Jobs

Financial aid

Coming soon: a book on Ontario Species at Risk vascular plants - sponsored by TD/Canada Trust's Friends of the Environment Foundation (FEF). Now available; a new Tree and Shrub book authored by the Senior Instructor of the EARTHQUEST Biological Field School - Dave Jolly
Scientists, herbalists, green house workers, habitat restoration ecologists, teachers, naturalists, botanists and people considering internships and jobs with EARTHQUEST or work in the environmental industry are strongly urged to purchase this book for only $60.00 CND + shipping and handling
To order please contact us for more details

Photos: Dave Jolly You too, can be hired as an EARTHQUEST Field Assistant (FA) or Teaching Assistant (TA) and join our ranks as among the best and most efficiently trained. Become a participant in our uniquely designed FAT Program. To see a list of FAT graduates who have earned the FA title with honour and distinction please see the FAT graduates page

Ecology and Behaviour of non-human primates - AFASST equivalent course - Ometepe Field Biological Station, Nicaragua Teaching Assistant (TA) Teaching Assistants are needed to help teach our AFASST equivalent course at the Ometepe field station in Nicaragua for up to a 26 day period. Date May 25 - June 19, 2006 Location Ometepe Field Biological Station, Nicaragua Requirements Must have previous Expedition experience and/or FAT training plus Certificate of Completion. Applicants may also apply if they possess 3-5 years of practical experience in field biology, primatology, zoology or anthropology and they can identify 75-90% of primate and fauna species most likely to be encountered in Nicaragua. Must have strong field ID skills of primates along the ability to recognize the vocal and behavioural repertoires of New World primates. Duties and Responsibilities The Teaching Assistant will be assisting course instructors with teaching the course curriculum of the AFASST equivalent course at the field station. Wages Wages are commensurate with the standard pay for a Teaching Assistant for the La Suerte Field Biological Station. Typically, you will receive a stipend plus expenses paid. Contact La Suerte for more details. Contact Instructions Send a cover letter outlining why you wish to be a Teaching Assistant and current resume/references to the attention of; Kimberley A. Phillips, Ph.D. , Course Instructor Ecology and Behaviour of primates Email: phillipsk@hiram.edu Deadline Date All applications must be submitted by March 31, 2006. Ecology and Behaviour of non-human primates - AFASST equivalent course - La Suerte Field Biological Station, Costa Rica Teaching Assistant (TA) Teaching Assistants are needed to help teach our AFASST equivalent course at the La Suerte field station in Costa Rica for up to a 26 day period. Date May 25 - June 19, 2006 Location La Suerte Field Biological Station, Costa Rica Requirements Must have previous Expedition experience and/or FAT training plus Certificate of Completion. Applicants may also apply if they possess 3-5 years of practical experience in field biology, primatology, zoology or anthropology and they can identify 75-90% of primate and fauna species most likely to be encountered in Nicaragua. Must have strong field ID skills of primates along the ability to recognize the vocal and behavioural repertoires of New World primates. Duties and Responsibilities The Teaching Assistant will be assisting course instructors with teaching the course curriculum of the AFASST equivalent course at the field station. Wages Wages are commensurate with the standard pay for a Teaching Assistant for the La Suerte Field Biological Station. Typically, you will receive a stipend plus expenses paid. Contact La Suerte for more details. Contact Instructions Send a cover letter outlining why you wish to be a Teaching Assistant and current resume/references to the attention of; Dr. Deborah J. Curtis Course Instructor Ecology and Behaviour of primates Email: info@lasuerte.org Deadline Date All applications must be submitted by March 31, 2006

Biological Field School Internship Opportunities Environmental Biologist (trainee); NOC: 2121 Students of our new Biological Field School now have the opportunity to gain valuable and enriching employment experience in the environmental field through our uniquely designed internship program. The hiring rate for successful graduates of the FAT Program to finding meaningful employment in their chosen careers is greater than 80%. Date October 1, 2008 - October 1, 2009 (may be subject to extension) Location Various locations throughout southwestern Ontario Requirements This position is most suitable for candidates who have graduated from our intensive FAT Program. It is also a good choice for unemployed or underemployed Canadians who have graduated from a College or University science program within the last 5 years. Applicants must state if they are willing to enroll in our Biological Field School to upgrade their skills, if necessary. This internship opportunity is most suitable to successful graduates of the Field Assistant Training (FAT) Program from our Biological Field School and preferences will be given to FAT Program graduates. Applicants should be Canadian citizens who are out of school or work and eligible to receive funding through potential funding agencies. Applicants must be enrolled in our Biological Field School to apply. Potential candidates should possess the following attributes; * Knowledge of biology and ecology. * Knowledge of/interest in floraof Ontario. * Extensive knowledge and skills associated with field identification of Ontario's flora (the minimum requirement is the ability to positively field identify 75% or more of the flora of Ontario to Family, Genus and species level). * Extensive knowledge of Ontario's species at risk, including provincial policies and laws governing their protection and management. * Good knowledge of analytical techniques, including field survey and data collection, and computer applications in order to analyze data and prepare reports. * Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written). * Well developed organizational and research skills. * Good skills in computer word processing and use of spreadsheets utilizing EXCEL and ACCESS. * Valid Class "G" Driver's License. * Proof of eligibility to work in Canada. * Not previously participated in a Federal youth employment/education program (previous participants of summer employment programs are still eligible, but previous participants of ECO Canada and Human Resources Skills and Development Canada's Job Creation Partnership Program are not eligible). * Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. * Have the intention to obtain a permanent position in the environmental industry. * Ecological Land Classification (ELC) and Ontario Wetland Evaluation certified If you are not ELC certified, knowledgeable or skilled (ie. possess 3 - 5 yrs. practical field experience and the ability to positively field ID 75% or more of Ontario's flora spp., including species at risk) enough to qualify please consult the following webpage links to learn more about courses available to upgrade so that you may be ready to apply for the next round of internships and jobs available in the spring of 2009; Plant courses Ecological Land Classification course To download a copy of the 2008/09 Course catalogue/syllabus 2008/09 catalogue/syllabus Although we thank all those who apply only candidates who meet these requirements and qualify for internship opportunities will be contacted for interviews. During your interview you will be assessed on the depth and breadth of your knowledge of the flora of Ontario. Candidates who successfully pass this assessment will be hired immediately. Duties and Responsibilities Interns and/or Trainees will be placed at one of several sites in southwestern Ontario to learn how to be an effective and good field identifier of flora and fauna species. Interns and/or Trainees will learn fast and efficient census/survey techniques as they pertain to conducting biological inventories, data entry, collection, analysis and interpretation techniques as well as preparing results for reports and publications. These skills will enable interns to apply to related jobs with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Conservation Authorities and environmental consulting firms upon successful completion of internships. Wages The successful candidate may receive up to $3800.00 Cdn/month if they meet the above requirements. Only a limited number of these paid positions are available. If no paid positions are available successful candidates will be placed into volunteer positions. Contact Instructions Please email a cover letter stating if you are funding agency eligible, a Canadian citizen and willing to enroll in our Biological Field School to upgrade your skills along with a resume outlining how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the position. Although we appreciate all applications only those we are interested in will be contacted for interviews. No phone calls please. Please submit these items to the attention of; Mr. D. Jolly, Executive Director EARTHQUEST (Canada) Email: earthquestcanada@yahoo.com Deadline Date All applications must be submitted by September 30, 2008 Plant ecologist (trainee); NOC: 2121 This position meets the minimum requirements for Ontario Skill Development funding and was created in response to the down turn in the Automotive and other Industries. If you have experienced a plant closure, lay off or recently lost your job and you have a degree or diploma in the environmental sciences then this may be the perfect fit for you. Applicants who state that they are willing to upgrade their skills and obtain required certifications by enrolling in the Ecological Land Classification (ELC), Wetland evaluation, GIS and/or Level 1 & 2 FAT plant certification courses will be given preference. If you do not qualify for this job because you lack the required certifications and you are Employment Insurance (EI) eligible you may qualify for Ontario Skill Development funding and should state this in your cover letter. Date September 15, 2009 - March 15, 2010 (may be subject to extension) Location Various counties in Ontario Requirements Applicants should be out of work and wishing to make a career change or re-enter the environmental industry. Applicants should be willing to enroll in our extremely successful General FAT Program. If you are not currently a student or graduate of our Biological Field School you may apply. Successful graduates we acquire the following attributes and be placed on jobs utilizing these skills within 3 - 5 months of enrollment; * Knowledge of botany, biology and ecology. * Knowledge of/interest in flora of Ontario. * Extensive knowledge and skills associated with field identification of Ontario's flora (the minimum requirement is the ability to positively field identify 75% or more of the flora of Ontario to Family, Genus and species level), including Ontario Species at Risk (SARs). * Basic knowledge of analytical techniques, including field survey and data collection, and computer applications in order to analyze data and prepare reports. * Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written). * Well developed organizational and research skills. * Basic skills in computer word processing and use of spreadsheets utilizing EXCEL and ACCESS. * Ecological Land Classification (ELC) certification. * Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certification * Wetland evaluation certification. Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Certification (OWES) obtained through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is not recognized and will not be accepted. * Valid Class "G" Driver's License and ability to travel ocassionally to locations throughout Ontario. * Not previously participated in a Federal youth employment/education program (previous participants of ECO Canada and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' Job Creation Partnership Program are not eligible). Transition funding is not available or recognized as we have our own funding sources * Ontario Skill Development eligible (currently on an EI claim or eligible for EI) * Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. * Have the intention to obtain a permanent position in the environmental industry. Although we thank all those who apply only candidates who meet these requirements and qualify will be chosen or contacted to arrange a short interview. To obtain this position successfully you must be ELC, GIS and/or Wetland evaluation certified. If you are not ELC, GIS or Wetland evaluation certified you may enroll in our next ELC, GIS and Wetland evaluation certification courses to qualify and then apply. To learn more about this opportunity please consult; Ecological Land Classification & Wetland evaluation certification courses GIS certification course Duties and Responsibilities Plant ecologist trainees will conduct extensive plant inventory survey work in search of Ontario Species at Risk in various counties across Ontario. This includes conducting inventory work along the Bruce Trail system of flora and fauna, ELC & GIS work, entering flowering dates of all vascular plants into the EARTHQUEST plants of Ontario ACCESS database. Duties also entail reporting on the status of rare flora and fauna to the Natural Heritage Information Center in Kingston, Ontario as well as the Owen Sound Field Naturalists. Plant flowering dates for counties not assessed and in our 35 000 record ACCESS database will be catalogued. Candidates should be in good physical condition and ready to work in extreme weather conditions. Candidates should also be knowledgeable with use of digital cameras to and GPS units (including mobile mappers) to capture data and photograph the flowers, leaves, growth pattern, etc. of vascular plants. Wages The successful candidate will be paid commensurate with knowledge and experience. The faster, more efficient and accurate applicants are with plant field identification techniques to family, genus species level of all vascular plants (ie. trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, sedges, rushes, club mosses and ferns) the higher the wage. Wages will vary between $16.50/hr to $27.50/hr, depending on the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience. Contact Instructions Please email a cover letter along with a resume outlining how you plan to obtain the required certifications and professional skill upgrades that relate to the position. It is highly recommended that applications consult the following links before applying; Steps to qualify for Ontario Skill Development funding EARTHQUEST Biological Field School General FAT Program 6 month Environmental consulting program Applicants must submit a copy of their transcript from a recognized university/college along with their cover letter and resume. Please submit these items to the attention of; Mr. D. Jolly, Executive Director EARTHQUEST (Canada) Email: earthquestcanada@yahoo.com Deadline Date All applications must be submitted by September 30, 2009 Ornithological Banders/Instructors BIRD BANDERS/INSTRUCTORS are needed from Sept. to mid Nov., 2007 to help teach bird field ID skills and banding techniques to students of our Biological Field School. Housing may be available at a cost of $400.00 USD/month. These banders may receive food, if they stay for 1 month or more at one of our accommodation locations. This position may extended to a longer term teaching position within the Biological Field School with management/leadership training and/or the management/leadership course. To learn more about this course please consult; Management/leadership certification course Duties and Responsibilities Banders holding a Masters permit are required to help teach/instruct students in the field methodology of mist netting, extraction, recording data and performing census/survey techniques on passerine birds of the Carolinian forest zone in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Candidates must be willing to train EARTHQUEST staff to the level of sub-permit banding techniques and provide their own license/permit and equipment to band birds. Candidates must also be able to positively field identify 75-90% of all passerine birds by sight and sound in the eastern half of North America. Very good to excellent bird banding skills, use of the Pyle guide and census/survey techniques, the ability to teach these skills effectively to students and at least 3 - 5 years of banding experience coupled with 10 - 15 years of birding experience. A strong knowledge of bird evolution and taxonomy in relation to bird families, generas and species is required. Candidates who have taught outdoor education and field biology are preferred, although we will consider candidates with sub-permits and less experience, who are willing to enroll in our courses to upgrade skills in order to qualify. Preference will be given to graduates of our General FAT Program in Canada and those who have meet selection criteria for management/leadership or successfully passed our management/leadership course. Wages Commensurate with experience. Experiences banders may receive $1600 - $2500 CAD/month Contact Instructions If interested in this position, please send resume, cover letter, three references of your banding experience and dates of availability to; EARTHQUEST (Canada), 8122 Rogers Rd., S., RR #5, Aylmer, Ontario, Canada. N5H 2R4. Email: earthquestcanada@yahoo.com (please quote Ornithology BIRD BANDERS) Deadline Date All applications must be submitted by September 30, 2007 EARTHQUEST Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Ornithological Field Assistants VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS are needed from Apr. to mid Jun., 2005 for field census/surveys of birds in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Field work may be performed at several field sites in southwestern Ontario. The main study site is located on 12 hectares of parkland in beautiful London, Ontario, Canada. Housing for two (2) Field Assistant positions is available at a cost of $400.00 USD/month. These Field Assistants will receive food, if they stay for 1 month or more. Duties and Responsibilities The core of the project is to catalogue all birds by providing intensive field training and practical hands-on experience in field biology/ornithology in order to become an effective Field Biologist/Ornithologist. This is part of an employment and skills development initiative to help people find meaningful employment in their chosen careers. The success rate of people who find jobs after working on our projects is 80-90% within 3 � 8 months. Internships and other job opportunities may be available to volunteers who successfully complete 3 months on the project. Only applicants who are Canadian citizens and meeting eligibility requirements for funding agencies may apply to paid internship opportunities upon completion of our intensive 3 month Field Assistant Training (FAT) Program, however. Field Assistants who stay for a minimum of one month, receive intensive training from our Field Assistant Training (FAT) Bird Program. All volunteers are required to pay a fee ($10 USD/day) to help defray costs to EARTHQUEST (Canada). All participants will experience intensive and diverse training in positive bird field identification and bird behavioural ecology. Requirements Preference will be given to volunteers who have a minimum of 3 - 5 years of practical field experience in biology, ornithology and ecology, excellent field skills, including the ability to work in cold and rain and the ability to positively field identify 75% of Ontario birds by sight and sound. Previous experience in field ornithology working in southwestern Ontario is an asset though not required. International applicants, or those lacking the necessary skills are encouraged to apply to our Biological Field School to upgrade your skills. Contact Instructions If interested in this position, please send resume, cover letter and dates of availability to EARTHQUEST (Canada), 8122 Rogers Rd. S, RR #5, Aylmer, Ontario, Canada. N5H 2R4. Email: earthquestcanada@yahoo.com (please quote Ornithology FIELD ASSISTANTS) Deadline Date All applications must be submitted by April 15, 2006