Merlin began working for the Province of Manitoba in 1971 as a Big Game Research Specialist.  He retired from his government career in 2001 as Assistant Deputy Minister, Resource Programs.  From there, he went on to work as an instructor of graduate courses in ecosystem management at the University of Manitoba and chaired several graduate student committees until 2007.  In full retirement, Merlin continues to be active in The Wildlife Society and participates in graduate student research projects.

Justine is the Past-President of the Manitoba Chapter of the Wildlife Society and works as a Wildlife Biologist within Canada. Justine received her M.Env. from the University of Manitoba with a focus on raptor biology. Her Master’s research examined the breeding habitat, nest density and spatial movement patterns of urban Merlins, but she has studied raptors in a captive breeding capacity as well as in rural environments. She became involved with CSTWS as Student Representative, and has since transitioned to the Manitoba Chapter Representative on the Conservation Affairs Committee. She also currently sits on the Membership and Certification Committees.