INTERPRETIVE NATURALISTS (2) for fall migration monitoring project at New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May, NJ. Sep. 1 - Oct. 31. Cape May is renowned as one of the world's great hot spots for bird migration. Successful applicants will work at the Cape May Hawkwatch. Duties include teaching visitors bird identification and natural history and offering general assistance, conducting workshops, and assisting counter when needed. Applicants should have experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills. Familiarity with bird migration and experience identifying birds, especially raptors, is preferred. All applicants must have their own vehicle, and a valid, clean driver's license.. Salary for positions $800/month; housing and reimbursement for gas is provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to MIKE CREWE, Cape May Bird Observatory, Northwood Center, 701 East Lake Drive, PO Box 3, Cape May Point, NJ 08212 (EM: mike.crewe AT njaudubon.org). Applications accepted until positions are filled.
MIGRATION COUNTERS (4) for fall migration monitoring projects at New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory, Cape May, NJ. Cape May is one of the best fall migration hot spots in the country. Specifically, we are hiring a counter for the Cape May Hawkwatch (1 Sep - 30 Nov), a counter for the Avalon Seawatch (22 Sep-22 Dec), Cape May Morning Flight Project (16 August – 31 October) and a "swing" counter (1 Sept-22 Dec), who will provide day-off relief at each site and enter data. Applicants for counter positions should have a strong background identifying raptors, seabirds, or songbirds in flight. Careful data collecting skills, a willingness to work long hours, and excellent interpersonal skills are a must. Applicants for the "swing" counter position also should have some experience with MS Excel. All applicants must have their own vehicle, and a valid, clean driver's license.. Salary for all positions 1400-1600/month depending on experience. Housing and reimbursement for gas is provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to VINCENT ELIA, Cape May Bird Observatory, 600 Route 47 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 (EM: vince.elia AT njaudubon.org). Applications accepted until positions are filled.
SNAIL KITE FIELD CREW LEADER – The Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is based out of the University of Florida in Gainesville and oversees several ongoing wetland-related research projects. We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated field crew leader to assist with the long-term study of the endangered Snail Kite. This person will first work as a paid technician during a probationary period of approximately 3 months during which they will become accustomed to the specific techniques and logistics required for the position. After this time they will assume full responsibilities of field crew leader. We are monitoring the Snail Kite population via mark-recapture and radio telemetry methods as well as making behavioral observations and collecting data related to foraging ecology. Field work for this project is conducted throughout the wetland ecosystems of central and south Florida from the Kissimmee chain of lakes in the north (near Orlando) to the Everglades in the south (near Miami). The field work involves the extensive use of airboats. Applicants must be willing to work LONG, flexible hours in a HOT, humid environment. (Some days involve working from sunrise to sunset). Field work involves regularly entering chest-deep water, sometimes in close proximity to alligators and snakes. All of the necessary training will be supplied, including airboat operation and maintenance. Applicant must be comfortable and willing to learn to drive and repair airboats which are loud, finicky, and can be very dangerous. Duties include trapping and handling of snail kites, behavioral observations, radio telemetry, mark-recapture surveys, nest searching, data entry, snail trapping, vegetation sampling, and maintenance of field equipment and boats. Applicant will be responsible for overseeing the logistics that go into the operation of 2 two-person crews over the entire southern half of Florida. Applicant will also have to communicate with local managers and agencies and will have to regularly compose a variety of reports concerning the status of the monitoring project. A minimum 2 year commitment is required. Salary: $1760/month + housing during probationary period, after which pay will increase to $2560/month. Housing will be provided at the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area south of St. Cloud, FL. Applicant should be comfortable living in a field house with only a few other coworkers. Dogs and cats are NOT permitted in the field trailers. Qualifications: Master’s degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife, or a related field and 2 full years field experience OR Bachelors degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife, or a related field and 4 full years field experience. Previous experience leading a field crew is strongly desired. Previous experience handling and banding wild birds is required; ability to comfortably handle wild raptors is a plus. Experience with engine repair/maintenance and boats is a major bonus, but not necessary. Applicant must have a valid U.S. driver's license. Ability to track moving birds through binoculars is preferred. This position starts between early August and mid September and requires a minimum commitment of two years. This applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and may also have the opportunity to become a PhD candidate after the two year commitment is fulfilled. Interested persons should send a CV with cover letter and four references to KYLE PIAS or JEAN OLBERT (EM: snailkites AT gmail.com) by 15 Aug 2012. For questions see our websitehttp://www.coopunits.org/Flori
SNAIL KITE POPULATION MONITORING TECHNICIAN – The Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is based out of the University of Florida in Gainesville and oversees several ongoing wetland-related research projects. We are seeking a highly motivated field technician to assist with the long-term study of the endangered Snail Kite. We are monitoring the Snail Kite population via mark-recapture and radio telemetry methods as well as making behavioral observations and collecting data related to foraging ecology. Field work for this project is conducted throughout the wetland ecosystems of central and south Florida from the Kissimmee chain of lakes in the north (near Orlando) to the Everglades in the south (near Miami). The field work involves the extensive use of airboats. Applicants must be willing to work LONG, flexible hours in a HOT, humid environment. (Some days involve working from sunrise to sunset). All of the necessary training will be supplied, including airboat operation and maintenance. Duties include trapping and handling of snail kites, behavioral observations, radio telemetry, mark-recapture surveys, nest searching, data entry, snail trapping, vegetation sampling, and maintenance of field equipment and boats. Assistance on peripheral projects may also be required from time to time, including vegetation sampling in the Everglades and identification of plants in the lab. Salary: $1760/month + housing. Housing will be provided at the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area south of St. Cloud, FL. Applicant should be comfortable living in a field house with only a few other coworkers. Dogs and cats are NOT permitted in the field trailers. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife, or a related field. Applicant must have a valid U.S. driver's license. Experience with engine repair/maintenance and boats is a major plus, but not necessary. Ability to comfortably handle wild raptors is also a plus. This position starts between mid August to mid September and is a year-long position. Interested persons should send a resume with cover letter, three references KYLE PIAS or JEAN OLBERT (EM: snailkites AT gmail.com) by 25 August 2012. For questions see our website http://www.coopunits.org/Flori
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ECUADOR CLOUD FOREST BIRD BANDING EXPEDITION – Colonche Hills, Coastal Range, South America: 9-23 December 2012. Become a Life Net Volunteer! Join Dr. Dusti Becker for an exciting 16-day conservation experience in the coastal cordillera of western Ecuador. Dr. Becker, a well-known tropical avian ecologist will lead the expedition assisted by experienced Ecuadorian field assistants. Volunteers monitor birds with mist nets and along transects in a community-owned cloud forest protected area called the Loma Alta Ecological Reserve. Volunteers will also participate in the 10th annual Loma Alta Christmas Bird Count focusing on Choco endemics in the Colonche Hills and Tumbesian endemics in coastal dry forest lowlands. Loma Alta is home to more than 20 species of hummingbirds and 48 of the 55 Tumbesian endemic birds making it a HOT birding spot. In 2004, our research prompted national and international bird conservation organizations to designate the area as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Red-masked parakeets, crested guans, rufous-fronted chachalacas, Choco toucans, gray-backed hawks, and ornate hawk eagles are just a few of the regional specialties that are typically seen during a Life Net field project at Loma Alta. The ecology of woodstar hummingbirds including the endangered Esmeraldas woodstar is an additional focus of our research and monitoring project, offering potential close-up views of these spectacular tropical gems. Volunteers help set up and monitor mist nets, extract birds from nets, carry birds from nets to a banding station, and record basic ecological data. Bilingual volunteers may contribute to environmental education and ecotourism training Loma Alta. Volunteers will have some afternoons free to explore and bird around the protected area, including searching for Mantled Howlers and White-fronted Capuchin monkeys. Life Net projects advance scientific understanding of the ecology of tropical birds and provide incentive for local citizens to protect native habitats for birds and other wildlife. The volunteer contribution of $1500 to the non-profit Life Net is partially tax deductible and is used to cover costs to sustain the volunteer group, pay local salaries, and contribute to forest conservation at Loma Alta. All transportation within Ecuador, room, & meals during the project are covered by the donation. The expedition begins and ends in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Contact DR. DUSTI BECKER (EM: dbecker AT lifenetnature.org) for further details. Visit http://lifenetnature.org and go to the volunteer page to download application form, briefing, and see photos of the site.
AVIAN DISEASE ECOLOGY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! – I am looking for several volunteers (up to 7) for an urban avian disease ecology project primarily focused upon rock pigeons for a project expected to last until spring of 2013, although pigeon capture will likely end in January 2013. Start and end dates are flexible due to the length of the project. Although we have a number of positions to fill, we are seeking primarily local applicants from the North-central Georgia area since our funding does not cover technician salaries, relocations, or housing. What we can promise that this is an extraordinary experience to handle birds, learn to take blood samples, mistnet, drag-net, ground trap, and learn the accompanying laboratory techniques involved in performing assays on collected samples (blood samples, fecal samples, ptilochronology, bactericidal assays, blood smears, etc.) in terms of West Nile virus and Pigeon Paramyxovirus-1 disease prevalence. Since this is a volunteer posting, part-time and both full-time volunteers are welcome to apply to any and all of the positions listed below: Pigeon color-band resighters: commit several hours a week to resighting color-banded pigeons at the various sites we have banded and released pigeons for recapture. Pigeon capture crew: commit several hours per week to helping humanely capture, process (blood sampling, collecting demographic and body condition data), and recapture banded birds for via resampling for infection status. Pigeon baiters: commit several hours per week to bait sites (with cracked corn and bird seed) to ensure pigeons will visit capture sites, which include areas in Athens, Atlanta, and Murray County, Georgia. Laboratory Assistants: commit several hours per week to assist in prepping samples for analysis, such as blood smears, bactericidal assays/petri dish preparation, McMaster slides, blood centrifugation for serum aliquots, prepping swab cryovials for storage. While experience is always welcome, the primary qualification is enthusiasm and strong interest in learning avian techniques! Also, for volunteers extremely interested in learning avian disease ecology techniques, opportunities will abound for consistent movement from crew to crew in order to gain exposure to all aspects of the project. Opportunities are also available for independent projects for those interested in a hypothesis driven mini-project to gain research experience for grad school. If interested, please send a short (less than one page) cover letter explaining what crew you would like to join or if you would like move between crews, your dates of availability and status (part-time, full-time), what skills you would like to glean from this project, and what your goals are (avian experience, grad school, molecular and microbiology techniques), a CV/resume, and two references. My contact is: ANDREA AYALA (EM: aayala1 AT uga.edu, PH: , URL: http://ezenwalab.uga.edu/).
CAVITY NESTING BIRD HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – Description: Spend time volunteering and camping in some of the most beautiful wilderness locales in the American West. Serve with American and other international volunteers protecting sensitive wilderness, discovering new cultures, and making new friendships. All volunteers will be based out of Reno, Nevada and will spend their time in the field on a habitat improvement project that encompasses the entire state of Nevada. American citizens are also welcome to apply. In cooperation with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the International Conservation Volunteer Exchange (ICVE) is seeking volunteers to help with the restoration of cavity-nesting songbird habitats by removing mining claim posts throughout the state of Nevada. By pulling those abandoned posts volunteers will protect songbirds, reptiles, and small mammals from injuries and will restore nesting, foraging and migratory wildlife habitat for dozens of native wildlife species across the state. Program Duration: August 12- September 22, 2012 and September 23- November 3, 2012. ICVE: A program of the Great Basin Institute (GBI), the International Conservation Volunteer Exchange (ICVE) is a volunteer program for international participants who wish to collaborate with American environmental professionals on natural resource projects on public lands throughout the American West. ICVE is based on the philosophy that international understanding and goodwill can be achieved through cooperating on the shared goal of improving the environment. By attracting a corps of conservation-minded volunteers, ICVE contributes to the breakdown of cultural barriers while advancing ecological awareness on a global scale. As a cross-cultural exchange between young men and women from all corners of the world, ICVE focuses on the idea of global citizenship through conservation-based service projects. ICVE allows like-minded individuals from around the globe to utilize their collective passion for the environment on projects across the Great Basin Region. This opportunity to discover new cultures, protect sensitive wilderness and make new friendships that last a lifetime, are just a few of the valuable facets of ICVE. By using conservation-based projects as a means to cross cultural thresholds, ICVE enables the growth of international understanding while highlighting the rugged beauty of the western United States. Since 2004 ICVE has collaborated with dozens of international environmental exchange programs, attracting over 600 students and young professionals from 45 countries and six continents around the world to serve on conservation projects throughout Nevada and the mountainous West. Locations: Located in the mountainous American West, Nevada lies east of California and north of Arizona. Nevada’s landscape is the most mountainous and geologically diverse in the United States. The Lake Tahoe Basin, Great Basin, Mojave Desert and Sierra Nevada Mountains are where the majority of ICVE’s field work takes place. Participants will have the opportunity to work and live in some of the most beautiful wilderness locales in the world. From mountain peaks over 13,000 feet above sea level to desert eco-systems 282 feet below sea level, the regions in which ICVE serves are diverse environments that harbor some of the most sensitive and fragile species of flora and fauna found in North America. Compensation: Daily food per diem and housing will be provided. Accommodations: While in the field, participants will camp in either primitive wilderness areas or in developed campgrounds near the project site. On days off, participants will be based in a facility located in Reno, Nevada, near the University of Nevada campus. The facility is similar to a dormitory as it contains multiple bunk beds per room, shared living areas, a kitchen and bathroom facilities. The lodging environment creates a great atmosphere in which participants are immersed with cultures from all over the world: at any given time, participants may be housed with people from up to a dozen other nations. Participants will have the opportunity to foster life-long friendships with folks from around the world during their tenure with ICVE. Visa Information: The Visa Waiver Program enables citizens of 35 countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Citizens of countries that are not included in the Visa Waiver Program and travelers who plan to stay in the United States for longer than 90 days are required to hold a valid B-2 Tourist Visa. The maximum length of stay for B-2 visa holders is 6 months. Costs: In order to participate in the ICVE program, each participant is responsible for a $150, non-refundable, program fee. Furthermore, ICVE requires a $150 security deposit from each participant that is refundable upon completion of the participant’s service agreement with the ICVE, the inspection of living areas and any field gear issued. Both fees - together $300 - are due upon acceptance to the program. For cancellations received up to 90 days prior the start of the program the $150 security deposit will be refunded. For cancellation received later than that, no refunds can be made. Participants are also responsible for all direct and indirect expenses associated with transportation to and from Nevada, medical insurance, visa fees, personal spending money, and personal camping gear. How to apply: Please contact ICVE (EM: icve AT GBInstitute.org) for an application or visit our website at http://www.GBIninstitute.org.
SEASONAL ORNITHOLOGIST, Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary, Trabuco Canyon, CA – Description: Audubon California’s 4000-acre Starr Ranch Sanctuary in southeast Orange County, California solicits applicants for a position as Seasonal Ornithologist from November 2012 through July 2013. This position integrates long-term songbird monitoring into education programs that involve kids and adults in applied avian research. Responsibilities include supervision and training of volunteers who assist with songbird banding during winter (Monitoring Overwintering Survival or “MoSI”) and breeding season (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship or “MAPS”). Will help coordinate and conduct the Christmas Bird Count for a local Audubon Chapter. Will help coordinate volunteers and conduct surveys of the Coastal Cactus Wren and/or five songbird species of the rare habitat, coastal sage scrub. Also will do data entry, data summaries and submission of banding data to Institute for Bird Populations and summarize point count data. Will co-instruct school year Ecology Programs, 1-2 hour field research simulations that offer groups of all ages an opportunity to experience nature hands-on as wildlife biologists and plan and instruct a week-end adult bird research camp, possibly focusing on training banding volunteers. Will also assist with instruction of Starr Ranch Junior Biologists, spring and summer programs for kids ages 8 – 18, who join the Starr Ranch scientific team to experience how biologists study native animals and habitats. Opportunity to do applied bird research that is integrated into Starr Ranch land management, conservation, and education programs. We seek applicants who wish to contribute to wildland conservation through applied research as well as research-based education and who are enthusiastic, dedicated, organized, self-starting and thorough. Opportunity to live in a private cabin in an oak woodland on our 4000-acre Sanctuary. Salary: $640/wk plus housing in a private one bedroom cabin in an oak woodland. Qualifications: Master’s degree in biology or ecology preferred with strong ornithological background and experience. Strong background in songbird banding, ageing, and sexing (> 500 birds, > 1000 preferred) as well as other bird monitoring techniques essential. Strong knowledge and interest in birds and bird watching and general natural history of animals and their habitats. Must have enthusiasm for working with kids, adults, and families. To Apply: In a few weeks application will be via the confidential Audubon career center at https://careers-audubon.icims.
EXPERIENCED PASSERINE BANDER with Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory – Website: http://www.rmbo.org Location: Gering, Nebraska. Duration: 6 weeks, Aug 27 – Oct 5, 2012. Job Type: Seasonal. Application Deadline: 10 August 2012. Job Description: Experienced passerine bird bander needed for fall migration banding station in western Nebraska. Position is 5 weeks of banding, approximately 1 Sept. - 5 October, plus an orientation/training session at RMBO headquarters in Brighton, CO, tentatively 27-31 August. Primary duties are bird capture and banding, but also include: set-up and dismantling of banding station, including clearing net lanes, erecting and maintaining nets, and proper storage of nets at the end of the banding season. Must be able to operate 12-20 nets without assistance. Attention to detail and excellent record-keeping skills desired. Responsible for both field and electronic (Excel) data entry. Normal work schedule is Monday-Friday; occasional weekends required. Hourly rate: $12.50 - 13.50, commensurate with experience. Housing and all equipment provided. Personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and auto insurance required. Qualifications: Prior experience and proficiency in mist-netting, safe extraction and proper handling, and efficient banding and processing of birds. Must be able to identify, age, and sex a variety of bird species captured, primarily, but not limited to, passerines. Knowledge of both western and eastern NA bird species desired. B.S. in biology, ecology, zoology, or related field preferred. Knowledge of avian biology and bird migration, and the ability to effectively communicate to education program participants at the banding station. To Apply: Send letter of interest, current resume, and 3 references familiar with your banding skills to: NANCY GOBRIS [EM: nancy.gobris AT rmbo.org (email preferred)] or P.O. Box 1232, Brighton, CO 80601.
M.SC. POSITION AVAILABLE - AVIAN BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY – Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada. 1-2 M.Sc. graduate student positions will be available to begin in either January 2013 or September 2013 at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. I have several research projects starting and already underway on carry-over effects, sexual selection, and the function and evolution of ornamental plumage. Ongoing projects include using geolcoators to track the migration of Bullock’s Orioles to examine the influence of events occurring throughout the year on plumage, mate choice, and sexual selection. I also have ongoing work on Mountain Bluebirds, American Redstarts, and Vaux’s Swifts. Potential students are encouraged to visit my website to learn more about my research interests and approach me with their own project ideas. Graduate students will be supported by a graduate stipend. However, non-Canadian applicants please note that tuition amounts for foreign students are double those of Canadian citizens. Please let me know if you will be at the NAOC meeting in Vancouver, as I would love to meet and chat with potential students. For more information, see: http://www.tru.ca/faculty/mreu
SPOTTED OWL DATA MANAGER at California Department of Fish & Game. Website: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeoda
PASSERINE MIGRATION BANDING ASSISTANTS at Town of Kiawah Island & Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy. Website: http:/www.wildlifeatkiawah.com Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Duration: 10-12 weeks. Job Type: Temporary. Number of Openings: 2-3. Application Deadline: 31 July 2012. Job Description: Passerine Migration Banding Assistants (2-3) needed for fall migration banding station on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Position is 10-12 weeks of banding (approximate dates: 26 August - 17 November). Start and end dates may change slightly due to the availability of housing. Primary duties will be mist net extraction and data recording, but may also include: bird banding, bird census surveys, equipment maintenance, and other fieldwork as necessary. Normal work schedule is 7 days/week with periodic days off. A typical banding day begins 30 minutes before sunrise and lasts about 6 hours. Because the banding station is located at the end of a barrier island, large volumes of migrants can be expected. In 2011, 2263 birds were banded when the station was only operating 3-4 days per week. Very comfortable housing, a $500/month stipend, transportation between study sites, and most equipment provided. This position carries no benefits. Qualifications: Successful candidates will have a strong interest in birds and field biology, possess a positive attitude, be able to work and live harmoniously in close company with coworkers, be able follow protocols, be prepared to work long hours in sometimes adverse conditions (heat, cold, biting insects), be meticulous in recording data, and be in good physical condition. No prior banding/mist-net experience is required; however, preference will be given to applicants with prior experience. Ability to identify eastern North American bird species is strongly desired. To Apply: To apply, send letter of interest, current resume (highlighting any prior banding experience), and 3 references to Aaron Given (EM: agiven@kiawahisland.org).
