Fall Raptor Migration Monitoring Crewmembers

~ HawkWatch International (HWI) is a non-profit organization that works to protect raptors and our shared environment through scientific research and public education. ~

As a non-advocacy group, we tackle the issues one at a time by looking at the latest data to balance smart development and the need for conservation.

Position Overview

We seek enthusiastic team players to staff HWI's network of long-term migration monitoring sites in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona as well exploratory sites in Montana and the Yukon. Fall Raptor Migration Monitoring Crewmembers duties will include a combination of standardized daily migration counts of diurnal raptors, engaging and delivering outreach to site visitors (both scheduled and impromptu), and assisting with capture and banding of migrating raptors at HWI sites where banding operations occur (WA, OR, NV, WY, and NM). 

Qualifications

• Applicants must have: good eyesight; be able to endure long hours in the field in highly variable weather; and have demonstrated birding and/or raptor-in-flight I.D. skills.
• They should also be able to pleasantly and professionally engage site visitors while representing HWI; be able to work well in a remote and intimate small team setting; and have excellent data collection skills (detailed, accurate, and in accordance w/ protocols).
• Top applicants will possess previous experience identifying and counting raptors in-flight, experience engaging visitors of all ages and skills in conservation efforts, and some experience/exposure to raptor capture/handling/banding efforts.
• Please detail such experiences in your cover letter and resume, including techniques used, number of birds handled/banded, and permitting details when applicable.
• Most of our HawkWatches are in high-elevation remote areas and require camping; all crewmembers must supply their own camping gear and should have their own vehicle to access the sites (or trailheads near sites).
• Accommodations for days-off (one per week) or weather episodes are generally available in nearby local communities.

Compensation

• Volunteer crewmembers will receive a per diem ranging between $38 to $45 depending on experience and site location, and a $150 travel stipend to offset travel costs to the site.
• Per diem are disbursed bi-weekly via direct deposit.
• Fall migration seasons run from mid-August through mid-November, specific dates are site-dependent.

To Apply

• Send inquiries or application packet (a single file, preferably PDF) including cover letter, resume, and contact information for three current references) to Dave Oleyar and Jesse Watson.
• Please include location preferences and dates available in your cover letter.
• Visit our website for project descriptions and past technical reports.
• Review begins 1 May and positions are open until filled.