Seasonal Bird Bander

Position Overview:

The M.A.P.S. project was started in 1989 by the Institute for Bird Populations. M.A.P.S. -Monitoring Avian Productivity & Survivorship- is a constant effort banding project aimed at monitoring bird populations by gathering information about productivity- the ability of individual bird species to reproduce and survivorship of adults birds from year to year.

The intent is to not only document declines as they are occurring, but to attribute whether the decline is the result of adults not returning back to their breeding sites or to adults not successfully producing young on their breeding territories.  There are over 500 banding stations nationwide that are collecting data and submitting it to a central office in California where the data is then compiled and analyzed on a site specific and region by region basis.

In 1997, The Sharon Audubon Center collaborated with various National Audubon Society properties, local chapters of Audubon, and the Nature Conservancy to establish 7 banding stations located within the Northwest Corner of CT and in nearby Dutchess County.  Annually, one or two banders are trained and hired to work at our 7 banding stations from May-August to mist-net, band birds and record data.

This seasonal position begins in mid-May and runs through early August.

Responsibilities: 

Primary responsibilities of the Seasonal Bird Banders are to operate mist-netting and banding (MAPS) stations in CT and NY, which includes setting up mist-nets before dawn, carefully extracting and banding birds for up to 6 hours at a time, take and record different measurements of the birds including, but not limited to, weight, sex and age.

Additional Functions: 

Bird Banding Interns must constantly check and maintain mist-nets and other equipment, and perform any minor repairs needed, as well as enter the recorded data into the database.  Interns may communicate with volunteers to coordinate schedules.

Qualifications:

Good birding skills and knowledge or eastern birds; previous mist-netting and banding experience helpful but not necessary, training provided.  A current driver's license and own transportation are required. 

Physical Requirements:

Ability to walk on trails and on uneven off-trail terrain, and must be able to sit, stand, grasp, lift, carry, walk, push, reach, climb and pull for short and extended periods of time. 

Compensation:  $8.25/hr ($288.75/wk) plus housing.

To Apply:

All applications must be completed online. Please include resume, cover letter and contact info for 3 professional references. No paper or emailed resumes will be accepted.