Operations Technician

~ The mission of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association is to conserve birds of prey worldwide by providing leadership in raptor conservation science and education, and by maintaining Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a model observation, research and education facility. ~

Position Overview

This position is part of the Operations Department and works under the supervision of the Director of Land & Facilities. They will be responsible for all aspects of the daily operation and maintenance of all land and facilities within the 2600 acres of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is located in the central Appalachan Mountains of Pennsylvania and serves as a world leader in raptor conservation science.

It is a nine month position starting July 1, 2015 and requires the hired candidate to reside on grounds. Salary will be commensurate upon experience and includes housing. Candidate must be able to carry a 40 lb backpack in adverse conditions and have a valid drivers license. They will be subject to a thorough background check. This position has potential to lead to a permanent position for the right candidate with the Operations Staff.

Responsibliities

• The candidate will assist the Operations Team with all aspects of maintenance to grounds and facilites.
• This includes facility repairs, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and custodial duties as necessary.
• The candidate will also assist in enforcement of sanctuary rules, provide security, and provide visitor services such as emergency response and information.
• The candidate will also be available to assist all other departments as needed.
• Establish and maintain a cooperatived and respectful relationship with the Operations team members, all Sanctuary staff, Volunteers, Trainess, and public.

Qualifications

• College degree in Parks and Recreation or Resource Management preferred.
• WFA/WFR or higher preferred. Minimum is a willingness to recieve and perform First Aid and CPR.
• Two years of general maintenance experience with an emphasis on carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and masonry.
• Must be able to perform the physical labor required for all aspects of the position.
• Proficient in operation of hand and power tools, chainsaws, mowers, and string trimmers.
• Must be able to operate 4X4 vehicles and small tractor.
• Effectively relate to and supervise volunteers on work projects
• Interact and inform public in a professional manner.
• Must be able to perform effectively in environments of changing workloads and priorities.
• Must be available for weekends and holidays.
• Must proactively promote safety in all tasks. 

Additional Information 

As the world's first refuge for birds of prey, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has a dramatic history that started during the Great Depression with amateur ornithologist Richard Pough.

In 1929, Pennsylvania's Game Commission placed a $5 price tag on the goshawk's head - a grand sum at the time. Two years later, while Pough was a recent college graduate living in Philadelphia, he became one of a growing number of conservationists opposed to the widespread movement to eradicate wildlife predators, including predatory birds.

Pough heard of the place locals called "Hawk Mountain" and decided to visit. There he saw gunners stationed, shooting hundreds of passing hawks for sport. He returned to gather the carcasses lying on the forest floor and take photographs. Pough's photographs were eventually seen by a New York conservation activist, Rosalie Edge.

In 1934, Mrs. Edge came to Hawk Mountain and leased 1,400 acres. She installed a warden on the property, a New England bird enthusiast named Maurice Broun, and Maurice's wife and bird conservation partner, Irma Broun. The shooting stopped immediately and the next year, Mrs. Edge opened the Sanctuary to the public as a place to see the beautiful but persecuted birds of prey. She purchased and deeded the 1,400 acres to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, incorporated in 1938 as a non-profit organization in Pennsylvania. 

Today, Hawk Mountain is... 

• A scientific research center
• An international conservation training site
• A learning facility for all ages
• An eco-tourism destination
• A wildlife sanctuary open to the public year-round
• The world's largest member-supported raptor conservation organization
• One of the best places in northeastern North America to view the annual autumn hawk migration 

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter and resume to Todd Bauman, Director of Land & Facilites.