Assistant Bird Bander for Stopover Habitat Quality Project in the Great Lakes

Assistant Bird Bander for Stopover Habitat Quality Project

The Wolfe Lab at Michigan Technological University is currently seeking motivated and resilient individuals to fill the position of banding assistant as part of our ongoing project aimed at measuring the habitat quality for songbirds across Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to applied conservation research in one of the most beautiful and remote parts of the country.

Position Overview:

The banding assistant will play a crucial role in our fieldwork operations, working closely with a small, diverse team dedicated to avian research across remote areas throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This is a paid position at $15-20/hour dependent on experience, requiring commitment from mid-April through mid-October, weather permitting. The use of a personal vehicle to and from field sites with reimbursement of mileage is possible, although candidates without a personal vehicle will also be considered. Housing in Houghton, Michigan will need to be secured by the candidate with the help of the PhD student and supporting staff. Overnight sampling events may require camping. 

Responsibilities:

- Setting up and operating a mist net station for bird capture and processing.

- Safely handling, banding, and processing songbirds and collecting avian genetic samples for research.

- Working in hot, inclement weather, and buggy environments.

- Collaborating effectively within a team with diverse worldviews.

- Working independently and taking direction as needed.

- Identify eastern songbirds by sight and sound.

Requirements:

- A strong work ethic and resilience in challenging field conditions.

- Ability to camp in remote conditions.

- Ability to begin the field day pre-dawn and work into the afternoon if necessary.

- A passion for fieldwork, conservation, and birds.

- Ability to work well within small groups of people.

- Bird banding experience is a plus, but no previous bird banding experience is required; comprehensive training will be provided.

-Ability to ID Michigan’s birds by sight and sound with the help of guides.

To Apply:

Please submit a letter of interest detailing why you believe you are a good fit for this position, especially under difficult field conditions. Include any previous and relevant experience, your CV with references, and tentative dates of availability for fieldwork in one file attachment with subject “Assistant Bird Bander for Stopover - Your Name” by March 30th. Applications should be sent to PhD student Ellie Resendiz at eresendi@mtu.edu, and P.I. Jared Wolfe at jdwolfe@mtu.edu and will be reviewed as they are received, with interviews beginning March 25.

This position is not just a job; it's an opportunity to make a tangible impact on conservation efforts and gain invaluable experience in avian research. If you're hardworking, love birds and the outdoors, and are eager to learn and contribute to our understanding of songbird habitat quality, we encourage you to apply. We maintain a high expectation and dedication to include scientists from under-represented groups in STEM, and highly encourage individuals from these groups to apply.

Assistant bird bander application announcement.pdf