Banding Trainee - Colorado

Title:                                  Banding Trainee

Location:                          Brighton, CO with some travel throughout CO and western NE possible

Salary:                               $15.00/hr –  a deduction for housing will be made from each bi-weekly paycheck at $172

Duration:                          Aug 19 – Oct 25, 2024

Purpose:                           The Banding Trainee supports the running of our Fall banding program, primarily at our Barr Lake banding station.    

About the Organization:

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies conserves birds and their habitats through an integrated approach of science, education and stewardship. Our work extends from the Rockies to the Great Plains, Mexico and beyond. Our mission is advanced through sound science, achieved through empowering people, realized through stewardship and sustained through cross-border collaborations. We monitor and identify population trends, research habitat needs, engage landowners and managers in wildlife and habitat stewardship, and inspire audiences of all ages to be better stewards of the land. Together, we are improving native bird populations, the land, and the lives of people. Learn more about our work and programs at our website: www.birdconservancy.org.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

We are seeking a banding trainee for a fall migration banding station.  The station is located at Barr Lake State Park, in Brighton, CO. Position is approximately 10 weeks. This position is intended to provide bird banding training for those with some to no prior experience. The trainee will learn how to safely capture and band birds, including safe handling techniques, species identification in-hand, aging and sexing birds using reliable indicators, and daily operation and maintenance of a banding station. Trainee will also assist by scribing, entering, and proofing banding data. Trainee may also help with providing bird banding demonstrations to visiting school and community groups. The position is 40 hours per week, with a variable schedule including some workdays on weekends. Housing is provided nearby in a private room in a house that also serves as office space. Reliable personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and auto insurance required; work-related mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate. Hiring contingent on passing a background check and drug screen.

Desired Qualifications (unless otherwise noted):

●        No prior bird banding experience required, though applicants with some prior experience can also apply. This position is intended to be a training opportunity to develop banding skills.

●        While training in bird identification will be provided, strong applicants will have a demonstrated interest in identification, natural history, and conservation of birds.

●        Attention to detail in entering and proofing data working with Microsoft Excel.

●        Effective communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team setting.

●        Completed or working towards completion of Bachelor of Science in biology, ecology, zoology, or related field preferred.

●        Strong organizational and logistical skills, and able to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       Able to stand, walk and hike for extended periods of time outdoors in all weather. Frequently walking 3+ miles daily for work.

·       Early morning work required; typical workday begins 30 minutes prior to sunrise.

·       Ability to handle mid-level stress.

·       Requires reaching and kneeling/squatting intermittently throughout the workday (reaching overhead or positioning oneself low to work with mist-nets for capturing birds).

·       May include lifting up to thirty (30) pounds on an infrequent basis- proper lifting techniques required.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage members of the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other underrepresented communities to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other class protected by law.

To Apply:

Please send cover letter and resume with three references in one document to applicants@birdconservancy.org with the subject line Banding Trainee.

Applications will be accepted until June 24, 2024.  We will review applications on a rolling basis. No phone calls please.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their supervisor. Nothing in this job description shall create or is intended to create, or shall be construed to constitute a contract of employment, express or implied. Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.