BIRD BANDER/EDUCATOR

BIRD BANDER/EDUCATOR needed for Smithsonian community science programs based at the National Zoo in Washington, DC., (early May through mid-July). The position combines community-based research and an opportunity to conduct basic conservation biology and environmental education. Three major activities are involved: (1) capturing migratory passerines that will be incorporated into a living collection that supports the Zoo’s songbird propagation research and the renovated Bird House, (2) assisting outreach staff at the Bird House with educational programming, and (3) conducting bird banding/outreach activities in backyards of Neighborhood Nestwatch (NN) participants. Fieldwork in backyards will incorporate point-count surveys, color banding songbirds, nest-searching, insect counts, and area searches for color banded birds from previous years. Educational outreach will involve assistance at the Bird House with exhibit interpretation, indoor outreach activities, banding demonstrations, and talking with the public about birds. 

This position requires demonstrated skill to work independently to conduct avian point counts, set up mist nets, capture, safely extract, color-band, age, sex, and measure songbirds, and carefully record and enter field data. We also seek applicants with experience in communicating with the public about birds and their ecology. Work is from early morning till mid-day 5 days per week followed by daily data entry when applicable. A vehicle will be provided for the substantial driving involved for NN work in the Washington, D.C. area. Salary $700 - $800/wk. depending on experience. Please email cover letter describing your relevant experience and how many birds you have banded and extracted from mist nets unassisted, CV, and the names and updated contact information of three references to Bob Reitsma, reitsmar@si.edu, by March 12, 2023.