Bird Banding Interns

Description

Klamath Bird Observatory (http://www.klamathbird.org/) is seeking highly motivated individuals to participate in our long-term landbird monitoring program from May 1st through October 31st 2024 in the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion of southern Oregon. This position requires independent drive and patience for the travails of fieldwork but also affords an amazing opportunity to build practical experience in field biology and master a variety of bird monitoring and research skills in a beautiful part of the country.

Our bander training program blends an intensive field internship with coursework designed in accordance with North American Banding Council (NABC) standards to prepare participants for successful careers as field ornithologists. Training and duties will include mist netting and banding of passerines and near passerines; bird surveying; data quality assurance, entry, and management; and participation in public outreach and education. Non-field duties include study and discussion of banding curriculum, equipment maintenance, field station upkeep, and data entry. Accommodation is provided in shared rooms in a rustic cabin on the Upper Klamath Lake which has potable running water, a full kitchen, internet access, a wood stove, electric space heaters, and an external bath house. Hiking and birding opportunities abound nearby with access to bikes and kayaks. Weekly visits to remote sites will require multi-night camping trips and brief strenuous hiking carrying heavy banding equipment. 

Qualifications

Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong interest in birds and field biology, possess a positive attitude during long days and occasionally adverse conditions (heat, cold, mosquitoes, smoke), work cooperatively and constructively toward project objectives, give priority to safety considerations, make common sense decisions about wildlife (bears, cougars, snakes), and be able to work and live harmoniously in close company with coworkers. To preserve the quality and consistency of our long-term dataset, interns must also be able to precisely follow protocols and take meticulous care in collecting and recording data. Excellent communication skills are critical. Interns are required to possess a valid Driver’s License and clean driving record to use provided field vehicles for project-related travel. Preferred qualifications include outdoor skills, bird identification skills, bird handling and banding experience. This position requires early mornings (pre-dawn), weekends, and the ability to follow a work schedule that is dependent on the changing weather and unpredictable field conditions.

Compensation

Stipend of $1000/month and accommodation

Duration

May 1st 2024 to October 31st 2024

Application Deadline

Hiring will be ongoing until positions have been filled.

To Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in a single PDF document to the Banding Program Manager, Lucinda Zawadzki (lcz@klamathbird.org).

It is Klamath Bird Observatory’s policy to provide a work environment free from unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, expunged juvenile record, performance of duty in a uniformed service, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

For more details, please visit: https://klamathbird.org/about-kbo/careers-and-opportunities/

Photo Credit: Yellow-breasted Chat; Jim Livaudias

KBO_Banding Intern Announcement_2024.pdf