Bird Education Naturalist

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is one of the premier fall bird migration sites in North America. Raptor migration research and education have been conducted at the site for over 50 years! It’s the western-most count on the Great Lakes with an advantageous location on a rocky ridge overlooking the western tip of Lake Superior. Annual fall averages include 75,000 raptors and 200,000+ passerines/other birds counted and approximately 3,000 raptors banded. Fall migration highlights include an amazing diversity of 15-20 different raptor species! The Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) in Duluth, MN is the non-profit organization that manages and provides bird research and education at the nature reserve. The fall research and education staff of HRBO are key representatives in HRBO’s mission of protecting birds of prey and other migratory birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship.

Education at HRBO is designed to complement and fulfill this mission with programs about birds and their environment, while building awareness and appreciation for bird conservation. HRBO is seeking Naturalist (full-time/part-time opportunities available) for the fall 2023 season for 9 weeks August 29-October 31.

Primary Responsibilities:

·         Teaching formal environmental education programs to groups (school, private and the general public)

·         Teaching informal interpretive programs via education tables and kid’s cart

·         Providing interpretation about the bird migration (pointing out migrating birds to general public, bird id tips, & sharing verbal highlights from bird migration count research)

·         Answering questions about raptor identification, natural history of birds, and the fall migration at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve

·         Conducting live bird education demonstrations

·         Assisting managers with visitor relations, merchandise sales, volunteers, & fundraising activities/events

Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree required (Science Education/Environmental Education preferred).

·         Demonstrated teaching experience (2+ years preferred)

·         Knowledge of birds, especially raptors preferred

·         Driver’s license and personal vehicle required

Desired Experience

·         Experience in working and teaching outside in many weather conditions

·         Demonstrated animal-handling experience (preferably birds)

Essential Personal Characteristics

·         Enthusiastic and passionate about teaching others

·         Communicates respectfully and effectively with teachers, students, staff, volunteers, & visitors of all ages

·         Flexibility in work hours (inclement weather, weekends, possibly some evenings)

·         Ability to work independently and with team

Compensation: Hourly pay at $13/hour; lodging provided, if available

To apply for the Naturalist position, please go to hawkridge.org/about-us/employment-internships to find and submit the application form. You will attach your cover letter and resume through that link. Applications will be accepted until filled (note: applications are encouraged and preferred by Friday, May 5, 2023).

For further information, please visit our website at www.hawkridge.org. For questions, please email apply@hawkridge.org or call (218) 428-8722.