Cerulean Warbler Tour Guide

LOCATION / DATES: Hastings, Michigan, May 5 - 19, 2023

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Temporary/Seasonal Hourly

COMPENSATION: $12 per hour

Position Overview:

The Cerulean Warbler Tour Guide leads daily Cerulean Warbler tours out of Michigan Audubon’s Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary in Hastings, Mich.

The guide will be responsible for leading public tours throughout the guide’s employment period. This includes providing an educational, enjoyable experience for participants.

The guide is also responsible for leading the tour in all types of conditions, including biting insects and rainy weather.

The guide will be expected to represent Michigan Audubon in a courteous, professional manner, and to answer questions regarding the organization to their best ability. Communication, education, and outreach are key components of this role.

Lodging will be provided on-site for the guide.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in bird identification and leading tours.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently with little supervision, to accept guidance from a supervisor, and to maintain consistent communication with supervisors throughout the contract period.
• Ability and willingness to represent Michigan Audubon in a professional, knowledgeable, positive, and friendly manner.
• Ability to identify and train tour participants in the identification of birds seen on the tour.
• Ability to tolerate adverse weather (rain, snow, fog, cold, etc.) and adverse conditions (mosquitoes, black flies).
• Ability to lead groups of people over rough terrain and under harsh conditions with clear and skillful communication.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide transportation during the tours.

Requirements:

• Act as a Michigan Audubon ambassador by acting in an inclusive and non-discriminating manner, furthering the Michigan Audubon mission of connecting birds and people for the benefit of both.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of participants and their personal belongings at all times. The safety of participants is paramount.
• Scout birding spots before the tours.
• Lead participants and point out bird sightings and sounds and other matters of interest.
• Answer, to the best of your ability, questions presented by tour participants. Be informative, helpful, and positive.
• Maintain the official bird checklist for the tours.

To Apply:

To apply for this position, send an email to Manager of Education and Events Lindsay Cain at lcain@michiganaudubon.org. Use the subject line “CERW Tour Guide Application” and attach as a single PDF your cover letter, resume, and a minimum of two professional and/or academic references (names, length of time known, phone numbers, and email addresses). 

Position open until filled. Applications are due by March 1, 2023.