Fall 2023 Raptor Migration Crew Member

Overview:  Since 1983 HawkWatch International teams have monitored raptor migration at a network of sites across western N. America.  These efforts are vital in documenting changes in regional populations for many species, and highlighting those in need of additional research and conservation efforts due to local or regional declines.  We seek enthusiastic team players to staff HawkWatch International’s (HWI) network of long-term migration monitoring sites in western North America for the fall 2023 season.  Crewmember duties include a combination of standardized daily migration counts of diurnal raptors, safely engaging and delivering outreach to site visitors (both scheduled and impromptu), and at a subset of sites, assisting with capture and banding of migrating raptors (OR, NV, WY, and NM).

Length of Appointment:  Fall migration seasons generally run from mid-August through mid-November, specific dates are site-dependent (see below). Positions require a full-season commitment and weekly schedules include 1 day off.

HawkWatch Locations with open crew positions: 

New Mexico - Manzano Mountains HawkWatch (as soon as possible-Nov 5)

Wyoming - Commissary Ridge HawkWatch (as soon as possible-Nov 5)

Qualifications:

Good eyesight

Ability to endure and stay focused during long hours in the field in highly variable weather

Demonstrated birding and/or raptor-in-flight I.D. skills

Ability to pleasantly and professionally engage site visitors about the work while representing HWI

Ability to work and live well in a remote and intimate small team setting

Excellent data collection skills (detailed, accurate, and in accordance w/ protocols) and the ability to digitally log data

Willingness and ability to follow federal, local, and HWI Covid safety protocols

Full Covid-19 vaccination by season start date

Qualifications of top applicants:

Previous experience identifying and counting raptors in-flight

Experience engaging visitors of all ages and skills about  conservation efforts

Some experience/exposure to raptor capture/handling/banding efforts

Compensation:

Crewmembers will receive a daily living stipend of $55 and a one-time, $150 travel stipend to offset travel costs to the site.  Per diem are disbursed bi-weekly via direct deposit. 

Living arrangements: Most of our HawkWatches are in high-elevation remote areas and require camping; all crewmembers must supply their own camping gear** (be equipped for all-season camping) and should have their own vehicle to access the sites (or trailheads near sites).  Accommodations for days-off (one per week) or weather episodes are generally available in nearby local communities.

Reports to: Each HawkWatch is led by a site lead and/or banding coordinator who will coordinate with HWI supervisory biologists: Dave Oleyar and Jesse Watson. 

Application Instructions: To apply complete the following application: Fall Raptor Migration Monitoring Crewmember Application, part of this application requires submitting a cover letter and resume (submit as a single pdf file via application form) that details your experience, highlighting any time spent counting migrating raptors, conducting public outreach, and/or banding (including techniques used, number of birds handled/banded, and permitting details when applicable). 

Visit www.hawkwatch.org for site descriptions and past technical reports.  

Application review ongoing, we are looking to fill our crews in New Mexico and Wyoming as soon as possible

Send any questions to migration@hawkwatch.org

 **If equipment concerns would preclude you from applying, please apply and reach out–HWI may be able to assist in some cases.