Fall Raptor Migration Monitoring Crewmember

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 2024 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: 

Arizona - Grand Canyon HawkWatch (season runs Aug 27-Nov 5)

Nevada - Goshute Mountains HawkWatch (season runs Aug 15-Nov 5)

New Mexico - Manzano Mountains HawkWatch (season runs Aug 27-Nov 5)

Oregon - Bonney Butte HawkWatch (season runs Aug 27-Oct 31)

Texas - Corpus Christi HawkWatch (season runs Aug 1-Nov 15)

Wyoming - Commissary Ridge HawkWatch (season runs Aug 27-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 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

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:  This is a volunteer position, 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 may be available on a site-by-site and year-by-year basis in nearby local communities.

Reports to:  Each HawkWatch will be led by a site lead and/or banding coordinator who will coordinate with HWI supervisory biologists from the Long-term Monitoring and Community Science Team.

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 the Crew Position Description for more details about the position.

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

Application review ongoing, priority given to those who apply by 7 June 2024.

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.