Lead Bander for Fall Migration in Southern Utah

Dates: August 16th – early November

Where: Bonderman Field Station at Rio Mesa, Moab, Utah

Work Schedule: 7 hours/day, 10 days on 2 days off

Salary: $3500

We're looking for an experienced lead bird bander to head up a team with two volunteers. You will be working at the Bonderman Field Station at Rio Mesa near Moab, Utah. This beautiful riparian habitat provides critical resources to migratory birds, amidst the desert of the Colorado Plateau. The station has banded over 15,000 birds so far of 130 species including Willow Flycatcher, Black-throated Sparrow, Canyon Wren, Sage Thrasher, Sagebrush Sparrow, Gray Vireo, and much more.

The position runs from approximately August 16th through the first week of November, encompassing the entirety of fall bird migration. You will be paid $3000. The banding team is required to work 10 days on and 2 days off. Nets are opened from a half hour before dawn for six hours a day, weather permitting. In addition to the banding you will be responsible for providing training and guidance for the two volunteers, tours to any visiting groups, entering the daily data (including photos of banded birds), and writing weekly banding reports. In your free time you can explore the fantastic Red Rock Country of southern Utah, go rafting on the Dolores River, etc.

Desired experience:

The bander must have experience of banding, ageing and sexing high volumes of birds. They must be able to lead their team and train the assistants in these practices, as well as work and live well with the same small number of people for an entire season. They should be able to talk confidently to visitors about the process of banding and why it is important. Enthusiasm is a must! Comfortability operating in a remote field station setting with limited wi-fi, no cell service, and a 1.5 hour distance from the closest town are also key.

Please email your interest and experience plus a banding resume to kyle.kittelberger@utah.edu

UPDATE- THIS POSITION IS NOW CLOSED