Seasonal Raptor Counter

The Harris Center for Conservation Education is a transformative force in the Monadnock Region, where we promote understanding and respect for our natural environment through education of all ages, direct protection and exemplary stewardship of the region’s natural resources, conservation research, and programs that encourage active participation in the great outdoors. We are committed to ensuring that our education programs, trails, conserved lands, and conservation research projects are welcoming spaces for all, regardless of racial or religious background, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic means, or range of physical ability.

The Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory is New Hampshire’s only full-time autumn hawk watch. Now in its 20th season, this natural classroom atop the 2,290-foot summit of Pack Monadnock Mountain at Miller State Park provides visitors with opportunities to witness the annual raptor migration from a dramatic mountaintop vantage point. Each fall, Harris Center staff and volunteers document thousands of migratory raptors and educate the visiting public about the spectacle of migration and the importance of raptor conservation.

Position Description

The Seasonal Raptor Biologist will work under the guidance of the Bird Conservation Director and alongside other Harris Center staff and volunteers as the lead raptor migration counter and outreach specialist for the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory. The successful candidate will conduct standardized raptor migration counts five days a week (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) from August 30 through November 20 (start and end dates somewhat flexible), and perform outreach and interpretation for the visiting public, including school and other groups.

Primary Responsibilities

·       Identify, count, and record migrating raptors, as well as other bird species

·       Carefully record and manage standardized hourly and daily data in the hawkcount.org database

·       Communicate with staff, volunteers, and the general public about raptors

·       Create written daily and seasonal reports

·       Prepare a final written report at the end of the season

·       Deliver a public educational program sharing the results of the season (optional)

Qualifications

·       At least one season of previous hawkwatching experience, with a proven ability to locate, identify, and count Eastern raptors in flight from great distances

·       Data entry experience

·       Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate and interact with a diverse range of people, exercising cultural competence and inclusion

·       Ability to communicate well with visitors, volunteers, staff, and the general public

·       Excellent written and oral communication skills

·       Ability to assist with formal educational programs, including visiting school groups

·       Ability to work independently and with others under sometimes challenging weather conditions (heat, cold, wind) for up to 8 hours/day

·       Reliability, flexibility, and punctuality

·       Ability to lift 25 lbs. as necessary

·       Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Location, Schedule, and Salary
$15-$17/hour with work to take place from late August through the end of November at the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory at Miller State Park in Peterborough, NH. (There is some flexibility on the start date, end date, and weekly schedule.) Final payment is contingent on the submission of a final report. This position is expected to work up to five days and 40 hours per week for the duration of the Hawk Watch season. 

How to Apply
To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and three references (including one who can speak to your ability to identify raptors in flight at a distance) to Phil Brown at brown@harriscenter.org by Monday, July 22 at 5 p.m.