Songbird Bander

SONGBIRD BANDER (1) needed from August 14 to mid/late-October for a Fall Migration Songbird Study in western Montana with the University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL). The project collects information on patterns of western migrating passerines.  We will operate 1 long-term songbird banding station in the Bitterroot Valley floodplain near Missoula, MT. Banding takes place 4 days/week, usually Mon-Thurs. Technicians can expect early mornings, inclement weather, beautiful country, and rewarding work! 

Previous banding and extraction experience is required for this position. The ideal applicant has extracted and banded a minimum of 500 birds, feels comfortable skulling birds, can effectively and efficiently use the Pyle guide, and has an excellent understanding of molt, with the ability to use both H-P and WRP nomenclatures. Safe handling skills and good ethics are a MUST. Banders will be working with an experienced crew leader, but ideally would feel comfortable working without supervision. Experience with western birds is preferred but not required.

Salary range for Banders is $13-15/hour, depending on experience.  Technicians must arrange their own travel to Missoula. Shared housing is available, but the technician must have reliable transportation from the housing to the field site (~10 mile drive). In addition, applicants must be available for the entirety of the field season.

To apply please e-mail a cover letter and a resume with three references to: tricia.rodriguez@mso.umt.edu.  Please be sure to include information about your banding experience, specifically how many birds you have banded/extracted, as well as your experience in the use of molt limits and skulling to age birds.  We will begin reviewing applications immediately and the application period will close by Aug 5.