Songbird Banding and Education Intern (2 positions)

Who we are: The Alaska Songbird Institute (ASI) is a nonprofit organization based at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in Fairbanks, Alaska. Our mission is to conserve Alaska’s boreal songbirds and their habitats through research and education. Our long-term avian research projects (30+ years) utilize a community-based model. They are open to the general public, and students, teachers, and community volunteers of all ages are involved throughout the research process. ASI strives to integrate diverse voices and perspectives committed to our shared vision and values throughout everything we do.

Position Description: We are seeking two interns to assist with research and education efforts at the long-running Creamer’s Field Migration Station—North America’s northernmost songbird banding station—within the town of Fairbanks, Alaska. Training will be provided in bird banding and mist netting techniques, bird identification, and science education. Internships are two months in duration from late July/early August to late September. Start and end dates are somewhat flexible.

General Responsibilities: Duties may include but are not limited to: operating mist nets, monitoring and removing birds from mist nets, recording data, leading 1-hour field trips (grades K-12), leading 1-hour bird walks for visitors, station maintenance, interacting with volunteers, greeting independent visitors, creating virtual education content and social media outreach, and entering data in a manner consistent with ASI procedures. Responsibilities are expected to break down as follows: mist netting and banding operations support (50%); science education and community interaction (30%); data summarization and entry (10%); and field logistics and equipment organization (10%).

Qualifications: Interns must possess a demonstrated interest in ornithology and science education, a strong work ethic, meticulous approach to collecting and recording data, positive attitude, good interpersonal skills, and a genuine desire to gain experience in banding and working in a community-based research model. Interns must make common sense decisions concerning wildlife interactions (e.g., moose, bear), be able to work independently and as part of a team. In addition, this position requires many early mornings (starting as early as 5:30 AM), weekend work, and the ability to follow a work schedule that is dependent upon changing weather and field logistics. Access to personal transportation—whether that be automobile or bike—can be advantageous for living and commuting in Fairbanks.

Physical Demands: Bird banding requires good manual dexterity and eyesight and involves long periods of being on your feet with few or no breaks. Interns must be able to access all mist nets and travel with groups of children and adults to the study area. This job may require walking through waist deep water and vegetation, carrying a backpack with gear (~25lbs), stepping over logs and fences, crossing uneven terrain, riding a bicycle, carrying heavy objects, and working in high levels of insect activity and inclement weather conditions.

Hours: Variable, not to exceed 40 hours/week. Requires a flexible schedule and some weekend days.

Status and Compensation: This is a seasonal volunteer educational position. A living stipend of $1,250 per month is provided. Stipends are taxable and paid in monthly installments. Free or low-cost housing may be available, but is not guaranteed.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references (at least one should be familiar with your experience/skills working with youth) as a single document to Robert Snowden: asi.science@aksongbird.org. Official deadline for applications is May 31, 2024, but this position may be filled as soon as qualified applicants are found.