Summer Assistant Owl Bander at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

Employer: Michigan Audubon
Reports to: Lead Owl Bander
Location: Whitefish Point, Paradise, Michigan, U.S.
Classification: Full-time, temporary, July 1 – August 25, 2022
Compensation: DOE; $2,500–$3,500 for the season, includes shared housing (full kitchen, laundry, and internet)

Overview

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, located in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is seeking an Assistant Owl Bander from July 1 through August 25, 2022. The Assistant Owl Bander aids our Lead Owl Bander with the maintenance of the WPBO owl banding program during the summer season at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. The field staff of WPBO represent and share Michigan Audubon’s mission of connecting birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, education, and research. Whitefish Point is a world-renowned site for avian migration monitoring, with more diversity in owl species banded than any other site in North America. Owl species banded in the past include Northern Saw-whet, Boreal, Long-eared, Barred, Great Gray, Great Horned, Snowy, and Northern Hawk Owls. 

Primary duties of the Assistant Owl Bander include opening and closing nets, net checks, banding, and recording information on owls under the Lead Owl Bander’s onsite supervision. In addition to maintaining the owl banding program over the course of the summer season, the AOB also contributes to written content by writing blogs for our website and an end-of-season, narrative report for our member magazine, the Jack Pine Warbler. 

Performance Expectations 

• Conduct daily owl banding in conjunction with the lead owl bander using the WPBO standardized methodology and protocol. 
• Ensure all activities abide by the provisions required by all relevant permits, including those of the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory, and those of the Research and Monitoring Special Use Permit provided by Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
• Maintain organized records and notes with attention to detail, accurately collecting data and recording field notes. 
• Write regular blog posts and feature articles as requested by Michigan Audubon related to the owl banding program at WPBO. 
• Perform with a minimum of supervision and work cooperatively with others. 
• Serve as a professional and courteous ambassador for Michigan Audubon and its program site at Whitefish Point.
• Adhere to safety and site requirements for working in this region, including potential directives related to COVID-19. 

Qualifications

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a current, valid driver’s license, be eligible for work in the United States, and undergo a background check. 
• Previous mist-netting and bird banding experience is required (2+ field seasons is ideal).
• Education and/or prior field experience in the fields of biological, zoological, environmental, or ecological studies are helpful, but not required, for this position. 
• Ability to work independently with demonstrated ability to receive direction and supervision remotely. 

How to Apply

To apply, please submit via email a cover letter, resume, and three references to office@michiganaudubon.org re: WPBO Summer Assistant Owl Bander position. Applications will be accepted until filled. Early applications encouraged and preferred for priority consideration by May 25, 2022. To learn more, please visit www.wpbo.org.

Note: Conditions of employment and site circumstances are subject to change due to COVID-19. Candidates will be made aware of changes as soon as possible.

Michigan Audubon values diversity, inclusion, competence, and equity. As an equal opportunity employer, Michigan Audubon is committed to ensuring the employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities.