Tussey Mountain Spring Hawk Counter - Pennsylvania

Penn State`s Outdoor Education Field Lab and Nature Center—Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center—is searching for an energetic Hawk Counter that can provide accurate raptor identification and reporting, while providing informal interpretation to site visitors at the local spring hawk watch. Located in Pennsylvania’s ridge-and-valley province near State College, Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch is one of the premier spring Golden Eagle migration sites on the Eastern Flyway, averaging 186 individuals each spring. Full-time counts have been conducted from late February through late April since 2001 with an average of 1,800 raptors each spring, including up to 16 species. 

Duties: 

Identify and count all migrant raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds

Identify and record Golden Eagle age, time of observation, height of flight, flight type, flight path, and any behavioral observations

Record hourly weather data

Enter daily count into HawkCount database of the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA)

Post daily results to the State College Bird Club list serv

Attend the State College Bird Club meeting once per month

Interpret the natural history of raptor migration and communicate with the public at large

Independently make decisions on delay or cancellation of count due to weather patterns

Qualifications: Applicant must have familiarity with bird identification and a background in identifying eastern raptors in flight is preferred, but not necessary. Applicants will need to be able to endure long days in the field, often in cold and windy conditions and have the independence to make daily decisions on cancellation of count due to weather. Experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills is highly preferred. Although this position is expected to work 40 hours a week, applicant must have the willingness to work irregular hours, including some weekends, due unpredictable weather patterns. A personal pair of binoculars and spotting scope is preferred. Must be computer literate and capable of entering and managing data (computer access can be provided.) Applicant must have transportation to and from the hawk watch location with a valid driver`s license.

This is a part-time position that runs from February 23-April 25. To review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters and policies, please go to https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports, which will also explain how to request a paper copy of the Annual Security Report.

A valid US driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Pay is $9/hr with possibility of overtime. Housing included.

Questions about the position can be direct to Jon Kauffman (jvk5019@psu.edu)

https://tusseymountainspringhawkwatch.org/

Apply at https://hr.psu.edu/careers