Volunteer Bird Banding Technician

Organization Background

Mission

Wild Bird Research Group, Inc. (WBRG) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to conduct science, build knowledge, and foster appreciation for the conservation of wild birds throughout the Americas. 

Operations

WBRG and its partners conduct various research projects and education programs in the eastern U.S. and Central America, including; MoSI banding in Costa Rica; MAPS banding in NC and NJ; owl migration and winter ecology research in NJ; Motus research in NC; educational programing and outreach at all stations; and offers volunteer and internship opportunities at all stations. 

Station Background

Location

This station is part of the Southern Appalachian chapter of WBRG, and is located at The North Carolina Arboretum (TNCA) in Asheville, NC. TNCA serves as a land steward and environmental educator for 434 acres of Pisgah National Forest, which spans over 500,000 acres across western NC and the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.

Here is a link to a blog post that provides a little more background about the TNCA station: https://www.ncarboretum.org/2021/07/15/avian-research-at-the-arboretum/

Project

The station is part of the MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) program—which is conducted through the IBP (Institute for Bird Populations)—a continent-wide effort to conserve avian populations and their habitats through bird banding.

Position Details 

Schedule

The MAPS season runs from May to August 2022, and there are 8 days of banding within that time. Banding days begin around sunrise and end around noon (6:00am-12:00pm). Before the season begins we hold an orientation day and 2-3pre-season training sessions to get people familiar and comfortable with the station and process. Between training and banding, there are roughly 11 days of work in total throughout the 4-month season. All banding and training days occur on weekends, usually Sundays, in order to not conflict with weekday schedules. This position is often best suited for undergrad or grad students and/or those who have paid work during the week, and then have the free time to help one weekend day periodically throughout the summer. 

Duties

Once trained, technicians will be expected to: set up and take down mist nets; extract and handle birds; identify local bird species; record data; and ideally by the end of the season will be comfortable with basic bird banding techniques. 

Expectations

Technicians must have a good work ethic, and be able to work well with others on the team. Technicians must be prepared to get up early, and arrive on time, and deal with typical challenges associated with fieldwork (physical exertion, heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.).  We request that individuals try to attend all 8 days of banding. Prior experience with bird handling and/or bird banding is preferred, but not required. 

Application 

Interested individuals should send a basic letter of interest (resume optional) to Anthony Squitieri at info@wildbirdresearch.org. The letter of interest should include relevant background information, any past research and banding experience, why you are interested in the position, and how you think the position could benefit you.

Thank you for your interest!  

— Wild Bird Research Group, Inc. —

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