Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior, Whitefish Point is the premier migration watch site in the state. Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, a program of Michigan Audubon, is seeking a Spring Migration Waterbird Counter that can provide accurate waterbird identification and reporting, while providing educational interpretation to site visitors.
Applicant must possess strong waterbird and general bird identification skills. Prior field experience is highly preferred.
Duties include conducting the daily count, interacting with visitors, completion of field data forms, posting daily results, and additional field duties as assigned. Preparing and conducting an end of season presentation and/or reports are also required.
While the position requires a great deal of independence, it will be supported by staff from Michigan Audubon’s headquarters. Consistent, clear, professional communication with supervisors, colleagues, stakeholders, and visitors is a must.
This is a seasonal position from 15 April to 31 May and overtime may be required.
Qualifications and Requirements:
•Familiarity with waterbird migration and experience identifying all eastern North American waterbirds is required.
•Enthusiastic, dedicated and motivated self-starter who can work independently in sometimes difficult conditions.
•While not required, previous environmental interpretation and/or teaching skills are ideal, but a passion for connecting bird and habitat conservation to the community is essential.
•Applicants should have experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills.
•Careful data collecting skills a must. Must be computer/tablet literate and capable of entering and managing data (computer access can be provided).
•Flexibility to adjust hours to meet the needs of program and organization, including the potential of working overtime hours.
•Transportation necessary to get from provided housing to count site. This requires a reliable vehicle and a clean, valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Michigan.
•Must have a personal pair of binoculars and spotting scope is preferred.
•Early season weather is often harsh and very cold, with few people visiting the site in these conditions. A dedicated, self-motivated individual who can both work well with people and endure challenging conditions in a remote location is required.
Dates: This is a seasonal position from 15 April to 31 May, 2020. A final season report is due June 7, 2020.
Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours per day beginning at dawn, 6 days/week with some longer days and weeks during peak migration. Some early season days/weeks may be shortened when there are weather conditions that pose a threat to the counter.
Job Type: Seasonal; Contracted
Application Deadline: December 15, 2019
Compensation: $2,100-2,500 total for the contract period; includes housing.
To Apply: Applicants should submit one PDF document including: cover letter, resume with relevant experience, and contact information for three references (include phone and email) to Linnea Rowse at lrowse@michiganaudubon.org.
Number of Openings: One
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior, Whitefish Point is the premier migration watch site in the state. Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, a program of Michigan Audubon, is seeking a Spring Migration Waterbird Counter that can provide accurate waterbird identification and reporting, while providing educational interpretation to site visitors. Applicant must possess strong waterbird and general bird identification skills. Prior field experience is highly preferred. Duties include conducting the daily count, interacting with visitors, completion of field data forms, posting daily results, and additional field duties as assigned. Preparing and conducting an end of season presentation and/or reports are also required. While the position requires a great deal of independence, it will be supported by staff from Michigan Audubon’s headquarters. Consistent, clear, professional communication with supervisors, colleagues, stakeholders, and visitors is a must. This is a seasonal position from 15 April to 31 May and overtime may be required. Qualifications and Requirements: •Familiarity with waterbird migration and experience identifying all eastern North American waterbirds is required. •Enthusiastic, dedicated and motivated self-starter who can work independently in sometimes difficult conditions. •While not required, previous environmental interpretation and/or teaching skills are ideal, but a passion for connecting bird and habitat conservation to the community is essential. •Applicants should have experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills. •Careful data collecting skills a must. Must be computer/tablet literate and capable of entering and managing data (computer access can be provided). •Flexibility to adjust hours to meet the needs of program and organization, including the potential of working overtime hours. •Transportation necessary to get from provided housing to count site. This requires a reliable vehicle and a clean, valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Michigan. •Must have a personal pair of binoculars and spotting scope is preferred. •Early season weather is often harsh and very cold, with few people visiting the site in these conditions. A dedicated, self-motivated individual who can both work well with people and endure challenging conditions in a remote location is required. Dates: This is a seasonal position from 15 April to 31 May, 2020. A final season report is due June 7, 2020. Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours per day beginning at dawn, 6 days/week with some longer days and weeks during peak migration. Some early season days/weeks may be shortened when there are weather conditions that pose a threat to the counter. Job Type: Seasonal; Contracted Application Deadline: December 15, 2019 Compensation: $2,100-2,500 total for the contract period; includes housing. To Apply: Applicants should submit one PDF document including: cover letter, resume with relevant experience, and contact information for three references (include phone and email) to Linnea Rowse at lrowse@michiganaudubon.org. Number of Openings: One