CLICK HERE TO APPLY
General Description
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Duluth, MN. HRBO serves as the management entity of the 365-acre Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, which is the primary field site for bird education and research programs conducted by HRBO. The mission of HRBO is to promote conservation of raptors and other birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship. Hawk Ridge has one of the longest annual records of counting and banding of raptors in North America – at 52 years starting in 1972. Hawk Ridge has one of the highest raptor counts and banding numbers in North America – on average over 60,000 raptors counted per year and over 2,500 raptors banded per year. This 50+ year record is rare and of exceptional value for research. Hawk Ridge engages in programs to improve our understanding of migration, breeding, and wintering of raptors and other birds in the western Great Lakes region including spring migration counts, passerine banding, assessing migratory connectivity, and effects of environmental contaminants. These programs are usually completed with universities or government agencies responsible for advancing knowledge of birds and implementing effective conservation and management actions. Additional information about Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory can be found at hawkridge.org.
Position Summary
HRBO seeks a qualified director of research to oversee long-term monitoring, bird banding, and applied ecological research programs. The researcher must be capable of leading and working independently as part of interdisciplinary teams on a variety of externally funded research projects and datasets related to migrating birds in Minnesota. The individual will be expected to develop research ideas and proposals and contribute solutions to advance HRBO’s research program. The Research Director will collaborate with full-time and seasonal staff to develop and oversee project plans and implement research projects in the field to acquire data. They will be expected to manage data from collection to analysis, write reports and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and coordinate and supervise project personnel. The director must be able to work flexible hours (nights, early mornings, and weekends) and be willing to work outdoors in a wide variety of weather conditions and environments.
Primary Responsibilities
Report to the Executive Director and work with Board of Directors, and collaborate with management staff to ensure research activities align with strategic goals; take lead role of implementing objectives and tasks for research goals
Manage day-to-day tasks on multiple projects in collaboration with the Executive Director, Board Members, Research Committee, staff, and interns. Supervise and delegate tasks to research staff and research volunteers. Provide input on project design, procedures, and logistics
Manage, develop, supervise and evaluate research staff and volunteers to ensure high quality project implementation and data collection with proper protocol, procedures, and equipment oversight. Specific responsibilities include field coordination and data collection including field work, managing seasonal field crew of 4-12 people, oversee implementation of research and safety procedures, protocols, and experimental design including data QA/QC
Create and oversee Research Department budget, in conjunction with Executive Director; monitor revenue and expenses for research projects
Plan, develop and execute compelling research projects for grants, in conjunction with Research Committee and Executive Director; provide project content and budgets for grant proposals; assist with donor cultivation visits and reporting activities
Manage research data collection system for long-term data integrity and provide timely reports, peer-reviewed publications, and popular articles about research projects for organization outreach through various media outlets; serve as key research correspondent (social media, news interviews, scientific publications, conferences, etc.), provide education staff needed background and results of research efforts, so this can be incorporated into all levels of educational programming
Maintain a current database of research activities at Hawk Ridge, including collaborations with outside organizations
Provide regular updates to the Executive Director and Research Committee on research activities, including budget summaries, project status reports, and publications to be shared
Develop, maintain, and expand collaborations with other North American bird observatories
Required Skills and Qualifications
Master's or PhD degree in ecology, biological science, or related environmental science from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experiences - OR - Bachelor's degree and 4 years of related experience
Evidence of field skills and expertise of raptors and passerines in the upper Midwestern United States
Experience analyzing complex data from a variety of environmental sources to assess ecological patterns and processes using a variety of statistical (e.g., R), geographical (e.g., ArcGIS), and organizational (e.g., Microsoft Access, Excel) software
Excellent oral and written communication skills in the English language
Experience in a staff leadership role with well-developed interpersonal skills to manage personnel and work well as part of a team
Evidence of working independently and managing job responsibilities in an efficient and timely manner
Physical requirements include:
Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing 40-50 pounds
Ability to use binoculars
Tolerance of bugs and working in inclement weather as needed
Dexterity required to handle birds at times
Ability to relocate to Duluth, MN by no later than August 1, 2024
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
At least one senior-authored paper published or accepted in a peer-reviewed scientific journal
Demonstrated experience with public speaking including presenting scientific results to varied audiences (general public, school groups, scientists, and policymakers)
Experience and/or working knowledge of acquiring and managing federal and state bird banding permits and other scientific research permit requirements
Demonstrated fundraising skills through grant funding and/or donor cultivation or sponsorships
Compensation and Benefits
Paid vacation & holidays
Paid sick & bereavement leave
Flexible work schedule
Full-time, salaried position $40,000-$45,000 per year, commensurate with experience
Application Procedure
Complete online application form (CLICK HERE to apply). You will attach cover letter, resume, and 3 references within application form
Deadline to apply: Friday, May 31st, 2024 or until filled
Questions: Contact Janelle Long, Executive Director, jlong@hawkridge.org
CLICK HERE TO APPLY General Description Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Duluth, MN. HRBO serves as the management entity of the 365-acre Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, which is the primary field site for bird education and research programs conducted by HRBO. The mission of HRBO is to promote conservation of raptors and other birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship. Hawk Ridge has one of the longest annual records of counting and banding of raptors in North America – at 52 years starting in 1972. Hawk Ridge has one of the highest raptor counts and banding numbers in North America – on average over 60,000 raptors counted per year and over 2,500 raptors banded per year. This 50+ year record is rare and of exceptional value for research. Hawk Ridge engages in programs to improve our understanding of migration, breeding, and wintering of raptors and other birds in the western Great Lakes region including spring migration counts, passerine banding, assessing migratory connectivity, and effects of environmental contaminants. These programs are usually completed with universities or government agencies responsible for advancing knowledge of birds and implementing effective conservation and management actions. Additional information about Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory can be found at hawkridge.org. Position Summary HRBO seeks a qualified director of research to oversee long-term monitoring, bird banding, and applied ecological research programs. The researcher must be capable of leading and working independently as part of interdisciplinary teams on a variety of externally funded research projects and datasets related to migrating birds in Minnesota. The individual will be expected to develop research ideas and proposals and contribute solutions to advance HRBO’s research program. The Research Director will collaborate with full-time and seasonal staff to develop and oversee project plans and implement research projects in the field to acquire data. They will be expected to manage data from collection to analysis, write reports and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and coordinate and supervise project personnel. The director must be able to work flexible hours (nights, early mornings, and weekends) and be willing to work outdoors in a wide variety of weather conditions and environments. Primary Responsibilities Report to the Executive Director and work with Board of Directors, and collaborate with management staff to ensure research activities align with strategic goals; take lead role of implementing objectives and tasks for research goals Manage day-to-day tasks on multiple projects in collaboration with the Executive Director, Board Members, Research Committee, staff, and interns. Supervise and delegate tasks to research staff and research volunteers. Provide input on project design, procedures, and logistics Manage, develop, supervise and evaluate research staff and volunteers to ensure high quality project implementation and data collection with proper protocol, procedures, and equipment oversight. Specific responsibilities include field coordination and data collection including field work, managing seasonal field crew of 4-12 people, oversee implementation of research and safety procedures, protocols, and experimental design including data QA/QC Create and oversee Research Department budget, in conjunction with Executive Director; monitor revenue and expenses for research projects Plan, develop and execute compelling research projects for grants, in conjunction with Research Committee and Executive Director; provide project content and budgets for grant proposals; assist with donor cultivation visits and reporting activities Manage research data collection system for long-term data integrity and provide timely reports, peer-reviewed publications, and popular articles about research projects for organization outreach through various media outlets; serve as key research correspondent (social media, news interviews, scientific publications, conferences, etc.), provide education staff needed background and results of research efforts, so this can be incorporated into all levels of educational programming Maintain a current database of research activities at Hawk Ridge, including collaborations with outside organizations Provide regular updates to the Executive Director and Research Committee on research activities, including budget summaries, project status reports, and publications to be shared Develop, maintain, and expand collaborations with other North American bird observatories Required Skills and Qualifications Master's or PhD degree in ecology, biological science, or related environmental science from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experiences - OR - Bachelor's degree and 4 years of related experience Evidence of field skills and expertise of raptors and passerines in the upper Midwestern United States Experience analyzing complex data from a variety of environmental sources to assess ecological patterns and processes using a variety of statistical (e.g., R), geographical (e.g., ArcGIS), and organizational (e.g., Microsoft Access, Excel) software Excellent oral and written communication skills in the English language Experience in a staff leadership role with well-developed interpersonal skills to manage personnel and work well as part of a team Evidence of working independently and managing job responsibilities in an efficient and timely manner Physical requirements include: Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing 40-50 pounds Ability to use binoculars Tolerance of bugs and working in inclement weather as needed Dexterity required to handle birds at times Ability to relocate to Duluth, MN by no later than August 1, 2024 Preferred Skills and Qualifications At least one senior-authored paper published or accepted in a peer-reviewed scientific journal Demonstrated experience with public speaking including presenting scientific results to varied audiences (general public, school groups, scientists, and policymakers) Experience and/or working knowledge of acquiring and managing federal and state bird banding permits and other scientific research permit requirements Demonstrated fundraising skills through grant funding and/or donor cultivation or sponsorships Compensation and Benefits Paid vacation & holidays Paid sick & bereavement leave Flexible work schedule Full-time, salaried position $40,000-$45,000 per year, commensurate with experience Application Procedure Complete online application form (CLICK HERE to apply). You will attach cover letter, resume, and 3 references within application form Deadline to apply: Friday, May 31st, 2024 or until filled Questions: Contact Janelle Long, Executive Director, jlong@hawkridge.org
Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth, MN is one of the premier fall bird migration sites in North America. Raptor migration research and education have been conducted at the site for over 50 years! It’s the western-most count on the Great Lakes with an advantageous location on a rocky ridge overlooking the western tip of beautiful Lake Superior. Annual fall averages include 63,000 raptors and 200,000+ passerines/other birds counted and approximately 3,000 raptors banded. Fall migration highlights include an amazing diversity of 15-20 different raptor species! The Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) is the non-profit organization that manages and provides bird research and education at the nature reserve. The fall research and education staff of HRBO are key representatives in HRBO’s mission of promoting conservation of raptors and other birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship. As part of its educational and conservation goals, HRBO is offering 3 traineeships and 2 bird banding apprenticeships for the fall 2024 season. This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking hands-on professional experience to assist them in their pursuit of higher-level education and/or career related to bird research or environmental education. Trainees spend time in all 3 key fall program areas of our count, banding, and education. The banding apprenticeships require some prior banding experience and will be focused on bird banding research (songbirds, raptors, owls). Training is led by our managers with much knowledge and expertise in the field. Trainees and banding apprentices will be provided a stipend and lodging. In order to apply, trainees must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and personal vehicle for transportation. For more info about the positions & to apply, please go to https://www.hawkridge.org/about-us/employment-internships/
Hawk Ridge is hiring for the fall season and we encourage you to check out our seasonal positions for research (counters & banders) and education (naturalists & count interpreter). Click HERE for further info and to apply to join our awesome team! Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth, MN is one of the premier fall bird migration sites in North America. Raptor migration research and education have been conducted at the site for over 50 years! It’s the western-most count on the Great Lakes with an advantageous location on a rocky ridge overlooking the western tip of Lake Superior. Annual fall averages include 63,000 raptors and 200,000+ passerines/other birds counted and approximately 3,000 raptors banded. Fall migration highlights include an amazing diversity of 15-20 different raptor species! The Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) is the non-profit organization that manages and provides bird research and education at the nature reserve. The fall research and education staff of HRBO are key representatives in HRBO’s mission of promoting conservation of raptors and other birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship. For job announcements & to apply, please go to https://www.hawkridge.org/about-us/employment-internships/
