Fall 2024 Assistant Owl Bander

Job Posting

Position:                                             Fall 2024 Assistant Owl Bander

Employer:                                          Michigan Audubon

Location:                                           Paradise, Michigan

Dates of employment:                     September 13–November 1, 2024

Compensation:                                $10.33/hour; 7-day work week; sunset to sunrise, with a max of 84 hours per week (overtime after 40 hours)

Housing:                                             Includes communal housing (4 ppl or less) in fieldhouse which is two miles from count site.  Housing includes individual bedroom, full kitchen, and internet.

Classification:                                 Temporary/Seasonal

Overview

Michigan Audubon’s Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, located in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is seeking an Assistant Owl Bander (AOB) from September 13 through November 1, 2024. Whitefish Point is a renowned site for avian migration monitoring, including documenting one of the most unique annual owl migrations in North America. Owl species banded in the past include Northern Saw-whet, Boreal, Long-eared, Barred, Great Gray, Great Horned, and Northern Hawk Owls. Fellow field staff will be conducting a waterbird count and passerine count. To learn more about WPBO, please visit wpbo.org.

Primary duties of the Assistant Owl Bander include conducting nightly owl banding (dusk through dawn) with the Lead Owl Bander and recording data on owls for Michigan Audubon’s research program. Interacting with visitors during banding efforts, is an important part of being an ambassador for Michigan Audubon.  Additional tasks as needed. 

Performance Expectations

• Utilize the WPBO standardized methodology for owl banding, 7 days per week except during periods of rain, snow, high winds, or lightning.
• Assist with recording owl numbers and other sighted birds on the DET form. Document any rare or unusual species (with both written details and digital images/audio). Send data to Manager.
• Assist in entering banding data into an Excel spreadsheet. All banding data should be sent to the banding permit holder in a format coordinated with the banding permit holder. Send data to permit holder and manager.
• Repair, store, and inventory all banding equipment at season’s end, including a band inventory.
• 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.
• Check in with Manager weekly and respond to emails within 24 hours.
• Respond to emails from MA staff within 24 hours.
• Perform with a minimum of supervision and work cooperatively with a wide range of people.
• Serve as a professional, courteous, communicative, and exemplary ambassador for Michigan Audubon and its mission, “Connecting birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, education, and research efforts in the state of Michigan.”
• Coordinate documentation of passerines and rare birds with other field staff.
• Abide by the rules outlined in the “WPBO House Rules” document and MA handbook.

Qualifications

• Must be in good physical condition and able to withstand cold working conditions.
• Previous mist-netting and bird banding experience is required (2+ field seasons preferred).
• 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 and with team members with a positive attitude, flexibility, and strong communication skills.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a current, valid driver’s license, and have a personal vehicle for transportation.
• Eligible for work in the United States and willing to undergo a background check.