Fall 2024 Waterbird Counter

Job Posting

Position:                      Fall 2024 Waterbird Counter at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

Employer:                                       Michigan Audubon

Location:                                            Paradise, Michigan

Dates of Employment:                 August 15 – November 22, 2024

Compensation:                               $10.35 – $12/hour; 5-day work week; maximum of 45-hours per week

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

Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior, Whitefish Point is a premier migration count site where more than 340 species have been recorded. Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, a program of Michigan Audubon, is seeking a fall migration Waterbird Counter who can provide accurate waterbird identification and reporting, while providing educational interpretation to site visitors.

Responsibilities: Conducting the daily count, completing field data forms, posting daily results, and finalizing data tables. Interacting with visitors during the count is an important part of being an ambassador for Michigan Audubon. Writing weekly blog and social media content, contributing to an end-of-season article, and creating a season technical report. Additional tasks as needed. 

Qualifications and Requirements

• Familiarity with waterbird migration and experience identifying all eastern North American waterbirds in flight is required.
• Careful data collecting skills are a must. Must be computer/tablet literate and capable of entering and managing data. Especially need to be able to enter count data into Dunkadoo live during count.
• Enthusiastic, dedicated, and motivated self-starter who can work independently in sometimes difficult conditions.
• Must communicate with offsite Manager on a continuous and timely basis.
• 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, especially being able to juggle performing the count and responding to visitors.
• 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 the count site. This requires a reliable vehicle and a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Michigan.
• Must have a personal pair of binoculars; having a spotting scope is preferred.
• Late-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.