Field Ornithologist/Naturalist

Dates of Employment: August 15 – November 15, 2025

Compensation:  $12.48-$13.50/hour; 5-day work week; maximum of 42-hours per week

Housing: Includes communal housing (4 ppl or less) in fieldhouse two miles from count site. 

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory (WPBO), a program of Michigan Audubon, is one of the premier migration locations in North America. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior, more than 340 species have been recorded at Whitefish Point (eBird Hotspot) including large fall movements of warblers and finches, and vagrants such as Jaegers, Cave Swallow, and many more. The research staff at WPBO are ambassadors to promote Michigan Audubon’s mission of “connecting birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, education, and research efforts in the state of Michigan”

Michigan Audubon is seeking a fall Field Ornithologist/Naturalist to engage with visitors as an Ambassador of Michigan Audubon and our WBPO program, provide birding experiences through birding hikes, and solicit donations and memberships from members. Additionally, this role includes conducting morning flight 2-3 days/week depending on weather, and completing the waterbird count two days per week.  The Field Ornithologist will also be responsible of creating weekly blog and social media posts highlighting the week’s activities as well as an end of season report and article for MA’s monthly publication, Jack Pine Warbler. Additional tasks such as maintaining the feeder station or minor upkeep of WPBO property may be needed, as assigned by the supervisor.

Primary duties:

• Census migrating birds using morning flight protocols 2-3 days/week.
• Complete daily hikes with the public 3 days/week.
• Substitute count for the Bird Migration (Waterbird) Counter 2 days/week.
• Use standardized electronic data recording and management (Trektellen and eBird).
• Keep a detailed journal of nature sightings.
• Engage with the general public at the waterbird count location, depending on current flight conditions.
• Create weekly blog and social media posts with highlights from the count.
• Solicit Michigan Audubon memberships and donations from the public.
• Contribute to the end of season report and create a season summary with bird counts.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience identifying eastern North American landbird migrants by flight call and sight. Experience with morning flight protocols preferred.
• Demonstrated experience counting waterbirds in flight at great distance.
• Data entry and management experience, include use of a tablet and Trektellen during live count. Experience with Trektellen preferred.
• A dedicated, self-motivated individual who can both work well with people and endure challenging conditions in a remote location is required. Late-season weather is often harsh and very cold, with few people visiting the site in these conditions.
• Experience leading bird tours/hikes.
• Previous environmental interpretation and/or teaching skills are ideal, but a passion for connecting bird and habitat conservation to the community is essential.
• 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 – including home office staff – with a positive attitude, flexibility, and strong communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills for blogs, social media, and end of season report.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a current, valid driver’s license, and have a personal vehicle for transportation.
• Must be in good physical condition and able to withstand cold working conditions.
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet the needs of program and organization, including the potential of working overtime hours.
• Must have a personal pair of binoculars; having a spotting scope and camera are preferred.
• Eligible for work in the United States and willing to undergo a background check.