Morning Flight Counter

New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) seeks individual to provide services of a MORNING FLIGHT COUNTER during the fall migration (August 1 to November 18, 2025).  Cape May is one of the premier fall migration hot spots in the country and the Morning Flight project has monitored autumn songbird migration since 2003.  Our long-term monitoring sites help NJ Audubon keep its finger on the pulse of migration and contribute to the advancement of conservation and environmental education. NJ Audubon fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to all fauna and the natural habitats with which they are associated.

Services:

• Identify and count all migrating songbirds.
• Maintain daily data entry into a digital platform and follow backup data procedures as needed.
• Keep appropriate records for rare sightings.
• Provide regular summaries for post on various CMBO outlets.
• Greet and interact with visitors as other responsibilities allow.
• Provide end of season summary report for NJ Audubon publications in timely manner to receive final payment.

Qualifications:

• Familiarity with bird migration and strong background in identifying migrating songbirds in flight.
• Careful data collection skills a must.
• Willingness to work weekends and irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.
• Punctual with excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office applications required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; knowledge of environmental and conservation issues required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.
• Motivated self-starter with capacity to work productively in a team setting with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
• Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. as necessary.
• All applicants must have their own vehicle, and a valid, clean driver’s license.

Start Date: August 1, 2025   

End Date: November 15, 2025

Compensation up to $8,280. Housing may be provided.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2025