Nature Travel Specialists

ORNJOBS
Bird jobs on a volunteer, intern and occasionally real pay basis throughout the US.

July 15

OWL BANDER POSITION

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, Minnesota is seeking 1 experienced owl bander for this seasonal position. This position is full-time for 8 weeks from 19 September - 14 November 2012. Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is a prime migration spot in the Fall and has seasonal owl banding totals ranging from 600-1500 birds. Owl species banded in past falls include Northern Saw-whet, Long-eared, Barred and Great Horned. Other species such as Boreal, Great Gray and Short-eared Owls are possible as well. Hawk Ridge is based at a uniquely advantageous location on a rocky ridge overlooking the western tip of Lake Superior with a seasonal average of 82,000 raptors flying through and over
200,000 passerines and other species. Duties include opening and closing nets, net checks, and banding and recording information on owls. Skill requirements include a minimum of one season of previous mist-netting and banding experience and tolerance of harsh weather conditions (heat, cold, wind). Must work well alone and with others and have own personal vehicle. Owl Bander salary typically ranges from $1,100-$1,300/month, dependent on experience. Housing (possibly shared) to be provided in Duluth, Minnesota. See http://www.hawkridge.org for more details. Email cover letter, resume, and three references who can verify bird banding skills to both FRANK NICOLETTI, Banding Director (EM: fnicoletti AT hawkridge.org), and JANELLE LONG, Executive Director, (EM: jlong AT hawkridge.org). Email is preferred, but required information may also be mailed to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, P.O. Box 3006, Duluth, MN
55803-3006 re: Owl Bander Position. The position is open until filled.

ASSISTANT CURATOR OF WILDLIFE – LEAD TRAINER, The High Desert Museum –
Division: Wildlife Department. Classification: Salary, Full Time Employee. Pay Scale: Dependent on experience. Reports To: Curator of Natural History. Supervises: Seasonal Wildlife Specialists, Interns, and Volunteers. The High Desert Museum is a non-profit organization focused on the biotic and cultural elements of the High Desert region of the Western United States. Located near Bend, Oregon, on the edge of the beautiful Deschutes National Forest, the Museum melds the natural history of diverse habitat types with human history of the environment into a unique blend of indoor and outdoor exhibits, living history, and living collections. The Museum maintains about 325 animals of 57 native species of varied taxa, from invertebrates and reptiles, to raptors, bobcats, otter, and lynx. Public education grounded in documented science is a core value of the Museum. A portion of the Museum’s living collection is dedicated to public programs where trained captive wildlife is exhibited in natural settings; providing visitors with up-close encounters with species of the High Desert. We are seeking an ASSISTANT CURATOR OF WILDLIFE –LEAD TRAINER to provide all aspects of care, support and training for live native wildlife in the Museum’s program collection. Experience caring for and training collections in a zoo (or other educational entity), research, or private setting is important. Experience in falconry and/or related raptor husbandry and training is emphasized. In addition to performing training and husbandry duties, the ACW will also conduct public education programs associated with the collection. The Museum emphasizes scholarship: the successful candidate will have a familiarity with wildlife research techniques and current scientific literature and will incorporate this knowledge into training, care and husbandry and programs as well as ongoing regional monitoring efforts of priority wildlife. Experience and interest in wildlife field research is preferred. The Museum requires a high level of interaction between wildlife staff and visitors – contributing positively to the visitor experience is important. The position requires a high degree of interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in a team environment. A positive demeanor, high level of professionalism, and the ability to learn new skills quickly are essential traits. We look at each candidate in terms of combined skills; different combinations of skills can serve to qualify for the position.
Qualifications: **A Bachelor’s Degree in a biological or wildlife science or related discipline, including behavioral science. **5 years practical experience in the animal field working with raptors, passerines, and other avian taxa, and mammals for the purpose of environmental educational demonstrations. **An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be accepted. Avian and Mammal Training: **Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience training or handling captive wildlife, emphasizing raptors of North America. **Familiarity with husbandry, care, and housing standards of trained birds and mammals.**Be able to demonstrate application of operant conditioning (emphasizing Positive
Reinforcement) for the purposes of demonstration or shows. **Ability to accept and utilize constructive criticism and direction from managers to improve programs. Presentation Management: **Experience in public speaking, educational demonstrations, or shows. **Experience in developing educational programs/shows based on accurate scientific information -- including scientific literature review, synthesis of literature, curricula development, and script writing. **Ability to accept and utilize constructive criticism from managers to improve programs. **Experience working in multi-department teams to develop and implement new exhibits and programs. Volunteer Management: **Experience managing and training a volunteer program of more than 15 volunteers in which volunteers handle raptors and participate in programs.
Recruitment, conflict resolution, and volunteer recognition/positive reinforcement are necessary skills. General Skills: **Executing successful training techniques for captive wildlife; emphasizing a positive reinforcement approach. **Development of training plans and objectives for birds and mammals **Weight management and excellent record keeping. **Proper use and manufacture of raptor equipment (jesses, extenders, leashes) for the tethered management of raptors.
**Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. **Ability to work both autonomously and a team environment. **Proficiency in identifying wildlife endemic to high desert eco-regions of North America **Ability to assist in Museum wildlife science and conservation initiatives including regional raptor and songbird monitoring efforts. **Ability to perform physical tasks including, but not limited to, lifting 50 pounds, carrying, stooping, bending, extensive walking, crawling, or climbing and withstand working outside in the extreme weather conditions typical of Central Oregon. **Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays, some evenings, early mornings, and occasional overtime. Basic Job Responsibilities: **Interface with the Curator of Natural History and Assistant Curator - Program Lead on a regular basis to discuss training objectives and interpretive schedules. **Produce training plans for birds and mammals. **Oversee all training of birds and mammals and day-to-day execution of trained animal programs. **Oversee diets, food, and weight management programs of program animals. **Perform daily formal and informal wildlife presentations. **Coordinate with the Assistant Curator - Program Lead regarding the care for program/educational birds and mammals including, but not limited to, all cleaning, feeding, watering, observing, and record keeping, maintaining enclosures, and opening and closing duties. **Cover the duties of other Wildlife staff, when needed. **Coordinate with the Assistant Curator - Program Lead to train and supervise a corps of Volunteers and interns needed to enhance and support training and program execution. This includes scheduling daily informal and formal interpretive programs.
**Coordinate with the Assistant Curator – Program Lead to oversee organization, cleanliness, and safety of bird of prey and mammal areas (mews and kitchen). **Consult with Curator of Natural History to assure programs/shows are mission driven and attendance building. **Coordinate with Assistant Curator - Programs to maintain inventory, food, and cleaning supplies as necessary. **Work closely with contract veterinarian as needed and provide appropriate level of veterinary assistance. **Supervise training of Wildlife Specialists and Seasonal Employees assigned to wildlife programs. **Participate, with the Curator of Natural History and other staff in the development and administration of the Wildlife Department budget. **Under the supervision of the Curator of Natural History, help plan and coordinate animal acquisition and disposition. **Comply with all Museum policies, procedures, and safety regulations. **Comply with all state and federal wildlife regulations. **Other duties as assigned. Division of Labor: 25% Animal care and husbandry, 25% Animal training, 25% Program delivery, 15% volunteer & intern training and supervision, 5% record keeping. To apply, email a cover letter and resume to: (EM: jobs AT
highdesertmuseum.org) or fax to us at: (FX: 541-382-5256) Attn: Human Resources

WILDLIFE INTERN, MERRITT ISLAND NWR Location: Titusville, Florida.
Duration: 8 weeks to 1 year. Job Type: Paid Internship - 100/wk + housing. Application Deadline: None. Job Description: Gain valuable habitat and wildlife management experience as a member of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge staff. Work primarily consists of eradicating non-native plants on the refuge. This includes control of invasive plants by herbicide application. Other opportunities include participating in various Refuge wildlife surveys, including nesting sea turtle surveys, small mammal surveys, and bird surveys. The person selected for this internship will also assist Refuge biologists with other duties like water level control of impoundments, Florida Scrub Jay banding, and scrub management. Housing will be provided at no cost.
Interns must be willing to commit to 8 weeks of service. Start and end dates are flexible. Qualifications: Be able to work independently and as part of a team. Bachelor’s degree (or pursuing) in wildlife management, natural resources, or related field. Must have a valid driver’s license.
A government vehicle will be provided for official duties. A personal vehicle is not required but desired. To Apply: Contact MIKE LEGARE, Wildlife Biologist, Merritt Island NWR: (EM: mike_legare AT fws.gov), email your telephone number.

VOLUNTEER BANDING TECHNICIAN - We are looking for experienced bird banders to help run three banding stations along the coast of Maine from August 13th- October 19th 2012 as part of a joint project run by the National Park Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Maine, and the College of the Atlantic. Banders will be paid
$300-$375 per week (dependent on experience) with housing included, and s/he will be responsible for operating 15-20 mist-nets 7 mornings a week in addition to helping maintain auditory recorders, conducting fixed-area surveys, behavior observations (time/activity budgets), and vegetation assessments. The successful applicants will have strong competencies in mist-netting (experience aging and sexing eastern songbirds preferred), and a well-developed attention to detail for data management. Experience instructing new banders is desired. At least two teams will be housed in Acadia National Park with another crew stationed on Great Duck Island in the Gulf of Maine at a lighthouse-station-turned-field-camp operated by the College of the Atlantic (with propane lamps, and battery powered laptops). Fuel and freshwater would be delivered to the island regularly, but there will be little, if any, opportunity for the crew to make trips to the mainland Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, preference for mainland or island, and three references with "Banding Tech" in the subject line to: DAVE GRUNZEL, (EM: david.grunzel AT maine.edu)..

BANDING VOLUNTEER - Westchester, NY. Seeking bird banders to assist with graduate student research project on the effects of deer on migratory songbird stopover habitat quality. Dates needing assistance are September through mid-October. The banding will take place at two study sites that are within a few miles of each other. Each site will have
8-10 nets set-up from sunrise to about 11 AM at least 4 mornings per week. Level of commitment is flexible. Topography of each site will vary. Traveling to netting areas will entail short hikes and maneuvering through vegetation. Volunteers MUST have experience extracting birds from mist-nets and be able to be left unsupervised. To apply please send a cover letter outlining you previous ornithological field experiences with special detail to mist netting experience to (EM: mf24359p AT pace.edu)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HOUSTON AUDUBON – Website:
http://www.houstonaudubon.org Location: Houston, Texas. Duration: Open.
Job type: Full-time, Permanent Position. Job Description: About Houston Audubon--The mission of Houston Audubon is to promote the conservation and appreciation of birds and wildlife habitat. A strong member and volunteer driven organization with a deep heritage in the Houston region, it is among the largest and most active Audubon chapters in the nation. It is also one of a very few to own and operate a large nature sanctuary system - 17 properties spanning more than 3,400 acres. Job
Summary: Advance the mission of Houston Audubon through its strategies of Conservation, Education and effective Issues Advocacy. This is a full-time management position based at Houston Audubon's 440 Wilchester office location in the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The Executive Director is responsible for managing the daily affairs of the society; working with the President and Board of Directors to set vision and strategies; maintaining and enhancing relationships with donors, agencies, peer groups, media and membership; securing resources and managing the budget; and motivating staff and volunteers to accomplish the goals and priorities of the Society. This position reports to the Board of Directors. Job Qualifications. Minimum Qualifications : A minimum four-year college degree in an appropriate field of study and experience as a proven leader in a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Knowledge in conducting education and conservation programs through staff and volunteers targeting diverse communities and age groups. Knowledge of birds and their habitats is preferred.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills. High value will be placed on prior experience with vision and initiative in bringing forth new ideas and innovations and effective advocacy in an environmental non-profit setting. Overall, the position requires a passion for the mission of Houston Audubon Society. See www.houstonaudubon.org for more information about the position and about Houston Audubon. To Apply Resumes are being accepted by e-mail (EM: segast23 AT yahoo.com). All applications will be kept confidential. For confidential enquiries by phone please send e-mail for appointment. Deadline for Application: 10 Aug 2012.

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