Summer Assistant Owl Bander at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

Overview

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, located in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is seeking an Assistant Owl Bander from July 1 through August 25, 2022. The Assistant Owl Bander aids our Lead Owl Bander with the maintenance of the WPBO owl banding program during the summer season at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. The field staff of WPBO represent and share Michigan Audubon’s mission of connecting birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, education, and research. Whitefish Point is a world-renowned site for avian migration monitoring, with more diversity in owl species banded than any other site in North America. Owl species banded in the past include Northern Saw-whet, Boreal, Long-eared, Barred, Great Gray, Great Horned, Snowy, and Northern Hawk Owls. 

Primary duties of the Assistant Owl Bander include opening and closing nets, net checks, banding, and recording information on owls under the Lead Owl Bander’s onsite supervision. In addition to maintaining the owl banding program over the course of the summer season, the AOB also contributes to written content by writing blogs for our website and an end-of-season, narrative report for our member magazine, the Jack Pine Warbler. 

Performance Expectations 

• Conduct daily owl banding in conjunction with the lead owl bander using the WPBO standardized methodology and protocol. 
• 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. 
• Write regular blog posts and feature articles as requested by Michigan Audubon related to the owl banding program at WPBO. 
• Perform with a minimum of supervision and work cooperatively with others. 
• Serve as a professional and courteous ambassador for Michigan Audubon and its program site at Whitefish Point.
• Adhere to safety and site requirements for working in this region, including potential directives related to COVID-19. 

Qualifications

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a current, valid driver’s license, be eligible for work in the United States, and undergo a background check. 
• Previous mist-netting and bird banding experience is required (2+ field seasons is ideal).
• 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 with demonstrated ability to receive direction and supervision remotely.