Michigan Audubon has a couple of seasonal jobs:
WHITEFISH POINT BIRD OBSERVATORY HAWK COUNTER
Location:
Whitefish Point, Paradise, MI
Website:
www.michiganaudubon.org
www.wpbo.org
Description:
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior, Whitefish Point
is the premier migration watch site in the state. Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, a
program of Michigan Audubon, is seeking a Spring Migration Hawk Counter that can
provide accurate raptor identification and reporting, while providing educational
interpretation to site visitors. Applicant must possess strong raptor and general bird
identification skills, including aging, and prior hawkwatch experience is highly
preferred. Duties include conducting the daily count, interacting with visitors,
completion of field data forms, and posting daily results. Preparing and conducting an
end of season presentation and/or reports are also required.
While the position requires a great deal of independence, it will be supported by staff
from Michigan Audubon’s headquarters. Consistent, clear, professional communication
with supervisors, colleagues, stakeholders, and visitors is a must.
This is a seasonal position from 15 March to 7 June and overtime may be required.
Qualifications and Requirements:
•Familiarity with hawk migration and experience identifying all eastern North American
raptors is required.
•Enthusiastic, dedicated and motivated self-starter who can work independently in
sometimes difficult conditions.
•While not required, previous environmental interpretation and/or teaching skills are
ideal, but a passion for connecting raptor and habitat conservation to the community is
essential.
•Applicants should have experience interacting with the public and excellent
interpersonal skills.
•Careful data collecting skills a must. Must be computer literate and capable of
entering and managing data (computer access can be provided).
•Must be able to climb multiple steep steps.
•Flexibility to adjust hours to meet needs of department and organization, including the
potential of working overtime hours.
•Transportation necessary to get from provided housing to count site. This requires a
reliable vehicle and a clean, valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Michigan.
•Must have a personal pair of binoculars and spotting scope is preferred.
•Early 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.
Duration:
3 months, March 15-June 7, 2017
Job Type:
Seasonal
Application Deadline:
1/15/2017
Compensation:
$1300-1500/month; includes housing
To Apply:
Applicants should submit a cover letter, a resume with relevant experience, and
contact information for three references (include phone and email) to Heather Good at
director@michiganaudubon.org.
Number of Openings:
One
MICHIGAN AUDUBON
2310 Science Parkway, Suite 200
Okemos, MI 48864
(517) 580-7364
michiganaudubon.org
Kirtland’s Warbler Tour Guide
SUPERVISORS: Lindsay Cain (Michigan Audubon) and
Craig Kasmer (Hartwick Pines State Park/MI DNR)
LOCATION / DATES: Grayling, Michigan, May 8 - July 4, 2017, with potential for
temporary extension through Hartwick Pines
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Temporary/Seasonal Independent Contractor
COMPENSATION: A rate of $2,400 for the contract period, paid in biweekly
installments. Lodging included at Camp Wa-Wa-Sum during
period of employment.
Position Overview
The Kirtland’s Warbler Tour Guide (hereafter “guide”) is a contracted employee by Michigan
Audubon who will assist Michigan Audubon in leading Kirtland’s Warbler tours for the public
at Hartwick Pines State Park located in Grayling, Michigan.
The guide will be responsible for developing a high level of knowledge of all aspects of
Kirtland’s Warbler identification, biology, history and management, in preparation for leading
public tours throughout the employment period.
The guide is also responsible for leading the tour in all types of conditions, including biting
insects and cold, windy weather. At times it may be necessary to wait up to 2-3 hours with
participants to see a Kirtland’s Warbler. Typically, about 98-99% of participants get a view
of a Kirtland’s Warbler, and the guide will be responsible for maintaining this level of
excellence.
The guide will be expected to represent Michigan Audubon and in a courteous, professional
manner, and to answer questions regarding the organization to their best ability.
Communication, education, and outreach are key components to this role in sharing the
Kirtland’s Warbler with visitors.
Qualifications:
● Demonstrated expertise of Kirtland’s Warbler management, biology, identification,
and history, or willingness to obtain it.
● Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently with little supervision, to
accept guidance from a supervisor, and to maintain consistent communication with
supervisors throughout the contract period.
● Ability and willingness to represent Michigan Audubon in a professional,
knowledgeable, and friendly manner.
● Ability to identify and train tour participants in identification of non-Kirtland’s warbler
species present in the Jack Pine community (e.g. Hermit Thrush, Lincoln’s Sparrow,
Yellow-rumped Warbler, etc.).
● Ability to tolerate adverse weather (rain, snow, fog, cold, etc.) and adverse conditions
(mosquitoes, black flies).
● Ability to lead groups of people over rough terrain and under harsh conditions with
clear and skillful communication.
● Strong written and verbal communication skills.
● Ability to live in a remote area a great distance from a major metropolitan area.
● Ability to drive a vehicle in sandy conditions and/or rough terrain.
● Willingness to perform other related duties in support of the entire Kirtland’s Warbler
project as assigned.
Requirements:
● Possession of current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain it.
The guide will be responsible for acquiring CPR/first aid certification.
● Willingness to provide own transportation for use during the tours.
The guide is required to possess a valid state driver’s license and their own vehicle.
Mileage reimbursement during work hours will be provided.
● Schedule: for the first three weeks of the program, the guide will work seven days a
week. After that time, the guide will work six days a week and will have one day off
per week, which may or may not be on a weekend. The guide will be expected to
work up to 40 hours per week with a potential need for additional hours if the
situation presents itself.
● Housing: Arrangements for housing will be made with Michigan State University,
which operates Camp Wa-Wa-Sum, east of Grayling. The guide will not be
responsible for lodging costs. There will likely be other groups and researchers
staying at Wa-Wa-Sum, so the guide must be willing to live in close quarters with
other people. Please note that the camp is located in a remote area approximately 15
miles from Grayling, a town of < 1,800. Cell phone and Internet service at the Camp is
limited.
To Apply
An e-mail containing a cover letter and resume with two professional references can be sent
to: Lindsay Cain, Education Coordinator at lcain@michiganaudubon.org.
Position is open until filled. Please, no inquiries about the position.
