Job Opportunities

Seasonal Research Technicians for Pennsylvania Bird Atlas


DEADLINE: April 18, 2025, but applications will be reviewed upon receipt

The Pennsylvania Bird Atlas (https://ebird.org/atlaspa) is hiring a team of point count technicians to conduct surveys throughout Pennsylvania during the summer of 2025.

DATES: May 19 – mid July 2025

 

Compensation

  • $20/hr
  • A combination of state park campsites and hotel accommodations will be provided or reimbursed for a total of 5 nights/week.
  • Mileage reimbursement on personal vehicles will be provided. Vehicle rental may be provided in lieu of use of a personal vehicle if necessary.
  • Technicians are responsible for providing their own food, binoculars, smartphone, camping equipment, and vehicle (if possible).

 

Responsibilities

The field season will begin with a mandatory orientation session at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (Orwigsburg, PA) during the week of May 19, 2025. The remainder of the season, technicians will conduct avian point count surveys at assigned roadside locations, record distances and behavior codes of individual birds, and enter data into a database. Surveys will occur in all habitat types across the entire state of Pennsylvania. The work schedule will require flexibility in the event of inclement weather but will be no more than 40 hours/week.

 

Qualifications

  • Ability to identify birds of Pennsylvania by sight and sound. Preference will be given to applicants with previous point count experience and eBird experience. Prior birding experience need not be through a paid position.
  • Valid driver’s license and safe driving history.
  • Must be willing to work early mornings and long hours in a variety of conditions including hot weather and buggy conditions.
  • Must be comfortable camping independently in public campgrounds.
  • Must be comfortable working independently and be able to follow all Atlas protocols.
  • Must be comfortable navigating by GPS and driving long hours.
  • Must be self-motivated and have good communication skills.

 

How to Apply

Send an email with “Lastname-technician” as both the subject line and the name of your attached application. The application should include a single document (.doc, .docx, or .pdf) containing a cover letter and resume. Please include names and contact information for 2-3 references, including at least 2 that can attest to your birding skills. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

CONTACT: Amber Wiewel ([email protected])

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. The policy of Hawk Mountain is to apply recruiting, hiring, promotion, compensation, and professional development practices without regard to the race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, creed, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Each employee is responsible for helping Hawk Mountain maintain a climate that provides equal opportunity for all.