BIRD BANDERS/EDUCATORS needed for Smithsonian citizen science program. Neighborhood Nestwatch (NN) is a Smithsonian citizen science program which takes place in urban/suburban backyards in various regional locations in the U.S. It is a community-based research project and an opportunity to conduct basic conservation biology and environmental education. Assistants are needed in the Gainesville, FL and Atlanta, GA regions (March 19-June 18), as well as Raleigh, NC (April 9-July 6). Work consists of conducting visits to 75-80 participant properties where banding, point count censuses, vegetation sampling, nest searching, and re-sighting are conducted along with informal environmental education. Work requires an ability to capture, color-band, age, sex, and measure birds unassisted as well as communicate ecological topics to a wide range of ages. Applicants MUST have extensive experience setting up mist nets, removing captured birds unassisted, and recording/entering data meticulously. Resighting color banded birds, conducting point count censuses and vegetation sampling, also involved. Sampling of blood and feathers possible. The work requires an ability to work from early morning onward 6 days per week carrying out a wide variety of field tasks. Stand-out applicants will also have experience conducting public outreach activities and working cohesively as a crew member. Activities will be conducted by a single person working alone but in frequent communication with the program manager and regional collaborators. This work involves lots of driving in a metro area setting. Project vehicle and housing allowance included. Salary $1,800-$2,200/month depending on experience. Please send cover letter, CV, and the names and updated contact information of three references to Bob Reitsma, [email protected] by March 5, 2018. Please give an estimate of how many birds you have banded unassisted. Applications which do not include this estimate will not be processed.
