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Job Posting: Experienced Spring Migration Banding Field Assistant

Location: Camas NWR (Hamer, Idaho)
Time Period: 4/15/24 to 6/16/24
Salary: starting at $1,000/month, DOE
Last Date to Apply: 3/1/2024 (open until filled)

View the full job posting details here

a closeup of a Loggerhead Shrike's face. The bird is being held safely in banders grip by a biologist's hand. Her fingernails are painted with pastel pink nail polish.
One of many Loggerhead Shrikes banded at Camas NWR this year. Photo Credit: Victoria Henrye

EXPERIENCED SPRING MIGRATION BANDING FIELD ASSISTANT (1) needed for INTERMOUNTAIN BIRD OBSERVATORY study of spring landbird migration in southeastern Idaho (April 15 – June 16, 2024; ~2 months).  Duties will consist mainly of landbird mist-netting/banding, data entry, and public outreach.  The study site, Camas National Wildlife Refuge, is a very exciting place for songbird migration and among the best birding sites in the state – and with many iconic locations (Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Craters of the Moon, etc.) within a ~2-hour drive. This will be our second spring migration banding season since we did an initial study in springs of 2006-07.  We anticipate capturing ~1,500 or more songbirds of 60 or more species each spring season. Frequently captured species in our spring 2023 season included Dusky Flycatchers, Yellow and Wilson’s Warblers, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, with some less common highlights including Black-billed Magpies, Cliff Swallows, Green-tailed Towhees, and White-throated Sparrows! Qualifications of applicants should include: 1) proficiency with safe netting and banding procedures, 2) ability to identify Western birds, and 3) willingness to give your all.  For this position, we ideally  need someone with extensive mist-net extraction/banding experience (ideally 1,000+ birds) – a North American Banding Council certification (at any level – assistant, bander, or trainer) would be a plus.  Enthusiasm, care for birds, quick learning, and an ability to work well with and get along with others are also very important criteria.  Hands that stay warm in cold weather would be nice too!  Pay up to $1000+/month, depending on experience.  Housing provided – still TBD if in full hook-up trailers on site or a rental in town. Daily work will include mist netting for five hours starting at sunrise, and daily data entry (typically under one hour per day), with one day off per week. Please send a resume, cover letter, and at least three references (with phone # and e-mail if possible) via e-mail to <lucianjdavis@gmail.com> AND <jaycarlisle@boisestate.edu>.  Positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found.