Position Summary(Basic Job Function)
This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.
Unit Position Summary
Experienced passerine bird bander needed from 13 Aug to 29 Oct to work with a large crew at two high-volume bird banding stations during fall migration. The Michigan State Bird Observatory (MSBO) operates two banding stations, the Burke Lake Banding Station (BULA) and the Corey Marsh Banding Station (CMBS), which are both located near East Lansing, Michigan. The MSBO has three key mission areas: research of avian health and migration, education of current and future ornithological professionals, and outreach for our community. All crew members are expected to contribute to all three mission areas as a core function of their positions.
The stations collectively capture over 6,000 birds per fall field season of 85 – 88 species. Daily captures can exceed 200 birds. Each station opens nets 30 minutes prior to sunrise and closes nets 5 – 5.5 hours post-sunrise (banding often continues later into the morning). BULA has 28 mist-nets and is open 7 days a week, weather permitting, and CMBS has 15 mist-nets and is open 3 days per week. Education and outreach are a key part of our mission; hence, the stations are always open to the public and will host educational programs.
To maintain consistent data collection, there is only one bander at each station per morning. The bander is responsible for efficiently and safely handling all new and recaptured birds. They must have excellent species identification skills – particularly eastern landbirds, which include many ‘confusing fall warblers’. A complete list of species captured can be found on our website. The bander must be able to age birds using skull and molt limits. The bander will be responsible for assessing condition – through scoring of fat stores and muscle, taking morphological measurements, and examining birds for ectoparasites (i.e., ticks). When not banding, the individual will assist with extracting birds from mist-nets and training student assistants in extraction (using body-first method). The bander will work closely each day with 2 data recorders (often volunteers) and must communicate clearly and effectively to maintain accuracy of data collection. Additionally, the bander will need to be a willing and effective communicator with visitors, show visitors birds, share the banding process, and answer questions. Other responsibilities include assisting with the upkeep and maintenance of the study sites (i.e., net and boardwalk repair), assisting with social media posts, and doing data entry. The bander is responsible for getting up 1 – 1.5 hours earlier than net-opening to check weather and make a call on whether there will be a delay in opening nets and communicate with the entire crew via text.The banding season ends on October 15th, but there may be potential opportunities to stay on an additional week to help with data management.
Banders will be part of a crew that each morning includes 1 bander, 2 – 3 mist-net assistants, 1 – 2 students in our mist-netting training assistantship program, 1 outreach specialist, and 1 – 2 volunteer data recorders.
The individual will need to be successfully sub-permitted under Dr. Jen Owen’s Master Banding Permit.
A reliable personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and auto insurance are required. Hiring is contingent upon passing a background check through Michigan State University.
There are tent-camping (“glamping”) accommodations available at the Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center – including, full bathroom, small indoor and outdoor kitchenettes, and a structure over the tents (which are provided). These are free accommodations with the expectation of all “glamping” crew members contributing to upkeep and cleaning of the spaces used by them.
Desired Qualifications
The bander must have excellent species identification skills – particularly eastern landbirds, which include many “confusing fall warblers”. The bander must be able to age birds using skull and molt limits. The bander will be responsible for assessing condition – through scoring of fat stores and muscle, taking morphological measurements, and examining birds for ectoparasites (i.e., ticks). Additionally, the bander will need to be a willing and effective communicator with visitors, show visitors birds, share the banding process with them, and answer questions. Banders should also have a strong interest in and ability to train our student assistants.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
- Letter of interest detailing relevant experience banding and identifying eastern landbirds. Please also address your interest and qualifications in training in extraction and conducting outreach.
- Résumé, including estimated banding and extraction totals
- The names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 references familiar with your banding experience
Work Hours
o All the work will occur at our field stations, Burke Lake Banding Station in Bath, MI and the Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center in Laingsburg, MI. At least one station is open every day of the week, including weekends. Each workday ranges from
Summary of Physical Demands
Walking on wet and uneven terrain
