Part-Time Stone Mountain Migration Counter

Penn State University; Prescott (AZ); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a part-time hawk migration counter at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center in Prescott, Arizona. The role involves accurately identifying and counting migrant raptors, recording weather data, and engaging with visitors regarding raptor migration.

The ideal candidate has a background in bird identification, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work irregular hours. Personal binoculars and a spotting scope are preferred. Successful completion of a background check is required.

Qualifications

• Experience identifying eastern raptors in flight preferred.
• Endurance for long days in various weather conditions.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Identify and count all migrant raptors.
• Record hourly weather data and enter into database.
• Interpret natural history of raptor migration.

Skills

Familiarity with bird identification

Interpersonal skills

Decision making under weather conditions

Tools

Binoculars

Spotting scope

Job description

Position Summary

Penn State’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is searching for a part‑time hawk migration counter to provide accurate raptor identification and reporting, and informal interpretation to site visitors at the local fall hawk watch.

Duties

• Identify and count all migrant raptors.
• Identify and record Golden Eagle age, time of observation, American Kestrel gender, Northern Harrier age and gender, and any other notable behaviors.
• Record hourly weather data.
• Enter daily count into the HawkCount database of the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA).
• Post daily results to the State College Bird Club listserv.
• Interpret the natural history of raptor migration and communicate with the public.
• Independently decide on delay or cancellation of count due to weather patterns.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with bird identification; background in identifying eastern raptors in flight is preferred.
• Ability to endure long days in the field in hot, cold, and windy conditions and independence in making daily decisions on cancellation due to weather.
• Experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends.
• Personal pair of binoculars and spotting scope preferred.
• Computer literate and capable of entering and managing data; computer access can be provided.
• Transportation to and from the hawk watch location.
• Employment requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO Statement

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.