Part-Time Stone Mountain Migration Counter

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 16,531 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a part-time hawk migration counter for the Outdoor Education Field Lab and Nature Center at Shaver's Creek. This role involves counting and identifying raptors and interacting with site visitors during the fall hawk watch.

Located 20 miles south of State College, the position runs from September 1 through December 15. Applicants should have bird identification skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, and be prepared to work in varied weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with bird identification and eastern raptors in flight preferred.
• Ability to endure long days in varying weather conditions.
• Experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and count all migrant raptors.
• Record hourly weather data.
• Interpret the natural history of raptor migration for the public.

Skills

Bird identification

Public interaction

Data management

Tools

Binoculars

Spotting scope

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State's Outdoor Education Field Lab and Nature Center - Shaver's Creek Environmental Center is searching for a part‑time hawk migration counter that can provide accurate raptor identification and reporting, while providing informal interpretation to site visitors at the local fall hawk watch. The Stone Mountain Hawkwatch has been operating since 1991 by community volunteers in recording fall migrant raptors while interpreting visitors the biological phenomenon of hawk migration. Located in Pennsylvania's ridge‑and‑valley region of the Huntingdon-Mifflin County border, 20 miles south of State College, the site runs from September 1 through December 15 and averages 4600 species each fall.

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 HawkCount database of the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA)
• Post daily results to the State College Bird Club list serv
• Interpret the natural history of raptor migration and communicate with the public at large
• Independently make decisions on delay or cancellation of count due to weather patterns

Qualifications

• Applicant must have familiarity with bird identification and a background in identifying eastern raptors in flight is preferred, but not necessary.
• Applicants will need to be able to endure long days in the field, often in hot, cold and windy conditions and have the independence to make daily decisions on cancellation of count due to weather.
• Experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills is highly preferred.
• Although this position is expected to work 16-24 hours a week, applicant must have the willingness to work irregular hours, including some weekends.
• A personal pair of binoculars and spotting scope is preferred.
• Must be computer literate and capable of entering and managing data (computer access can be provided).
• Applicant must have transportation to and from the hawk watch location.
• This is a part‑time position that runs from September 1 to December 15.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.