Professional Aide

Kate on Conservation; Michigan; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization seeks experienced mist-net assistants for a fall bird banding program in Michigan. This role involves safe bird handling, training students, and engaging the public about avian research. Successful candidates will enjoy a unique outdoor experience with accommodations at the research center.

Benefits

Tent-camping accommodations

Free meals during the camp period

Qualifications

• Experience at high-volume banding stations with safe bird handling.
• Experience training in mist-net extraction.
• Willingness to help and engage with the public.

Responsibilities

• Extract birds from mist-nets using safe body-first techniques.
• Train student assistants in mist-net extraction.
• Communicate outreach information to visitors.

Skills

Reliability

Adaptability

Detail Orientation

Organization

Professionalism

Public Engagement

Job description

Description

Experienced mist-net assistants needed from 13 Aug to 16 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.

Mist-net assistants are responsible for the efficient and safe extraction (using body-first technique) of birds from mist-nets at 30 – 45-minute net runs. Additionally, they will be responsible for training student assistants in mist-net extraction. Training our student assistants is a critical part of our mission, so prioritizing their training is a key part of the mist-netting assistant position. To fulfill another core part of our mission (outreach), mist-net assistants will also need to greet visitors and communicate with them about the purpose of our research, importance of bird banding, and biology and ecology of migratory landbirds. Other responsibilities include data recording in the field, repairing nets, assisting with social media posts, and maintaining a clean and safe banding station.

Mist-net technicians 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.

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.

Salary negotiable up to $15 per hour, based on experience. We are looking for one individual qualified to assist with overseeing daily operations as our lead mist-net tech.

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
We are looking for individuals that have experience working at high-volume banding stations with a record of safe extraction and handling of birds. Additional experience training in mist-net extraction is desired. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are reliable and adaptable to a wide range of conditions, including temperature extremes, mosquitoes, poisonous plants, and walking in swampy areas. Other desired qualifications include willingness to jump in and help when it is needed, eagerness to engage with the public, and detail-orientation, organization, and professionalism.

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 your experience with mist-net extraction and handling of landbirds. Please also address your interest and qualifications in training in extraction and conducting outreach.
• Résumé, including estimated extraction totals
• The names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 references familiar with your mist net extraction experience

Apply athttps://careers.msu.edu/jobs/professional-aide-in-state-michigan-united-states-81a5a752-660d-4af2-87a5-764aa8b89494by July 15, 2025 for full consideration. Applications may be considered through August 1, 2025.

Work Hours
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 work day ranges from 45minutes before sunrise to ~ 12noon – 2pm (depending on number of birds captured and weather).

Summary of Physical Demands
Walking on wet uneven terrain

Contact

Jen Owen ([e-mail](preferred contact method))