Overview

Springwatch Avian Technician March 1 to May 31, 2022 for spring migration monitoring projects with New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory in Cape May, NJ.  The area is world-renowned as a migration hotspot, but a large majority of bird study here has historically occurred during autumn. There is still much to learn about how, why, and when birds migrate north through the Cape May region. The Cape May Springwatch is the newest formalized migration count project conducted by New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory. The Springwatch Technician will assist the Migration Count Coordinator in carrying out the count and associated data gathering tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Assisting with and/or conducting stationary migration counts at Cape May Point and other locations on or near Cape Island. These counts will occur every day, beginning at sunrise and continuing 3-6 hours, contingent on conditions. All species of migrating birds are tabulated.
• Additional projects may include transect and area surveys aimed at detecting migrant songbirds, conducting exploratory evening migration counts, and acoustic monitoring (analyzing nocturnal flight calls recorded at one or more stations).

Qualifications/ Knowledge/ Skills:

• Enthusiastic, disciplined, and responsible with a strong interest in bird migration is essential.
• Previous experience with avian field research, particularly migration monitoring, is highly desirable but not compulsory; learning on the job is expected, and we will provide training and support.
• Strong computer skills – Microsoft Office 365, social media – to fulfill the job requirements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Punctual with excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.
• Motivated self-starter able to work independently in the execution of their responsibilities while collaborating with other staff and organizations with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
• Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet deadlines and needs of the department and organization, including availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must have own transportation, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to operate a motor vehicle in NJ.
• Must have the physical capacity to walk over uneven terrain for long distances, able to move materials, and to lift 25 lbs.
• Willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.