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 mist net assistant needed from 13 Aug to 16 Oct to work with a large crew at two high-volume bird banding stations during fall migration. Michigan State Bird Observatory (MSBO) operates two banding stations, the Burke Lake Banding Station and the Corey Marsh Banding Station (CMBS), which are both located near East Lansing, Michigan. 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 close nets 5 – 5.5 hours post-sunrise (banding may continue later in 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 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 interns in mist-net extraction and communicating with visitors 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, greeting and talking with visitors, 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 student interns, 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 at least one individual qualified to train interns and assist with overseeing daily operations.
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 (provided). These are free accommodations with the expectation of contributing to upkeep and cleaning of the spaces used by the crew.
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 interns 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, and poisonous plants. Other desired qualifications are individuals that are willing to jump in and help when they see it is needed, interested and willing to engage with the public, and are detail-oriented, organized, and professional.
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, résumé, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 references familiar with your mist net extraction experience
Work Hours
Early mornings ~ 6 days per week
Summary of Physical Demands
This job will require walking on uneven terrain in wet and muddy areas for extended periods of time.
