Part-Time Stone Mountain Migration Counter

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Penn State's Outdoor Education Field Lab and Nature Center, is seeking a part-time hawk migration counter. This role involves providing accurate raptor identification and reporting, as well as offering informal interpretation to visitors at the local fall hawk watch. The Stone Mountain Hawkwatch, operational since 1991, is staffed by community volunteers who record fall migrant raptors and educate visitors about the biological phenomenon of hawk migration. Located on the Huntingdon-Mifflin County border, 20 miles south of State College, the site operates from September 1 to December 15 and observes an average of 4600 species each fall.

Requirements

Familiarity with bird identification.
Ability to endure long days in the field, often in hot, cold and windy conditions.
Independence to make daily decisions on cancellation of count due to weather.
Computer literacy and capability of entering and managing data.
Transportation to and from the hawk watch location.
Willingness to work irregular hours, including some weekends.
Must be able to provide accurate raptor identification and reporting.
Must be able to provide informal interpretation to site visitors.

Nice To Haves

Background in identifying eastern raptors in flight is preferred, but not necessary.
Experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills is highly preferred.
A personal pair of binoculars and spotting scope is preferred.

Responsibilities

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.