BIRD BANDERs (2 positions) are needed from 11 August to 20 October, 2011 to study passerine migration in coastal “Downeast” Maine. Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge is documenting the timing, abundance, and species of fall migrants as part of a larger research project with the University of Maine and Acadia National Park. A crew supervisor and one technician will be hired as private contractors to operate a migration monitoring station on a wild and scenic peninsula in Steuben, Maine. Both contractors must have prior mist netting experience and excellent eastern bird identification skills. The crew supervisor must possess exemplary leadership skills, the ability to safely extract and band large volumes of birds, and experience aging and sexing eastern birds in fall plumage. In addition to daily operation of mist nets, the crew will conduct visual surveys, collect habitat data, and ensure proper operation of acoustic recorder and radar units. Shorebird banding experience is a plus. Required to work 7 days a week, have the ability to work with others, and a tolerance of wet and cold weather. The supervisor will receive $4,000 and the technician $3,000 for the 10 week period. Housing is provided on site. Crews last year captured 2,472 individuals from 67 species (0.8 birds per net hour). Send a resume, cover letter and names, phone numbers, and e-mails of 3 references to: Sara Williams, Maine Coastal Islands NWR, P.O. Box 279, Milbridge, ME 04658 ([email protected]). Applications will be accepted until June 21st, 2011. For more information, call Maine Coastal Islands NWR at 207-546-2124 ext. 13
