The Town of Kiawah Island is seeking an experienced bird bander to help run the daily operations of the Kiawah Island Banding Station (KIBS) from 15 August – 15 November. Primary duties will include 1) bird processing and handling, 2) extraction of birds from mist nets, and 3) data management. Other responsibilities will include equipment maintenance, contributions to the daily blog, and other fieldwork as necessary. Normal work schedule is 7 days/week with periodic days off. Very comfortable on-island housing and a $1400/month stipend included. On occasion, may need to provide own transportation to field site. This position carries no benefits.
Kiawah Island is a developed barrier island located along the central coast of South Carolina. KIBS manages two banding sites located on each end of the island in maritime scrub/shrub. Each site is operated concurrently, and combined, processes around 10,000 birds and over 90 species each fall. To learn more visit: www.kiawahislandbanding.blogspot.com
Qualifications: Successful candidates should have a strong interest in birds and field biology, possess a positive attitude, be able to work and live harmoniously in close company with coworkers, be able follow protocols, be prepared to work long hours in sometimes adverse conditions (heat and humidity, biting insects), be meticulous in record keeping, and be in good physical condition. Must have prior experience banding large volumes of birds. Must be able to manage 20-30 mist nets. Must have experience aging species based on molt and/or other criteria. Must be efficient in the banding and processing of birds. Must be able to correctly identify most passerines of eastern North America. This person will occasionally fill in for the Bander-In-Charge thus must be able to obtain a Federal Banding Permit (subpermit).