The Town of Kiawah Island is seeking four Bird Banding Assistants to assist with the daily operation of the Kiawah Island Banding Station (KIBS). Two assistants will work from August 15 – November 1 and two from September 1 – November 15. Assistants will be working alongside experienced banders and will learn valuable skills in mist-netting, bird identification, and advanced methods in aging and sexing of eastern songbirds. Primary duties will include 1) extraction of birds from mist nets, 2) data recording and entry, and 3) bird processing and handling. 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 $1000/month stipend included. On occasion, may need to provide own transportation to field site. This position carries no benefits. There is an opportunity to volunteer at the station for two weeks prior to and/or two weeks after the term of the position with housing included.
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. Applicants must have previous experience with mist nets and songbirds.