CHESTNUT RIDGE HAWKWATCH INTERPRETER & SPOTTER (2021)

Bedford Audubon is pleased to announce the availability of an eight-week paid opportunity in field (raptor) biology and nature interpretation at our Chestnut Ridge HawkWatch in Bedford Corners, New York.

Required Skills & Qualities

The ideal candidate for the HawkWatch Interpreter & Spotter is:

• Enthusiastic with a passion for conservation, environmental education, and raptors.
• Comfortable with cheerfully communicating with the public at large, including seniors, students, and families.
• Self-motivated and able to work successfully independently and in a supportive team atmosphere outdoors, as well as in a casual yet professional office setting.
• Possess basic computer literacy, word processing, and spreadsheet literacy along with excellent written and verbal skills. Attention to detail is a must.

Essential functions of the position require hiking, standing outdoors for long periods at a time, and carrying 20 pounds of gear (optics, first aid kit, etc.). This is a long count, and not for the faint of heart!

The HawkWatch Interpreter & Spotter must provide their own binoculars. The HawkWatch Interpreter & Spotter should hold a valid driver’s license and have personal transportation. Mileage is not reimbursed.

The HawkWatch Interpreter & Spotter will take high-level direction from the Naturalist-in-Residence.

Education & Prior Work Experience

• Experience with nature interpretation and environmental education is required.
• A degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, or similar is preferred; or equivalent related experience.
• Previous raptor identification is not essential, but candidates should be motivated to learn.

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary nature interpreter to the visiting public and during public programs.
• Spot raptors and other birds, especially during peak migration, to support the HawkWatch Counter.
• Take photos and provide daily highlights for social media.
• Set up and breakdown for scheduled public programs and special events.
• Additional opportunities for research and activity (e.g., communications, workshops, etc.) are available, depending on the candidate’s experience and personal goals for this Opportunity.
• Assist in the smooth operation of Bedford Audubon.

HawkWatch Interpreter & Spotter Opportunity Summary

• September 8 – October 30, 2021, approximately 9am-5pm, 5 days/week including weekends, with some longer days during peak migration.
• Regular rate is $14/hour, overtime rate (more than 40 hours/week) is $21.00/hour.
• We are pleased to offer a voluntary housing credit that includes lodging and utilities at our historic Bylane Farm. The housing credit will be applied to your hourly rate. Please inquire for details.

To Apply

• Email your cover letter describing your interest and personal goals for this position, résumé or curriculum vitae, and contact information for two references to Tait Johansson, Naturalist-in-Residence, at tjohansson@bedfordaudubon.org by no later than July 28, 2021, but the position will remain open until filled.
• Please include “2021 HawkWatch Interpreter & Spotter Opportunity” as the email subject line.
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.