DEADLINE: April 24, 2026, but applications will be reviewed upon receipt

The Pennsylvania Bird Atlas (https://ebird.org/atlaspa) is hiring a team of point count technicians to conduct surveys throughout Pennsylvania during the summer of 2026.

DATES: May 18 – mid July 2026

COMPENSATION:

• $20/hr
• A combination of campsites and hotel accommodations will be provided for a total of 5 nights/week.
• Mileage reimbursement on personal vehicles will be provided. Vehicle rental may be provided in lieu of use of a personal vehicle if necessary.
• Technicians are responsible for providing their own food, binoculars, smartphone, camping equipment, and vehicle (if possible).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The field season will begin with a mandatory orientation session at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (Orwigsburg, PA) during the week of May 18, 2026. The remainder of the season, technicians will work independently conducting avian point count surveys at assigned roadside locations, recording distances and behavior codes of individual birds, and entering data into a database. Surveys will occur in all habitat types while traveling throughout the entire state of Pennsylvania. Technicians will typically be stationed in a new location every one to two weeks. The work schedule will require flexibility in the event of inclement weather but will be no more than 40 hours/week.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to identify birds of Pennsylvania by sight and sound. Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience using eBird and conducting point count surveys. Prior birding experience need not be through a paid position.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving history.
• Must be willing to work early mornings and long hours in a variety of conditions including hot weather and buggy conditions.
• Must be comfortable camping independently.
• Must be comfortable working independently and following all Atlas protocols.
• Must be comfortable navigating by GPS and driving long hours in rural and urban settings.
• Must be self-motivated and have good communication skills.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.