Who we are: The Alaska Songbird Institute (ASI) is a nonprofit organization based at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in Fairbanks, Alaska. Our mission is to
conserve Alaska’s boreal songbirds and their habitats through research and education. Our long-term avian research projects (30+ years) utilize a community-based model. They are open to the general public. Students, teachers, and community volunteers of all ages are involved throughout the research process. ASI strives to integrate diverse voices and perspectives committed to our shared vision and values throughout everything we do.

Position Description: This position is responsible for coordinating and implementing ASI’s existing educational programming as well as developing new initiatives that will increase equity, access, and cultural relevance throughout our work. These initiatives will include creating youth & teen STEM mentoring programs, building community partnerships, implementing creative outreach efforts aimed at reaching new audiences, and bringing diverse voices into ASI’s leadership and advisory committees. This position is an integral part of a team including biologists, K-12 teachers, volunteers, youth, and teens working together to conserve Alaska’s boreal birds through integrated education and research efforts.

Responsibilities: The core responsibilities of this position include: (1) scheduling & leading K-12 field trips during spring and fall migration, including pre and post visit support for teachers, (2) mentoring youth and teens in field research, (3) developing new mentoring and internship opportunities for middle and high school students, (4) initiating and fostering new community partnerships to increase equity, access, and cultural responsiveness in ASI’s mentoring and internship programs; (5) designing and implementing robust program evaluation methods, (6) facilitating community programs/events, and (7) supporting efforts to create and share outreach, virtual programming, and social media content, as time allows. Additional responsibilities may include: greeting independent visitors to ASI field projects; supporting ASI researchers in mist netting, bird banding, nest monitoring, and entering/proofing data; representing ASI as events; and care and maintenance of field
equipment. Responsibilities are expected to break down as follows: program development & relationship building (45%); education and outreach (45%); research, monitoring, & logistics (10%).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, ecology, or related field
• Experience creating and teaching experiential outdoor/science/conservation programs
• Significant experience working with youth and teens
• Comprehensive knowledge of program design and evaluation methods
• Experience establishing and maintaining strong, positive collaborative working relationships with diverse groups
• Skilled in digital communication and media platforms
• Familiar with communication tools and methods to meet the needs of diverse audiences
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of boreal ecology and avian research and conservation is preferred but not required
• First Aid & CPR certified (training provided if necessary)
• ASI’s Policy for Working with Youth requires the ability to pass a background check
• Experience with mist netting, bird banding, and/or nest monitoring is a plus but not required

Successful candidates must possess a demonstrated interest in ecology, conservation, birds, science education and communication. Candidate should have a strong work ethic, meticulous approach to collecting and recording data, and a passion for sharing the wonder of birds, their natural history, and habitats with diverse audiences. They must have a genuine desire to work in a community-based, integrated research/education model. Because of the independent nature of this position, candidate must be self-motivated, have strong communication skills, and be able to thrive in a highly collaborative work environment, as well as remotely/independently at times. This position requires early mornings and weekend days, as well as the flexibility to adapt to a work schedule that is dependent upon birds, changing weather, and field logistics. Candidate must be able to make common sense decisions concerning wildlife interactions (e.g., moose, bear) and be confident and positive, leading adults, youth, and teens in exploring and connecting with the natural world in all kinds of weather and field conditions.

Physical Demands: Bird banding, mist netting, and nest monitoring require good manual dexterity and eyesight and involve long periods of being on your feet with few or no breaks. Successful candidates must be able to access all mist nets and nest boxes, and travel with groups of youth, teens, and adults throughout the study areas. This may require walking through waist deep water and vegetation, carrying a backpack with gear (~25lbs), stepping over logs and fences, crossing uneven terrain, riding a bicycle, and carrying heavy objects in high levels of insect activity and inclement weather conditions. Essential gear such as waders and insect protection are provided.
 

Status & Compensation: Seasonal. Hours are variable, average 35 hours/week, Feb 17 – Oct 10, 2025. Start and end dates are flexible. Early mornings and weekend work sometimes required. $20/hour. Two weeks paid leave. QSEHRA (health reimbursement arrangement) available. Housing is not provided.