The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF) is offering two full-time, seasonal bird banding positions from late May to mid-August 2025. 

Job Description:  
The Lead and Assistant Bird Banders will be responsible for operating two Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) stations. They will follow MAPS protocols to extract and process songbirds, ensuring accurate data entry and proofing on a weekly basis. In addition to banding, the role includes significant volunteer management and visitor engagement to foster community involvement in the program. Banders will also oversee the Mountain Bluebird (MOBL) nestbox monitoring project, which involves engaging volunteers, monitoring nestboxes, re-sighting color-banded birds, performing data entry and proofing, and providing general project support. Throughout the summer, the banders will occasionally assist with banding operations at a third MAPS station on the Greys River District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. They will also support IMBCR point counts, participate as lead birders on Snake River float trips, and assist with banding nestling and adult Mountain Bluebirds. 

Role of the Lead Bander: The Lead Bander will supervise the team, taking on increased responsibility for managing both data and volunteers. This role demands experience in conducting banding demonstrations, educating the public during banding operations, and engaging with volunteers and visitors. Additionally, the Lead Bander will provide essential training to JHWF permanent staff on bird extraction and banding techniques throughout the summer at the MAPS stations. 

Compensation: 
The Lead Bander and Assistant Bander positions offer a compensation of $8,800 per season each. Any hours worked beyond 40 hours per week are eligible for overtime pay. In addition to the base salary, we provide housing and a mileage stipend of $4,125 per season per person. Banders will be assigned a company vehicle for travel between the office and work sites. Please note that no fringe benefits or health insurance are offered. While start and end dates are flexible, preference will be given to applicants able to commit to a full 11-week season.

Qualifications and Skills: 

• High competency with mist netting, aging, sexing, and banding passerines and near passerines required. 
• At least two seasons of bird banding experience OR at least 1000 birds independently extracted and processed required. 
• Excellent bird identification skills (including by ear) required, familiarity with Rocky Mountain species strongly desired. 
• Knowledge of MAPS protocols strongly desired.  
• Nest monitoring experience desired but not necessary 
• Meticulous approach to collecting, entering, and proofing data.  
• Ability to navigate the challenges of field work with a positive attitude (mosquitoes, early mornings, etc.) 
• Good common sense regarding dangerous wildlife (moose, bears) 
• Ability to walk up to ten miles a day at ~6000ft elevation over uneven terrain. 
• Excellent people skills  
• Great organizational skills to keep a workable and presentable banding station. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• A valid driver’s license