Kittatinny Ridge Hawk Counter (4 positions)

The Kittatinny Ridge is the largest Important Bird Area in Pennsylvania and has recently been designated a State Conservation Landscape. As the site of the oldest raptor sanctuary in the world, The Ridge hosts one of the most concentrated raptor migration corridors in eastern North America. In 2023, four experienced hawk counters are desired for four separate autumn migration count sites along the Kittatinny Ridge to supplement volunteer efforts. Position involves counting hawks in variety of weather on a rocky mountaintop, in remote locations, alone or with a small group of observers.

Dates: August 15 – November 30.

Salary: 15$/hour for 40-45 hours and four to five days per week. Higher rate considered for highly
experienced person. No housing provided but local hosts can possibly provide at some sites.

Location: Kittatinny Ridge, southeastern Pennsylvania, sites from Danielsville, PA to Carlisle, PA.

Supervisor: Laurie Goodrich, David Barber

Kittatinny Ridge Hawk Counters will be responsible for the following duties:
1. Set up and maintain site schedule with volunteers to ensure daily coverage of the hawkwatch where
assigned. Possibly work some weekends to ensure education outreach occurs.
2. Collect data on migrating diurnal raptors and weather hourly on standard data forms.
3. Collect data on non-raptor migrants as feasible.
4. Count total visitors each day and enter in spreadsheet
5. Create a data entry plan for volunteer collected data.
6. Enter hourly data in hawkcount.org each day with reports sent to PA Birds and eBird.
7. Facilitate volunteer or own public outreach programs and poster deployment at the site at least 6-
10 times during autumn months.
8. Join bi-weekly counter zoom or report back to update Project Supervisor.
9. Produce end of season report with a season summary and highlights of the count as per model
provided.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
– Experience in conducting hawk migration counts and in identification of diurnal hawks in flight.
– Proficiency in Eastern North America bird identification in the field by sight.
– Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
– Positive attitude and excitement for bird migration.
– Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.
Must have valid driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
– Experience working with volunteers.
– Experience with social media and infographics development.
– Experience with Microsoft Office Word, Excel.
– Experience or proficiency in use of eBird.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
– Position will be outside in variable weather conditions, and may be at remote locations, on difficult
terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Some hiking may be required to reach site.

TO APPLY
Applications are due 05/1/2023. Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their qualifications and
addressing the Required and Preferred Qualifications listed above and a resume or curriculum vitae.
Additionally, applicants must provide contact information for two references who can comment on the
applicant’s qualifications relevant to this position (including phone numbers and email addresses).
Send application materials to goodrich@hawkmountain.org with subject line “Kittatinny Ridge Hawk
Counter”.

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.