Part-Time Tussey Mountain Migration Counter - University Outreach

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State`s Outdoor Education Field Lab and Nature Center-Shaver's Creek Environmental Center-is searching for an energetic Hawk Counter that can provide accurate raptor identification and reporting, while providing informal interpretation to site visitors at the local spring hawk watch. Located in Pennsylvania's ridge-and-valley province near State College, Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch is one of the premier spring Golden Eagle migration sites on the Eastern Flyway, averaging 186 individuals each spring. Full-time counts have been conducted from late February through late April since 2001 with an average of 1,800 raptors each spring, including up to 16 species.

Duties:

• Identify and count all migrant raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds

• Identify and record Golden Eagle age, time of observation, height of flight, flight type, flight path, and any behavioral observations

• Record hourly weather data

• Enter daily count into HawkCount database of the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA)

• Post daily results to the State College Bird Club list serv

• Attend the State College Bird Club meeting once per month

• Interpret the natural history of raptor migration and communicate with the public at large

• Independently make decisions on delay or cancellation of count due to weather patterns

Qualifications:

• Applicant must have familiarity with bird identification and a background in identifying eastern raptors in flight is preferred, but not necessary.

• Applicants will need to be able to endure long days in the field, often in cold and windy conditions and have the independence to make daily decisions on cancellation of count due to weather.

• Experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills is highly preferred.

• Although this position is expected to work 40 hours a week, applicant must have the willingness to work irregular hours, including some weekends, due unpredictable weather patterns.

• A personal pair of binoculars and spotting scope is preferred.

• Must be computer literate and capable of entering and managing data (computer access can be provided.)

• Applicant must have transportation to and from the hawk watch location with a valid driver`s license.

This is a part-time position that runs from February 23-April 25.

This job requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US
driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required
in addition to standard background checks.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: