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Hawkwatch Job Opportunities

Are you a hawkwatcher looking for a counting job?  Take advantage of opportunities to count and/or work with sites all over North American and beyond.  The job postings below are descriptions and links to opportunities with individual count sites (not employment opportunities with HMA).

Fall Migration Count Apprenticeship: Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Location: Duluth, MN

Position Dates: August 27th-October 31st 2026

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is one of the premier fall bird migration sites in North America. Raptor migration research and education have been conducted at the site for over 50 years! Annual fall averages include 60,000 raptors and 200,000+ passerines/other birds counted and approximately 2,500 raptors banded. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) in Duluth, MN is the non-profit organization that manages and provides bird research and education at the nature reserve. The fall research and education staff of HRBO are key representatives in HRBO’s mission of promoting conservation of raptors and other birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship.

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is offering one Fall Migration Count Apprenticeship to someone seeking to train and gain skills in bird identification and systematic migration counts. Training will focus on both raptor and non-raptor identification as well as morning flight counts. The apprentice will train with lead count staff with extensive knowledge and expertise in the field.

Qualifications:

  • At least 1 prior position/training/seasonal field experience with hawkwatching.
  • An intent to continue to pursue a career or higher-level education related to ornithology.
  • Apprentice must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and personal vehicle for transportation.

 Stipend: $400 per week; lodging provided if available

This is a volunteer opportunity with a stipend to cover food and general expenses. The anticipated schedule for this position is Saturday-Wednesday with Thursday and Friday off each week. Flexibility is always needed in field work!

To apply for the Count Apprenticeship, please go to APPLY and submit the application form. You will attach your cover letter and resume through that link. Applications are due March 27th at midnight CDT and applicants will be notified of their application status by April 3rd.

Please include in your cover letter and/or resume:

  1. A description of the skills you hope to obtain through the count apprenticeship program
  2. A description of your educational and/or career goals upon completion of your apprenticeship
  3. A description of courses/training and/or work experiences relevant to bird identification

For further information, please visit our website at www.hawkridge.org. For questions, please email research@hawkridge.org or call (218) 428-1479.

Job Alert: Program Coordinator, Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy | San Francisco Bay Area| Term-Limited, full-time with benefits

Join the team behind one of the Bay Area’s most iconic community science programs. The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory engages 100+ volunteers each fall to study migrating birds of prey in the Marin Headlands. The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is hiring two, full-time positions:

The Program Coordinator supports field operations, staff and volunteer safety, data stewardship, and regulatory compliance across GGRO programs. This role will have a stronger focus on the day-to-day implementation of raptor banding activities, particularly the bird husbandry program.

️ Apply by 3/31/2026 at https://www.parksconservancy.org/careers ️

We are looking for:
 Prior experience (paid or unpaid) handling birds under a permit. For example, bird banding or wildlife rehabilitation. Raptor experience preferred.
 Understanding of bird husbandry and best practices in captive animal welfare.

 Valid Driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to drive 4WD vehicles over rough dirt roads.
 Leadership skills and commitment to inclusive, community-engaged science in dynamic outdoor environment.

Work location: Marin Headlands (personal transportation is required.
Schedule: This is a term-limited position (9 months).  This position is eligible for hybrid telework (i.e., a mix of in-person and telework). However, to meet the essential requirements of this position will need to be on-site multiple days per week.
️Compensation: This is a non-exempt position with a pay rate of $31/hour and full benefits. Join us in advancing curiosity, community connection, and Parks for All Forever.

Volunteer Position: Raptor Migration Counter

Location: Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia

Application Deadline: February 1, 2026 (Open Until Filled)

About the Role:

TROPICOS Colombia is seeking an experienced Hawk Counter to join our spring migration team at the Tolima Raptor Count, the only active spring raptor count site in South America that is part of the HMA network. Located in central Colombia, the site has been monitoring raptor migration since 2020, recording an impressive average of half a million raptors and up to 10 species each season.

This unique opportunity offers the chance to experience Colombia’s extraordinary biodiversity, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, and explore the country with the highest bird species diversity in the world. Get ready to add plenty of lifers to your list while contributing to meaningful conservation work.

 Details:

  • Duration: February 15 – April 15 (minimum one-month commitment required).
  • Schedule: Fieldwork: Two days on, one day off.
  • Monthly stipend: $250 USD
  • Additional benefits include:
    • Health insurance.
    • Housing provided.
    • Local transportation to the count site covered.

Responsibilities:

  • Identify and count all migratory raptors and songbirds.
  • Record flight height, flight direction, and other behavioral observations.
  • Document hourly weather data.
  • Assist attendees and volunteers in their learning to identify raptors and point out birds to visitors.
  • Input daily counts into the HawkCount database (HMA) and EBird.

Make independent decisions regarding count delays or cancellations due to weather. 

Qualifications:

  • Proven experience identifying raptors in flight. Familiarity with local bird species is a plus.
  • Ability to work long days outdoors, often in hot weather.
  • Strong decision-making and interpersonal communication skills; Spanish proficiency is an advantage.
  • Basic data entry and management skills.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license (verify acceptance of your license in Colombia).
  • Personal binoculars are preferred but not required.

To Apply:  Send your cv with 2 references and, in the body of the email include your motivation to join the project, relevant experience and your availability for the season to: tropicoscolombia@gmail.com

For questions, contact Esther Vallejo at esthervallejo@tropicoscolombia.org

Job Alert: Senior Program Manager and Program Manager for Community Science

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy | San Francisco Bay Area| Full-Time with Benefits

Join the team behind one of the Bay Area’s most iconic community science programs. The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory engages 100+ volunteers each fall to study migrating birds of prey in the Marin Headlands.

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is hiring two, full-time positions:

Senior Program Manager, Community Science

Leads overall operations for raptor banding and Hawkwatch, oversees permits and field safety, manages data and science communication, supervises staff, and guides volunteer coordination. Ideal for experienced raptor banders or those qualified to hold a USGS Bird Banding Lab permit.  Application reviewed on rolling basis, until search closes

Program Manager, Community Science

Supports daily implementation of GGRO programs—with a stronger focus on Hawkwatch—manages field operations, data workflows, volunteer coordination, and community science engagement. Ideal for candidates with raptor ID skills, field research experience, and project or program management background.  Apply by 1/4/2026

 Apply at https://www.parksconservancy.org/careers

Both roles will:
• Coordinate and train 100+ volunteers through NPS’s Volunteers-in-Parks program
• Ensure safe, high-quality field operations during migration season
• Support long-term ecological data collection and reporting
• Collaborate closely with the National Park Service and other Park Conservancy staff
• Help bring science to life through public engagement and outreach

We are looking for:

-Raptor ID or bird banding expertise (higher for Senior PM)

-Experience in field research, data management & science communication
-Leadership skills and commitment to inclusive, community-engaged science

-Ability to thrive in dynamic outdoor environments with multiple stakeholders and partners.

These positions are eligible for hybrid telework, but must be in-person multiple times per week and include regular fieldwork in the Marin Headlands and some weekend/evening availability during peak migration. Join us in advancing curiosity, community connection, and Parks for All Forever.

Hawk Watch Job Opportunity in Colorado
Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch in Morrison, CO is seeking one experienced Hawk Counter for the spring 2026 season. This site is located along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and can see up to 17 species of migrating raptors including Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, and Broad-winged Hawk. The candidate will be required to commit to our full season starting March 1 and ending May 10. 
 
Please visit https://dfobirds.org/Birds/Hawkwatch.aspx for full job description. 
 
Please contact Emma Riley at emmaannriley@gmail.com with applications and/or any questions you may have about the position.
 

Braddock Bay Raptor Research

2026 Raptor Research and Education Internships

Raptor Research Internship

Up to two positions available.

Objective: Provide an opportunity for an individual interested in a career in avian research to gain hands-on experience working with raptors in the field.  Interns will learn about and participate in raptor banding, and raptor migration counts and surveys.

Duties/Opportunities:

Raptor Banding –  

  • Assist with raptor banding operations, including lure bird care, station set up and maintenance, data collection, photo documentation
  • Assist with trapping and banding raptors under the supervision of a licensed bird bander
  • Assist with raptor banding data entry
  • Interpretation and education on site for public visitors and organized groups

Hawkwatch –

  • Assist with the raptor migration count by spotting and identifying raptors in flight
  • Assist with data entry, both live on-site and at day’s end into the HawkCount database
  • Learn proper raptor identification and count techniques
  • Interpretation and education on site for public visitors and organized groups

Owl Roost Survey –

  • Collect data and observations during a daily survey of the Owl Woods portion of the management area. Focus species are Northern Saw-whet Owls and Long-eared Owls, but other species can be encountered. 

Timing

  • March through mid-May; start and end dates flexible.
  • Part-time – Minimum of about 10 hours/week. Schedule will be set based on applicant’s availability.

Requirements

  • Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Proper outerwear and footwear for cold weather is essential.
  • Good communication skills and readiness to work with others.
  • Must have own transportation.
  • Optics in the form of binoculars (at least 8x) will be needed. Spotting scope is helpful as well, but not required.  BBRR may be able to provide if needed.
  • Bird, especially raptor identification knowledge a plus. More training will be provided.

To apply, send letter of interest, resume and references to Daena Ford at information@bbrr.org.  Deadline to apply is February 1, 2026.

Raptor Education Internship Up to two positions available. Objective: Participants will gain knowledge of and experience caring for and working with captive raptors that are used in educational programs.  Participants also have the opportunity to gain experience in conducting presentations and leading educational programs and lessons.

Duties/Opportunities:

  • Learn to care for non-releasable captive birds of prey used for educational purposes. This includes activities such as preparing food, cleaning enclosures, and assisting with health and maintenance checks on the birds.
  • Learn handling and training methods for captive raptors used in education.
  • Assist with outreach programming in the community utilizing education raptors.
  • Lead or assist with programs at Braddock Bay, including owl prowls, banding station tours, and organized field trips.
  • Participate in Bird of Prey Days event held in April.

Timing:

  • mid-February-mid May. Start and end dates are flexible.  
  • Part-time – Minimum of about 4-6 hours/week, possibly more during the month of April. Flexible scheduling. 
  • Opportunity is there to extend internship into June if applicant is available.

Requirements

  • Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Proper outerwear and footwear for cold weather is essential.
  • Must have own transportation.
  • Good communication skills and readiness to work with others.
  • Good presentation skills.
  • Experience working with animals a plus.
  • Experience presenting in an educational setting (school, nature center, etc.) a plus.
  • Optics in the form of binoculars (at least 8x) will be needed. BBRR may be able to provide if needed.
  • Bird, especially raptor identification knowledge a plus. More training will be provided.

To apply, send letter of interest, resume and references to Daena Ford at information@bbrr.org.  Deadline to apply is February 1, 2026.


For questions or additional information please contact brown@hawkmigration.org

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