Hawk Counter on Kittatinny Ridge, PA

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association is seeking experienced Hawk Counters for autumn migration counts along Kittatinny Ridge, PA. Responsibilities include counting hawks, collecting data, welcoming visitors, and reporting findings. Candidates must be proficient in bird identification and able to work independently in variable weather conditions. The position requires hiking and standing for extended periods. Applications are due by May 1, 2025, and must include a cover letter and resume.
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. In2025, 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. Benefits include experiencing one of the best raptor and songbird migrations in North America.

Kittatinny Ridge Hawk Counters will be responsible for the following duties:
• Collect data on migrating diurnal raptors and weather hourly on standard data forms.
• Collect data on some non-raptor migrants if feasible.
• Welcome visitors to the lookout.
• Count total visitors each day and enter in google spreadsheet weekly
• Enter hourly data in hawkcount.org each day.
• Coordinate with other volunteers or counters to ensure data entry for other days occurs.
• Join bi-weekly counter zoom or report back to update Project Supervisor.
• Ensure all hourly count data is entered on hawkcount.org either in hourly format each evening OR is entered daily with hourly entry at end of season.
• Write a final report on the migration and education efforts and proofread all data entry on the data in HawkCount.org to ensure data is correct before December 10, 2023. Report should include hawk migration count highlights, comparisons to averages, totals on visitors, people attending programs and a summary of educational outreach efforts.

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.
• Ability to hike a mile on rocky terrain and stand for hours in cold or hot conditions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience working with volunteers and general public.
• 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 for up to 8 or more hours, cold and hot. Rocky terrain with up to one mile hike needed to site.

TO APPLY

Applications are due 05/1/2025. 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.