Kirtland’s Warbler Nest Monitor

The Wisconsin DNR is hiring a Kirtland’s Warbler Nest Monitor for the 2024 breeding season in Adams County, WI. The position runs from mid-May to mid-August, with a salary of $6,000 and possible housing. Responsibilities include observing nesting behaviors, recording data, and assisting with various project-related tasks. Candidates should have a degree or relevant experience in wildlife biology and must provide their own transportation. Applications are due by April 25, 2025.
Job Title: Kirtland’s Warbler Nest Monitor (preferably in conjunction with the Whooping Crane Monitor Position)

Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Location: Adams County, WI

Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/

Duration and Salary: Mid-May – Mid-August; $6,000 total for the duration plus possible housing if needed.
• Ideally this position will be filled in conjunction with the Whooping Crane Monitor position (see separate job posting at this same job board).

Description: The Wisconsin Kirtland’s Warbler Project is seeking one qualified nest monitor for the 2024 breeding season. The work will primarily be focused on Wisconsin’s main breeding sites in central Wisconsin and will be based in Adams County. Duties will begin around mid-May, will require travel to sites in central Wisconsin, and will end in early to mid-August. The weekly schedule will involve working five days a week. Field work is weather dependent so the five days may include weekends.*

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Nest monitor duties include the following: 1) observe and document adult territorial, courtship, and nesting behaviors of the endangered Kirtland’s Warbler; 2) record nest phenology and results; 3) keep daily log of activities at assigned breeding site(s); 4) participate with mist netting and banding activities; 5) assist with Cowbird trapping; 6) assist with and/or lead guided tours of sites; 7) produce interim and final reports; 8) survey for Kirtland’s Warblers at assigned sites; 9) participate on weekly team calls; 10) conduct other project related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in wildlife biology, conservation, natural resources, or a related field, must be able to identify Wisconsin’s shrubland birds by sight and sound, and must be proficient in use of GPS units or Smartphones with similar capabilities. Previous experience with Kirtland’s Warblers is not necessary. Preference will be given to those with previous forest songbird nest monitoring experience. Must provide own transportation and roads are often unpaved and sandy. Housing can be provided in addition to pay if required – if this position is hired in conjunction with the Whooping Crane Monitor position in Baraboo, WI, housing will be provided for both positions at the International Crane Foundation – see separate job posting for the Whooping Crane Monitor position.

To Apply: Send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Davin Lopez of the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources at Davin.Lopez@Wisconsin.gov by April 25, 2025. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. For more information, contact Davin at the email above or by phone at 608-843-5495.

“In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.”

DNR is an equal opportunity employer