Audubon Pennsylvania is seeking an experienced hawk migration counter for Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch near Carlisle, PA. Waggoner’s Gap is located on the Kittatinny Ridge in central Pennsylvania, and provides one of the finest hawk-watching opportunities in the East. It is also one of the oldest count sites in North America, beginning in at least 1948, and its count data have been submitted annually to the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA) since the latter's inception in 1974. Throughout its existence, Waggoner’s Gap has relied on trained volunteers to conduct the annual count, which runs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31. Annual totals average more than 20,000 raptors, including some of the highest golden eagle counts east of the Rockies. Audubon Pennsylvania was given ownership of the hawk watch in 2001 and has since been managing the site in collaboration with the long-time count crew. Waggoner's Gap receives approximately 3,000 visitors annually during the fall migration.
- Identify and count all migrating raptors and other migrants as required.
- Maintain hourly and daily records.
- Provide daily summaries for online and social media posts.
- Assist with compiling the end-of-season summary report.
- Work in collaboration with count volunteers.
- Interact with hawk watch site visitors.
- Minimum of one season of previous counting experience.
- Ability to identify eastern raptors in flight at great distances.
- Must be detail oriented; careful data collecting skills.
- Experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Be an enthusiastic and motivated self-starter who is also a strong team player.
- Be willing to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.
- Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces, climb multiple steep steps and lift 25 lbs. as necessary.
- Ability to tolerate long periods of time outside in harsh weather.
- MUST have their own vehicle, and a valid driver’s license.
- MUST be able to work full-time from September 3rd through November 30th, 2019.