1

Bird Monitoring Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

They will monitor and report the conditions of the barns where the birds reside to ensure a safe and productive environment. In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on ...

Animal Caretaker

Holland, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

They will monitor and report the conditions of the barns where the birds reside to ensure a safe and productive environment. In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on ...

Animal Caretaker

Martin, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

They will monitor and report the conditions of the barns where the birds reside to ensure a safe and productive environment. In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on ...

Animal Caretaker

Holland, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

They will monitor and report the conditions of the barns where the birds reside to ensure a safe and productive environment. In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on ...

Production l

Saranac, MI · On-site

$17/hr

At a basic level, monitor and manage activities that impact bird welfare, including lighting, airflow, and heat. * Basic understanding of equipment maintenance and repair, including feed, water lines ...

Production l

Saranac, MI · On-site

$17/hr

At a basic level, monitor and manage activities that impact bird welfare, including lighting, airflow, and heat. * Basic understanding of equipment maintenance and repair, including feed, water lines ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Bird Monitoring information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$14

$18

How much do bird monitoring jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for bird monitoring in Michigan is $14.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in a Bird Monitoring role, and how can they be managed?

Bird Monitoring professionals often work in outdoor environments where weather conditions and terrain can be unpredictable and physically demanding. Challenges include early morning hours, data accuracy in field observations, and the need to distinguish between similar species. To manage these, it's important to be well-prepared with appropriate gear, develop strong bird identification skills, and use standardized data collection protocols. Collaboration with colleagues and ongoing training also help ensure accurate and reliable monitoring results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bird Monitoring Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bird Monitoring Specialist, you need expertise in avian identification, field survey techniques, and ecological data collection, often supported by a degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Familiarity with GPS devices, data recording software, and sometimes specialized bird banding or ringing certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for accurate data gathering and effective teamwork. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure reliable monitoring results that inform conservation efforts and ecological research.

What is the difference between Bird Monitoring vs Ornithologist?

AspectBird MonitoringOrnithologist
Required CredentialsBasic bird identification skills, fieldwork experienceAdvanced degrees in biology or ornithology, research experience
Work EnvironmentField sites, conservation areas, research projectsResearch labs, universities, field research
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental agencies, conservation groups, research organizationsAcademic institutions, research institutes, government agencies

Bird Monitoring typically involves fieldwork to track bird populations and behaviors, often with minimal formal education. Ornithologists usually hold advanced degrees and conduct detailed research on bird species, behaviors, and ecology. While both roles focus on birds, Bird Monitoring is more practical and conservation-oriented, whereas Ornithology is research-focused and academic.

What is bird monitoring?

Bird monitoring is the systematic observation and recording of bird species, populations, and behaviors over time. This process helps scientists and conservationists track changes in bird populations, detect environmental changes, and inform conservation strategies. Bird monitoring can be carried out using various methods, such as field surveys, remote sensing, and citizen science programs. The data collected plays a crucial role in understanding ecosystem health and guiding policy decisions related to wildlife protection.
What are popular job titles related to Bird Monitoring jobs in Michigan? For Bird Monitoring jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Bird Monitoring job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 66% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Contract, 3% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,634 per year, or $14.7 per hour.
Bird Department Zookeeper

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Bird Department Zookeeper
General Description
The Bird Department Zookeeper provides care, feeding, enrichment and training for Birds to ensure their well-being and contributes to outstanding guest experiences by ensuring that Bird exhibits are properly maintained.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide daily care, including but not limited to, feeding, enrichment, and operant conditioning training for birds.
  • Perform routine exhibit maintenance including mowing, trimming, and other routine maintenance activities.
  • Observe and document physical condition and behavior of animals.
  • Inspect facilities to ensure safety and security.
  • Capture and restrain animals as needed.
  • Clean animal enclosures and other exhibit areas.
  • Assist with artificial incubation and hand-rearing.
  • Monitor animal social conditions and situations.
  • Monitor feather-clipping schedules and make recommendations to supervisor when clipping is needed.
  • Develop and submit enrichment practices to Behavioral Husbandry Team.
  • Design, construct, and provide enrichment devices to animals.
  • Provide medical treatments as prescribed by the veterinarians.
  • Communicate needs for maintenance department work requests to lead keeper or supervisor.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
  • Maintain records, inventories and other information and provide written and verbal reports as required.
  • Conduct educational presentations in both formal and informal settings.
  • Train new staff as required.
  • Train and supervise interns.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • A bachelor's degree in zoology or a closely related discipline and two years' experience in the care and management of birds.
  • OR: An associate degree in a related discipline and four years experiences in the care of captive wildlife, two of which include the care and management of birds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to work with animals and to remain calm in strenuous circumstances.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to follow instructions.
  • Excellent time management skills.

Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with frequent exposure to and contact with dangerous animals, with risk of zoonotic disease transmission (Hepatitis B, Herpes B, Tuberculosis, Salmonella and others), and with exposure to computer monitors. Evening work may be required.
Physical Requirements
The Bird Department Zookeeper must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.