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Overnight Ornithology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$106K/yr

You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 1-2 nights per month. You must obtain ... ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester ...

New

$106K/yr

You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 1-2 nights per month. You must obtain ... ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester ...

New

Overnight Ornithology information

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$10

$17

$21

How much do overnight ornithology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight ornithology in the United States is $17.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is overnight ornithology?

Overnight ornithology is the study and observation of birds during nighttime hours. Many bird species are nocturnal or exhibit unique behaviors after dark, making overnight fieldwork essential for ornithologists interested in migration, breeding, and vocalization patterns. This work often involves using specialized equipment like night-vision devices, audio recorders, and tracking technology to monitor birds that are active at night. Overnight ornithologists may conduct surveys, band birds, or collect data that contribute to conservation and research efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight ornithologist?

To thrive as an Overnight Ornithologist, you need a solid background in ornithology, field research techniques, and data collection, typically supported by a relevant degree in biology or environmental science. Familiarity with bird monitoring tools such as mist nets, audio recording equipment, GPS devices, and data analysis software is essential. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and the ability to work independently in challenging nighttime conditions are valuable soft skills. These competencies are crucial for accurately studying bird behavior and migration patterns during nocturnal hours, ensuring reliable research outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by overnight ornithologists, and how can they be managed?

Overnight ornithologists often encounter challenges such as working in remote locations during irregular hours, dealing with unpredictable weather, and maintaining alertness throughout the night. Managing these challenges typically involves thorough preparation, including bringing appropriate gear, ensuring personal safety, and following established protocols for nocturnal fieldwork. Collaboration with team members is also crucial, as tasks like data collection and monitoring are often performed in pairs or groups to ensure accuracy and safety.

What is the difference between Overnight Ornithology vs Bird Banding Technician?

AspectOvernight OrnithologyBird Banding Technician
Required CredentialsBiology or Ecology degree, bird identification skillsBird banding certification, field experience
Work EnvironmentField research, nocturnal bird observationFieldwork, bird capture and banding
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, conservation groupsWildlife agencies, research projects
Common Search & ComparisonOvernight Ornithology vs Bird Banding Technician

Overnight Ornithology involves nocturnal bird research often requiring advanced biology knowledge, while Bird Banding Technicians focus on capturing and banding birds during the day. Both roles are field-based and essential for avian research, but differ mainly in timing and specific skills required.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ornithology jobs?

The most popular types of Ornithology jobs are:

Infographic showing various Overnight Ornithology job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,463 per year, or $17 per hour.

$106K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager for the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
Midway Atoll is an isolated, remote field site with 30-50 residents comprised of FWS employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors of various nationalities.

You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 1-2 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

Qualifications:

Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/24/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Basic Educational Requirement AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying.

Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following:

  • A. Degree: zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology. You must submit transcripts. -OR-
  • B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in one of the fields described in A above that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

-AND-

To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level:

  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience planning, administering, evaluating, managing, and/or operating programs, activities, and projects associated with conserving and managing fish and/or wildlife resources on public or private land for the purpose of providing critical habitat for fish and wildlife; overseeing budgets; collaborating with internal and/or external groups on natural resource issues, such as Federal and/or State agencies, elected officials and their staff, and/or tribal governments, environmental groups, recreation groups, or the public to gain understanding on controversial or technical issues and respond to concerns; supervising a team to accomplish tasks and projects; make recommendations on conservation matters. Your resume must include hours worked.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:

This position does not allow substituting education for experience.

This position has a mandatory education requirement.
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Employment Type: OTHER

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