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Volunteer Bird Banding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

$17/hr

Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas * local hawk watches * the farmland raptor project * other faculty ... The position will also expose the intern to * public gardens and horticulture * volunteer ...

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE

$16 - $20.45/hr

Act as a crew leader to lead invasive species monitoring and treatments with volunteers and public ... Experience banding birds or strong interest in bird banding/ornithology. * At least one year of ...

All JobsVolunteer Bird Banding Jobs

Volunteer Bird Banding information

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$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer bird banding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer bird banding in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer bird bander?

Volunteer bird banders are individuals who assist researchers and wildlife organizations by helping to safely capture, band, and release birds as part of scientific studies. Their work contributes to tracking bird migration, population trends, and health. These volunteers are trained in bird handling and data collection techniques, and often work under the supervision of experienced ornithologists. The data collected helps inform conservation efforts and expands our understanding of bird ecology.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily activities of a volunteer bird bander?

As a volunteer bird bander, your daily activities typically include setting up and monitoring mist nets, safely extracting birds, recording data such as species, age, and measurements, and placing identification bands on each bird. You may also assist with equipment maintenance, data entry, and sometimes educating visitors or new volunteers about bird banding procedures. Collaboration with experienced banders and researchers is common, and days often start at dawn to coincide with peak bird activity. This role requires attention to detail, patience, and a commitment to following ethical handling protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer bird bander?

To thrive as a Volunteer Bird Bander, you need basic ornithological knowledge, attention to detail, and often some prior fieldwork or wildlife handling experience. Familiarity with bird banding equipment, data collection apps, and sometimes bird identification guides is highly useful. Patience, careful observation, and strong teamwork skills help ensure both accurate data collection and bird safety. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing valuable data to research while maintaining ethical standards in wildlife handling.

What is the difference between Volunteer Bird Banding vs Volunteer Ornithologist?

AspectVolunteer Bird BandingVolunteer Ornithologist
Required CredentialsBasic bird identification skills, training in banding techniquesAdvanced knowledge of bird species, research experience, possibly higher education
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor settings, bird banding stationsField research, data collection, possibly lab work
Employer & IndustryWildlife organizations, conservation groups, research stationsResearch institutions, conservation agencies, universities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Volunteer Bird Banding involves hands-on work with capturing and banding birds, requiring specific training. Volunteer Ornithologists often conduct broader research and data analysis, with more advanced credentials. Both roles support bird conservation but differ in scope and expertise required.

How to get a job banding birds?

To get a volunteer bird banding job, you should gain knowledge of bird identification and banding techniques, often through training provided by conservation organizations or research programs. Volunteer positions typically require a commitment to safety protocols, patience, and sometimes basic certifications in wildlife handling. Applying to local bird conservation groups or research projects is a common way to start gaining experience in bird banding.

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Bird Banding jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Bird Banding job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Bird Banding jobs?

The most popular types of Bird Banding jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Bird Banding jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Bird Banding jobs include:

Volunteer Bird Banding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Bird Banding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Part-time Avian Educator Apprenticeship

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$17/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Opportunity:
The Arboretum at Penn State and Penn State's Outdoor Education Field Lab and Nature Center -Shaver's Creek Environmental Center - are searching for an energetic Avian Educator that can provide research assistance and informal and formal interpretation to the community. This opportunity is a paid ($17.00/hr.), part-time (20 hours/week) position, lasting up to 52 weeks. The apprentice will gain valuable interpretative skills through experiential learning projects that may include
  • Project Nestwatch
  • Project Feederwatch
  • Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas
  • local hawk watches
  • the farmland raptor project
  • other faculty research initiatives

Experience:
The Avian Educator will work with the Arboretum and Shaver's Creek staff to develop and facilitate nature-based programs and activities related to central Pennsylvania's avian ecology, geology, history, and culture. The position will also expose the intern to
  • public gardens and horticulture
  • volunteer management
  • public relations
  • donor support

The intern will build meaningful relationships with staff, peers, volunteers, and both the University and local community through teamwork and collaboration.
Primary Responsibilities:
Experiential Learning and Landowner Outreach (May-August)
  • Assist in on-site and off-site nestbox monitoring to track nesting activity, egg-laying, chick hatching, and fledging success of secondary cavity nesters.
  • Develop working knowledge of the Natural History of American Kestrel and American Barn Owls through landowner outreach, nestbox management, and hands-on banding demonstrations.
  • Develop working knowledge of the Natural History of central Pennsylvania's breeding birds by participating in the 3rd Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas.
  • Contribute to avian research projects led by Penn State Faculty
  • Support staff in outreach and interpretation at Penn State's annual three-day event, Ag Progress Days.

Outreach and Interpretation (September-April)
  • Support the Arboretum's annual Avian Education Lecture event programming, as well as bird walks, and programs organized and delivered as part of the avian education program suite.
  • Embrace a growth mindset by demonstrating critical thinking, taking on leadership roles, and seeking opportunities for professional engagement.
  • Participate in paid, regularly scheduled community education days designed to support career and self-development
  • Enroll in a mandatory 9-week non-credit tuition-free Canvas course (currently titled Upskill Penn State) designed to support reflection on experiential learning.
  • Help maintain the Arboretum's bird feeding stations during peak use.
  • Develop a working knowledge of migration ecology and identification through local fall and spring hawk watch sites.

Qualifications:
Applicants should be currently enrolled in or recent graduates from an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management, or a related field and should demonstrate a strong interest in environmental education. Applicants should have a basic understanding of avian ecology and biology and be able to identify common Pennsylvania bird species. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a desire to learn more about avian ecology and explain how this opportunity will help them reach their career goals.
Requirements:
  • Resume or CV
  • Cover letter
  • Contact information for at least two professional references. Written letters of recommendation highly preferred.

Application:
  • Applications must be submitted online via Penn State Careers Website: https://hr.psu.edu/careers
  • Please make certain to include a cover letter, resume or CV, and reference contacts/letters of recommendation with your application materials.
  • This position will remain open until filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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