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Weekend Bird Banding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$17/hr

Starting Pay : $17.00 per hour plus additional shift differential for evenings, nights and weekends ... Must be willing to sign an agreement to avoid any avian species (chickens, ducks, birds, etc.

Weekend Bird Banding information

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$12

$15

$16

How much do weekend bird banding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend bird banding in the United States is $15.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Weekend Bird Bander, you need a solid understanding of ornithology, bird identification, and experience with safe bird handling techniques, often supported by fieldwork or specialized training. Familiarity with mist netting, banding equipment, data recording software, and relevant permits is commonly required. Attention to detail, patience, and strong observational and communication skills help individuals excel in this hands-on, field-based role. These abilities ensure accurate data collection, bird safety, and meaningful contributions to avian research and conservation.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges involved in a weekend bird banding position?

Weekend bird banding roles typically involve capturing, identifying, and safely banding wild birds to support conservation research. You may also record data, monitor bird health, and assist with habitat observations, often in early morning hours and varying weather conditions. One of the main challenges is working efficiently with delicate wildlife while maintaining accuracy in data collection. Strong teamwork and communication are essential, as you’ll often collaborate closely with biologists, volunteers, and other field staff to ensure both bird safety and research quality.

What is weekend bird banding?

Weekend bird banding is a wildlife research activity where trained individuals capture birds, place small, uniquely numbered bands on their legs, and then release them. This process typically happens on weekends and helps scientists gather important data about bird migration, lifespan, and population trends. Volunteers and ornithologists often participate to support ongoing conservation efforts. Bird banding requires special permits and training to ensure the safety of the birds and the accuracy of the data collected.

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

AspectWeekend Bird BandingWeekend Ornithologist
CredentialsTypically requires bird banding permits and basic ornithology knowledgeOften has advanced degrees or extensive bird study experience
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving capturing and banding birds in natural habitatsField observation, research, and data collection in bird habitats
Industry UsageCommonly used in bird conservation and research projectsUsed in academic research, conservation, and bird monitoring

Weekend Bird Banding involves hands-on bird capture and banding, often requiring permits, while Weekend Ornithologist focuses on bird observation, research, and data collection. Both roles are vital for bird conservation and share similar environments, but differ in technical requirements and activities.

More about Weekend Bird Banding jobs
What cities are hiring for Weekend Bird Banding jobs? Cities with the most Weekend 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 Weekend Bird Banding jobs? States with the most job openings for Weekend Bird Banding jobs include:
Infographic showing various Weekend 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 $32,350 per year, or $15.6 per hour.
Waterfowl Management Technician Temporary Year round

Waterfowl Management Technician Temporary Year round

State of North Dakota

Bismarck, ND • On-site

$20/hr

Temporary

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


State Of North Dakota rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 50 rated states


Job description

Location: Bismarck, ND
Salary: $20.00/Hour starting; Partially paid health insurance
Closing Date: July 12, 2026 - or until filled.
Start Date: Early to mid-August 2026
Status: Temporary, Year-round
Job Duration
Position is 40 hours per week and year-round. Applicants must be able to work weekends and evenings during busy seasons. Overnight travel will also occur.
Summary of Work
Essential Functions
Primarily Reports to: Migratory Bird Management Supervisor
Secondarily provides support to: Migratory Bird Biologist
General Job Duties
  • Assist with, and coordinate migratory game bird capture, handling, and banding of migratory game birds, including operational Canada goose, dove, and duck banding.
  • Coordinate Special Canada Goose Permit program; processing applications; issuing permits and correspondence, compiling report data and producing reports.
  • Assist in collecting and compiling migratory game bird population and harvest survey data, data entry, preparing data tables and figures. Assist in proofing data, drafting and proofreading P-R project annual reports, and other population and harvest survey reports, documents, and presentations. Prepare, organize and file data, literature, paper and GIS-based maps, reports, and other records.
  • Assist with production of mass mailings to state and federal field personnel and the public regarding surveys, projects, questionnaires, etc.
  • Maintain vehicles, prepare, repair, purchase, load, haul, unload, clean and store equipment.
  • Handle phone calls, visitors, messages, and public information requests.
  • Disease work including: disease monitoring and collection and shipment of specimens to appropriate diagnostic facilities, CWD deer head collections, and processing of specimens.
  • Maintain computer files and records. Assist with computer projects such as: data entry, data management, archiving, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned: at various times, the Waterfowl Management Technician assists with a variety of other tasks within the Department.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology or management or closely related natural resource science degree.
Must have or be able to obtain a Class D North Dakota drivers license. Must be able to lift at least 70 pounds and be willing to travel occasionally throughout the year. Applicant must be capable of working long and/or irregular hours outdoors under varying weather conditions. Applicants must be able to swim.
About Team ND
"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.
Application Procedures
  • Applicants must complete the online application.
  • Applicants must upload a resume, transcripts, and cover letter.
  • Please indicate any affiliations you have with professional and college level organizations and any certifications that you hold, such as a Commercial Driver's License, CPR Training, etc.

  • Applicants should save their applications frequently to avoid any loss of information. The online application system will time you out after 40 minutes and you will lose any information that is not saved.
    Applicants must submit all documents above. It is very important to be thorough and detailed on all your application materials. If the Department's human resource officer cannot determine that you meet the minimum qualifications or verify your answers to the questionnaire questions you will not be given credit.
    Applications must be completed by 11:59pm on the posted closing date.
    For information about the position or for persons needing accommodation or assistance in the application or interview process, contact John Palarski, Migratory Game Bird Management Supervisor at 701-595-6859.
    For troubles or questions about applying on the online system, contact recruiter@nd.gov .
    ND Relay Number 1-800-366-6888
    The North Dakota Game & Fish Department makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the recruitment and selection process or with an employee's ability to perform essential duties of the job. It is the applicant's responsibility to make known any needs for accommodation.
    Equal Employment Opportunity
    The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
    As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

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