AmeriCorps Avian Field Technician

AmeriCorps Avian Field Technician S1 County Road K, Fall Creek, WI 54742 $428.84 a week•Full-time, Contract $428.84 a week•

Full-time, Contract Position Title:

AmeriCorps Avian Field Technician Position Service Site:

Beaver Creek Reserve•

Fall Creek, WI Eau Claire County Service Time:

September 14, 2026•August 27, 2027 (1,700 Hour AmeriCorps Term) (51 weeks @ 30-45 hrs/wk)

Benefits:

Bi-weekly living stipend = $857.69, Total = $21,871. Education Award = $7,395 upon successful completion of service. Onsite housing available. Use of recreational equipment (cross country skis, snowshoes, kayaks, canoes, telescope)

Requirements:

Covid-19 vaccine is required.

PURPOSE:

AmeriCorps members will build capacity at Beaver Creek Reserve, a 79-year-old nature center and 400-acre reserve, by engaging communities across the Chippewa Valley and northwestern Wisconsin in hands-on environmental education and citizen science. Through meaningful, science-based experiences, members will help people of all ages connect with nature and foster environmental stewardship.

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947, Beaver Creek Reserve (BCR) is a regional center for environmental education, research, and community science. Its 400-acre campus includes the Wise Nature Center, Eau Claire County Youth Camp, Butterfly House, Citizen Science Center, and Hobbs Observatory, providing immersive opportunities for learning and exploration. BCR bridges classroom learning with outdoor experiences that inspire curiosity, discovery, and stewardship. Its Avian Monitoring Program (AMP) supports bird conservation through monitoring and banding projects, the Christmas Bird Count, Wisconsin Crane Count, and community outreach initiatives. These programs engage volunteers and community members in meaningful citizen science while contributing to regional and national conservation efforts.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Beaver Creek Reserve's Avian Field Technician position has two primary goals: 1. Provide AmeriCorps members with hands-on training in avian research, conservation, and citizen science through active participation in a working avian monitoring station. 2. Support the Citizen Science Center in operating the Avian Monitoring Program efficiently and professionally through data collection, project coordination, public outreach, and site management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Avian Research & Monitoring Coordinate bird banding and monitoring projects, including scheduling, logistics, communication, and data management. Ensure accurate and timely data collection and entry for avian research projects. Lead and support citizen science initiatives such as the Wisconsin Crane Count, Christmas Bird Count, Great Backyard Bird Count, and Bald Eagle Nest Watch. Assist with additional citizen science and conservation research projects as needed. Volunteer Engagement & Training Support volunteer recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and retention efforts. Lead volunteer trainings and continuing education opportunities. Develop training materials and online learning modules for citizen science programs. Education & Outreach Develop and deliver environmental education programs for youth and adults. Represent Beaver Creek Reserve at outreach events and community programs. Create interpretive materials, exhibits, signage, and educational content for newsletters, blogs, and social media. Program Support & Development Prepare annual reports highlighting project outcomes and impacts. Research and assist with grant applications to support program initiatives. Contribute to the development and maintenance of interpretive displays and exhibits. Facilities & General Support Maintain field equipment, monitoring tools, and workspaces. Assist with upkeep of buildings, exhibits, and educational spaces. Support daily operations and annual special events at Beaver Creek Reserve. Work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, as required by program activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

This dynamic and hands-on position requires a highly motivated, organized, and self-directed individual. Successful candidates will demonstrate flexibility, creativity, strong time-management skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in field and office settings. The candidate does not need to hold a federal banding permit. Ability to be permitted is a bonus. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, or a related natural resources field. Strong knowledge of birds and bird banding protocols. Experience extracting birds from mist nets and accurately banding, identifying, aging, and sexing birds. Familiarity with the Pyle Guide, molt cycles, and WRP (Wolfe-Ryder-Pyle) system is a significant plus. Experience with Northern Saw-whet Owl banding is highly desirable. Experience working with volunteers, including recruitment, training, and supervision. Field & Technical Skills Ability to identify most Midwest bird species by sight and song, or willingness to learn quickly. Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions, including early mornings or late nights. Able to meet physical demands of the position: walking across uneven terrain, bending, carrying gear, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working long hours. Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with data entry and management. Familiarity with bird monitoring databases (e.g., USGS Bird Banding Lab, Cornell NestWatch) is a plus. Personal Traits & Work Style Comfortable with public speaking. Highly self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire volunteers and peers. Friendly, enthusiastic, and creative demeanor. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Organized, punctual, and committed to meeting deadlines. Ability to multitask and adapt to shifting schedules and project priorities. Able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Training AmeriCorps Orientation training September 14-18, 2026. Attendance required. Statewide Opening Ceremony in October offering a variety of speakers and professional development. Midterm training spring 2027. Location TBD. Attendance required. Monthly Team Meetings & AmeriCorps team building online the first Thursday of each month. Beaver Creek Reserve trainings•Songbird Banding Training, Northern Saw-whet Owl Bander Training, American Kestrel Training.

AMERICORPS RESPONSIBILITIES

Mid-term and final performance evaluations conducted by supervisor. Weekly timesheets. Member Service Plan for tracking achieved goals. Quarterly written reflections; and completion of foundational public health training, self-paced (16-20 hrs). Community Health training. Member surveys and exit survey.

REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE

Members must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or legal permanent resident alien of the United States. Members must be at least 17 years of age by their start date (September 14, 2026) Members must have a HS Diploma, GED certificate, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service. Members must be able to pass a criminal, FBI and DMV background check. Members must accept a position as a full-time priority over other jobs and be able to complete their term of service.

BENEFITS

Gain hands-on experience with a respected, year-round citizen science and avian monitoring program while building skills applicable to careers in wildlife biology, conservation, and environmental education. Make a meaningful impact through service that supports local ecosystems, community engagement, and conservation initiatives. Build a professional network by working alongside researchers, educators, conservation professionals, and volunteers, while developing strong references for future employment, graduate school, scholarships, or programs such as the Peace Corps. Develop practical skills in bird handling and banding, environmental education, curriculum development, outreach, communication, and live animal care and interpretation. Exercise creativity and leadership by developing outreach programs, interpretive materials, and independent projects with guidance from experienced staff. Basic individual health, dental, and vision insurance available for full-time members (family plans not available). Qualified student loan forbearance and interest accrual support. Childcare assistance available for eligible full-time AmeriCorps members based on household income. Mileage, meals, and housing provided for required MCHS AmeriCorps trainings and events. Optional onsite communal housing available for members participating in the program.

APPLY:

The deadline to apply for this position is June 30, 2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as applications are received, with a final hiring decision anticipated by Jul 31, 2026. Send resume and 3 professional references to: Jeanette Kelly Citizen Science & Education Director Beaver Creek Reserve S1 County Road K Fall Creek, WI 54742 (715) 877-2212 csc@beavercreekreserve.org

Pay:

$428.84 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person