Point Blue Conservation Science

Part-Time Fall Banding Supervisor at the Palomarin Field Station

Location: Point Reyes National Seashore, Bolinas, CA.

Duration: Mid-August through November 2026 (with potential to extend)

Deadline to Apply: June 25, 2026                                                     

Position Type: Seasonal Part-time (Variable-Hour, approx. 12-28 hours/week) Lead Technician 

We are seeking a seasonal part-time fall supervisor at the Palomarin Field Station to train and oversee volunteer and staff banders to band and to conduct constant-effort mist netting. The position has a possibility of extension further into the winter season and/or expansion to full-time pending additional funding. Since 1966, we have been conducting banding and mist netting at the Palomarin Field Station as part of a long-term ecological monitoring program focused on studying the impact of environmental change on birds, and training early-career conservation scientists. 

The position includes early mornings and long hours in the field running one or more long-term mist netting stations, followed by data entry and sometimes other tasks. A typical field day starts around sunrise and involves hiking 5-7 miles; the terrain has some incline and can be uneven. The position will be for a variable number of hours per week (~12-28 hours, likely approximately 2.5 days per week, generally including at least one weekend day). Overtime pay applies (for days > 8 hours and weeks > 40 regular time hours). Position lasts 3.5 months, with potential opportunity to extend up to an additional 2.5 months. Local housing is provided at the field station at a rental rate set by the Department of Labor, see below. 

We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue's mission and vision. We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our team.

Compensation: The supervising bander will be paid $26.45 per hour, plus overtime, minus a deductible for housing if living at the Palomarin Field Station (determined by the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service: current rate is $65.59/week or $131.18/bi-weekly paycheck). Benefits limited to up to 40 hours of sick pay. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position entails ~80% field work and ~20% office and other work. The supervising bander will receive guidance on all essential responsibilities.

• Oversee and conduct training to volunteer and staff banders, and to apprentices as funding allows.
• Coordinate, or assist in the coordination, the banding schedule and banders.
• Conduct fieldwork related to ecological and conservation research with an emphasis on mist netting and bird banding of songbirds. Other fieldwork includes other types of bird surveys, weather data collection, and plant-phenology monitoring; and may also include other sampling, as needed. 
• Conduct science interpretation to varying age groups and demographics at banding stations.
• Conduct data entry and management.
• Assist staff in upkeep of the field station, trails, and banding equipment.
• Perform special projects and research as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Applicants are required to have at least two seasons of experience conducting constant effort-mist netting and landbird banding.
• Prior training at the Palomarin Field Station and familiarity with Palomarin's specific banding and monitoring protocols are required.
• Desired applicants will have a strong interest in birds and conservation, desire to advance their skills in training and overseeing other banders, the motivation to spend long hours in the field and office, an openness to learn and to share knowledge and skills with others and demonstrate skills doing so in prior positions.
• Applicants must be able to work independently as well as in groups, and, if electing to live full- or part-time at the field station, to live effectively in a communal environment.
• We desire applicants with the ability to listen carefully and execute detailed written and verbal instructions, provide clear instruction, and a willingness to hear new perspectives, especially when communicating and interacting effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
• Some exposure to poison oak is unavoidable.
• Applicants will need a valid driver's license, a personal vehicle, current proof of insurance, and a favorable driving history; Point Blue will conduct a motor vehicle report for insurance purposes, after hiring. Any use of a personal vehicle for field work (other than driving to the field station if living or on occasion staying off-site) will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate.
• Ability to hike uneven terrain while carrying gear and a backpack, stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, and other physical activities, and ability to lift up to 40 pounds and complete strenuous physical tasks.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions such as rain, heat, wind, and hot and cold temperatures.

If you have questions or issues with the application process, please contact Diana Humple  ([email protected]) by June 25, 2026.

Point Blue is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.