POSITION TITLE: Marshbird Monitoring Program Coordinator

Hiring Organization/Employer:  Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife
Application Deadline:  7/31/26
Education Required:  none
Location:  Bloomington, IN 

Description:  

 This position is stationed at the Indiana Division of Fish Wildlife (DFW) Bloomington Field Office and is responsible for the implementation of an ongoing comprehensive volunteer marshbird monitoring program at four sites in southern Indiana. The position may also assist the Ornithology Program’s field projects and other wildlife related projects.

 

 

Compensation & Benefits:  

 $13.50/hour 

 

 

Responsibilities:  

 

  1. Volunteer Coordination
  • Train and coordinate 10-15 volunteers in marshbird monitoring either in-person or through a virtual platform.
  • Organize and distribute marshbird survey materials for possible training workshops that include field-based learning experiences; develop and administer tests in marshbird identification.
  • Manage and distribute supplies and datasheets to volunteers and coordinate collection of these materials at the end of the field season.
  • Oversee volunteer marshbird surveys on an ongoing basis and provide guidance when needed.
  • Collect and report volunteer hours and mileage on a bi-weekly basis to submit to funding sources.
  • Enter data into appropriate databases as instructed.
  • Analyze final data and write annual summary of results to distribute to volunteers and partners and coordinate end-of-season meetings with volunteers and partners.

 

  1. Survey Preparation & Fieldwork
  • Coordinate access to field sites with land managers (e.g., by submitting permit applications).
  • Ground truth survey points at four field sites using GPS or Google maps; prepare maps of field sites with survey points identified for distribution to volunteers.
  • Conduct marshbird surveys
  • Prepare field sites for volunteers, including installing point stakes at survey locations.
  • Gather quotes and prepare purchase orders for supplies, if necessary.
  • Conduct habitat surveys at greater than 80 marshbird survey points.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

 

  • Be organized and meticulous with training volunteers and collecting and submitting data and samples.
  • Have excellent interpersonal and presentation skills and must communicate regularly with their supervisor and volunteers.
  • Have previous experience in bird identification and wildlife fieldwork.
  • Be able to readily use a GPS unit or Google Maps App.
  • Be familiar with using virtual meeting platforms for training volunteers.
  • Be able to drive long distances, as some field sites are a couple hours away from the office.

Being able to haul a trailer and use an ATV is preferred, but not necessary. Training in the standardized marshbird monitoring protocol will be provided.

 

 

 

How to Apply:  

 

 Email a cover letter and current resume or CV with three references to Allisyn Gillet, State Ornithologist [agillet (at) dnr.in.gov] by July 31, 2026.  Please label the e-mail as “Marshbird Monitoring Program Coordinator.” 

 

 

 

Contact:  

 Allisyn Gillet at 812-822-3400