Volunteer Backcountry - Birding Specialist

Job Details Job Location: Backcountry Wilderness Area Base Camp - Littleton, CO 80125 Position Type: Volunteer Job Category: Backcountry Wilderness Area

SUMMARY:

Turn your passion for birds into an adventure! As a Birding Specialist, you'll lead or assist guided hikes, teach bird identification by sight and sound, and inspire others to appreciate the diverse birdlife of the Backcountry Wilderness Area. This volunteer role involves educating participants on bird identification, habitat, and behavior while ensuring a safe and engaging outdoor experience. The Birding Specialist also records species data for each program and promotes responsible birding practices.

LOCATION:

The Backcountry Wilderness Area is an 8,200-acre conservation property that serves as habitat for diverse species and close-to-home access to nature for our community. Surrounded by development, this protected space offers a rare refuge for wildlife and an opportunity for the community to connect with nature.

This individual will be based out of Base Camp, the heart of Camp Backcountry and home to our barnyard animals. As the starting point for most programs, Base Camp is a hub for outdoor education, adventure, and conservation efforts. Base Camp is also home to the Discovery Trail, a short, self-guided interpretive trail where visitors can walk, explore, and learn more about the plants and wildlife on the property.

This volunteer will perform activities outdoors in various weather conditions and may be required to hike on uneven terrain, lift and carry materials, and engage with visitors in a dynamic environment. Volunteers should be comfortable working outside, interacting with the public, and ensuring the safety of participants while fostering a meaningful connection to nature.

DAYS AND TIMES:

Offered seasonally. We’re flexible and committed to ensuring you have the support and training you need to succeed. We ask for at least one shift per month but will work with you to create a schedule that meets your needs. We want to make sure you’re able to stay with us long-term and contribute meaningfully to our team and mission, while also making the experience worthwhile for you.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead or assist in leading birding hikes, helping participants identify native bird species by sight and sound.

Share knowledge of bird habitats, migration patterns, and ecology with visitors. Greet participants, ensure they are properly signed in, and collect signed waivers.

• Maintain group management on the trail, reinforcing safety expectations and respectful wildlife observation.

Record bird species and the number of individuals observed during each program. Encourage ethical birding practices, including minimizing disturbances and using field guides or apps for identification.

• Provide recommendations on birding techniques and tools, such as binocular use and note-taking.
• Assist with program logistics, including set-up, equipment maintenance, and documentation of observations.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

Experience in birdwatching and knowledge of native bird species and their habitats.:

Strong communication and teaching skills to engage participants of all ages. Ability to lead hikes and volunteer outdoors in varying weather conditions. Familiarity with bird identification resources, including field guides and birding apps. Enthusiasm for conservation and public education.