Kirtland’s Warbler Tour Guide

Kirtland’s Warbler. Photo by Sherman Garnett

Supervisors: Lindsay Cain (Michigan Audubon) and Craig Kasmer (Hartwick Pines State Park/MDNR)

Location & Dates: Grayling, Michigan, May 18 – June 30, 2026, with the potential for temporary extension through Hartwick Pines

Employment Status: Temporary/Seasonal

Compensation: A stipend of $2280-$2400 will be paid on a biweekly basis. Weekly hours will average 28, but the guide may be required to work more some weeks. Lodging is included during the period of employment from May 17 – July 1.

Position Overview:

The Kirtland’s Warbler Tour Guide will assist Michigan Audubon in leading Kirtland’s Warbler tours for the public at Hartwick Pines State Park located in Grayling, Michigan.

The guide will be responsible for developing a high level of knowledge of all aspects of Kirtland’s Warbler identification, biology, history, and management in preparation for leading public tours throughout the guide’s employment period.

The guide is also responsible for leading the tour in all types of conditions, including biting insects and windy weather. At times, it may be necessary to wait up to 2-3 hours with participants to see a Kirtland’s Warbler. Typically, about 98-99% of participants get a view of a Kirtland’s Warbler, and the guide will be responsible for maintaining this level of excellence.

The guide will be expected to represent Michigan Audubon in a courteous, professional manner, and to answer questions regarding the organization to their best ability. Communication, education, and outreach are key components to this role in sharing the Kirtland’s Warbler and its habitat with visitors.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in Kirtland’s Warbler management, biology, identification, and history, or willingness to obtain it.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently with little supervision, to accept guidance from a supervisor, and to maintain consistent communication with supervisors throughout the contract period.
• Ability and willingness to represent Michigan Audubon in a professional, knowledgeable, positive, and friendly manner.
• Ability to identify and train tour participants in the identification of non-Kirtland’s warbler species present in the Jack Pine community (e.g. Hermit Thrush, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, etc.).
• Ability to tolerate adverse weather (rain, snow, fog, cold, etc.) and adverse conditions (mosquitoes, black flies).
• Ability to lead groups of people over rough terrain and under harsh conditions with clear and skillful communication.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to live in a remote area / at a great distance from major metropolitan areas.
• Ability to drive a vehicle in sandy conditions and/or rough terrain.
• Willingness to perform other related duties in support of the entire Kirtland’s Warbler project as needed and assigned.

Requirements:

• Possession of current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain it. The guide will be responsible for acquiring CPR/first aid certification.
• Willingness to provide own transportation for use during the tours. The guide is required to possess a valid state driver’s license and their own vehicle. Mileage reimbursement during work hours will be provided.
• Schedule: the guide will work up to seven days a week for the entire contract period. The guide will be expected to work an average of 28 hours per week but may be expected to work up to 40 hours per week on occasion.
• Housing: Housing arrangements will be made by Michigan Audubon for the guide. The guide will not be responsible for lodging costs. Depending on availability the guide must be willing to live in close quarters with others.

To Apply
To apply for this position, send an email to Manager of Education and School Programs Lindsay Cain at [email protected]. Use the subject line “KIWA Tour Guide Application” and attach as a single PDF your cover letter, resume, and a minimum of two professional and/or academic references (names, length of time known, phone numbers, and email addresses).

Position open until filled. Applications are due by February 28, 2026.