Raptor Nest Monitor

Volunteer Raptor Nest Monitors provide important observational data which informs protection and management of habitat, so birds of prey continue to find nesting sites on Larimer County properties into the future. 

We are not recruiting for this role. Positions are limited and all are filled at this time. 

Volunteer Raptor Nest Monitors assist the Restoration & Stewardship team in identifying and monitoring raptor nests in selected Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) parks and open spaces. Volunteers monitor an assigned nest and record observations to help determine the success of the nest. Data collected by volunteer Raptor Nest Monitors allows LCDNR to develop appropriate management plans to protect significant regional parks and open spaces. 

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  • Spend your time outdoors while giving back to the community
  • Be an integral part of promoting LCDNR's mission
  • Learn from experienced staff and volunteers
  • Access to a spotting scope & other natural history resources
  • Opportunities to expand your knowledge
  • Participate in fun volunteer appreciation and social events
  • Complete 20+ volunteer hours in a calendar year & receive a LCDNR parking pass
  • At least 2 years birding and species identification experience. Familiarity with raptor species identification a plus
  • Must be able to sit outside for 2 hours with the expectation that there may be no raptor activity
  • Must be available during the busiest time of nesting season, March - June, and commit to a consistent schedule
  • Complete a background check and sign a confidentially waiver
  • Must be friendly, courteous, and respectful
  • Follow guidance, directions and safety instructions of LCDNR staff and other volunteers
  • Good communication skills both verbal and written
  • Provide your own reliable transportation
  • Able to work independently, sometimes in remote locations, and report data within a timely manner
  • Capable of hiking short distances to reach designated nest monitor locations
  • Comfortable with utilizing computers and learning a new software
  • Must abide by park regulations and safety guidelines
  • Understanding and acceptance of the potential risks for this volunteer position such as inclement weather, potentially dangerous rattlesnake or other wildlife encounters, and hiking-related injuries.
  • Monitor an assigned nest site bi-weekly between January – July. Monitoring can be performed any time during daylight hours
  • Each visit requires a minimum observation time of 30 minutes but can take up to 2 hours (not including hiking or travel time)
  • Use offero.larimer.org, LCDNR’s volunteer software, to schedule site visits in advance and submit monitoring data electronically within three days of each visit
  • While in the field, complete a hard copy data form to ensure data accuracy. Turn in these forms at the end of each season
  • Contact non-emergency ranger dispatch if notice disturbance to the nest (people or dogs approaching it, drones, etc.)
  • Be prepared for site visits with sturdy closed-toed shoes, sun protection, insect repellant, water, snacks, and layers for variable weather. Dogs are not allowed while monitoring
  • Communicate questions, concerns, or other needs that may arise to the Restoration & Stewardship Specialist (or Volunteer Engagement staff) throughout the season
  • Drive to nest locations which can be as far away as 1 hour. Although we try to match volunteers to their preferred nest location, this is not guaranteed. We encourage volunteers to consider how far they are willing to drive before taking a nest assignment. Canceling after the season has started is disruptive to the program
  • Some monitoring sites are just off of popular trails. Be prepared to answer questions from visitors and wear your volunteer name badge while monitoring
  • New Volunteer Orientation (1 hour)
  • On-site monitoring training (occurs during the first nest observation)
  • Volunteers can schedule the day/time that works best for them; observations occur bi-weekly
  • Monitoring season is January - July with the majority of the activity occurring March - June
  • If weather prevents a monitoring session, it should be rescheduled as soon as possible. If lengthy weather events prevent bi-weekly observations, the volunteer must communication with staff as soon as possible. 
  • If unable to conduct a site visit due to illness or other reasons, the volunteer must contact other Raptor Nest Monitor volunteers and notify the Restoration & Stewardship Specialist to find coverage for their visit
     
  1. Submit a Raptor Nest Monitor Application
  2. Schedule an interview with Volunteer Engagement staff
  3. Complete a background check
  4. Receive nest assignment
  5. Attend Training
    1. New Volunteer Orientation
    2. On-site monitoring training
  6. Start volunteering!

Contact Us

Julie Enderby
Education and Volunteer Supervisor
jenderby@larimer.org
(970) 619-4552