RPBO is continually on the lookout for dedicated and community-minded individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. In this two-year role, you’ll help guide the organization’s direction, support fellow board members, and contribute to programs and projects that advance bird conservation, research, and public education. Board members attend regular meetings, participate in key events, and actively promote RPBO’s mission. We're especially interested in candidates with skills in leadership, education, HR, fundraising, or nonprofit experience. If you enjoy collaboration, strategic thinking, and care about birds and nature, this is a rewarding way to make a difference.  

Band Recovery Manager:

Are you one of those tech-savvy individuals? Are you interested in a 'behind the scenes' volunteering opportunity?
RPBO is looking for a Band Recovery Manager:

Introduction - A band recovery occurs when a bird banded by an organization is reported to the banding office. These do not include recaptures of birds previously banded by the organization. Examples of band recoveries include (but are not limited to):
● Birds recaptured at other stations
● Birds taken to wildlife rehabilitation centers
● Dead birds (collisions, predation, etc)
● Birds photographed in the field where the observer manages to take pictures of the band.

Duties - The Band Recovery Manager is responsible for maintaining an electronic record of all band recoveries. This data will be used on the RPBO website as well as in research projects.

Decide on a Repository Storage Mechanism - The Band Recovery Manager is free to design the data repository as they see fit. It must meet the following requirements:
● Easy to load new data into
● Detect duplicates (band number, date).1
● Easy to extract data for research queries
● Easy to extract data for the website

Note: The encounter file does not contain an encounter time so it is theoretically possible to have multiple encounters on the same day. For example a "foreign" NSWO could be captured at PEBA early in the evening and then fly on to Rocky Point later the same night. (While this wouldn't be an encounter we'd record in our repository it is meant to illustrate the possibility. Adding the station could help in checking for duplicates.)

Data Source - The banding office sends a list of encounters to the organization's permit holder. This person is responsible for forwarding the list to the Band Recovery Manager. The lists are in two formats, tab delimited CSV files and pdf format. The tab delimited format is the best to use for loading into the RPBO band recovery repository.

Review and Load Existing Files - There are a number of files in RPBO's Google drive. Some of these have already been loaded into a spreadsheet. The Band Recovery Manager will review the files to ensure the data has been captured. It is important to prevent duplication¹.

Load New Files - As new files are forwarded they should be processed into the repository, ensuring there is no duplication¹.

Update Website - After updating the repository a file should be generated and sent to the webmaster in the format they require.

Documentation - The steps to both load data into the repository and to extract it must be documented.

Time Commitment
● Initial setup and documentation: 5-10 hours
● Updates: 1-3 hours/quarter
● Website update: ½ hour/quarter

If this is something that interests you please contact Mike Motek at mikemotek@gmail.com and he can give you more information.

Coordinator - Community Presentations

RPBO receives many requests from community organizations who want to learn more about birds, their habitats, and their role in our environment. The Rocky Point Bird Observatory Community Presentation initiative exists to offer presentations about birds and bird conservation delivered by knowledgeable speakers.  Upon receipt of a grant, RPBO wrote four presentations and a group of volunteers participated in training for the effective delivery of these presentations, and we have begun to build a database of organizations interested in booking.  Presentations are available for community groups, schools, clubs, and other organizations throughout Greater Victoria and southern Vancouver Island.  The Community Presentations Coordinator will be responsible for the when, where and who of arranging these presentations. Working on your own time, and from your own location, this volunteer opportunity would suit a very organized person, with no reservations about reaching out to others to align schedules. 

Coordinator - Online Store

The Coordinator would maintain and expand our existing online store, accessed through our website. Design products on Zazzle and upload to RPBO’s Online Shop.   Create new products suitable for the RPBO logo.  Maintain a simple database of product details.   Working on your own time, and from your own location, this volunteer opportunity would suit an individual with some digital technology skills and a flare for creativity.

Online Internet Researcher

Periodically, our different departments - Development, Education, Operations, Board - may require investigation and online research into products or solutions to support their programs and projects - product cost comparisons, search for new grant opportunities or corporate sponsorships, educational materials, best practice ideas.  Meet with your team to determine their needs, strategy and deliverables.  Working on your own time, and from your own location, this volunteer opportunity requires internet connection, and knowledge of Google Drive.  Keeping an ultimate deadline in mind, this opportunity suits a flexible schedule.  Track and document your findings in a simple online document.

Scheduler, Volunteer shifts

We are seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as a Scheduler of Volunteer Shifts. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of our Monitoring Programs and Education & Outreach initiatives.  Volunteers sign up for shifts online through the app When To Help.  But not all shifts get filled in advance.  And that’s where you come in.  The Scheduler will contact members of our existing volunteer corps to fill these vacancies.  The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and love engaging and speaking with people.   Though email is a tool, this role will involve calling people directly, often on short notice, to fill immediate shifts.  You are persuasive and firm, yet polite and creative in your approach to get the roles filled. We provide the list of names and contact information - you just do the calling!   This role is well suited to those who have flexible spare time, and need/want to work from home.  Time commitment would be a few days of training, and callings would be short but frequent and random throughout the banding season.

We are looking for a creative and organized volunteer to lead the planning and creation of a new annual fundraising calendar! This role involves coordinating the production of a 12-month calendar featuring bird photos taken by our talented members. You won’t need to take the photos yourself, but if you have photo editing skills, that’s a definite plus. You’ll be the point person for selecting and laying out images, and working with our printer. Our hope is to include ornithological dates from across the province provided by partners who will then have the chance to sell the calendars on their own. These would include birding festivals, celebrations, and tour dates, to name a few. It’s a great opportunity to combine a bit of art direction with community engagement and fundraising.  This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage timelines. Reporting to, and taking direction from, the Fundraising Committee, this is a work-independently opportunity — of course, with support when you need it!

Become our architect of efficiency!  The Writer will assist our Program Coordinators and Board of Directors to draft documentation that streamlines our operations.  Orientation manuals, training manuals, governance procedures - straightforward, easy-to-follow guidelines to act as a resource for current and future program leaders, all in support of RPBO’s Strategic Plan initiatives.  Working with those heavily involved in Education, Development and Monitoring programs, you bring excellent communication and writing skills, and have access to a computer and internet connection.  No knowledge of birds required.  The timing and location of this job are at your discretion and the timelines are quite flexible and on an as-needed basis.

Host - Be-A-Better-Birder Courses

RPBO hosts a variety of in-person and in-field presentations led by subject-matter experts throughout the year, supporting our Outreach efforts in bird monitoring, identification, and conservation. This role collaborates with RPBO Development to coordinate these events, ensuring a seamless experience for both presenters and participants. Be present at the venue on the day of the course.  Responsibilities include assisting with event setup and takedown, managing course materials, signing in attendees, and providing on-site support to help the event run smoothly.

Presenter - Community Presentations

Are you someone who loves talking to an audience?  A salesperson?  Someone who likes learning new things?   Then this may be the role for you!  Learn to become the presenter of various bird-related presentations to community groups, either at a community location, or virtually online.  Presentations are ~45 min slideshows, and are already prepared by RPBO.  We provide training on how to set up the presentation, techniques on successful presenting, full cover of the subject matter, how to answer FAQs, and general information on RPBO programs and projects.  All supplies are provided and scheduling will be handled by RPBO.  Time commitment would be several days of training and practice, and presentations are a few hours at a time, 3-5 times a year.

Liaison - Banding Station

The Liaison serves as the friendly face to the public at our Pedder Bay banding station.  The position might more aptly be named our “Director of First Impressions” - welcoming visitors with warmth and enthusiasm. We provide training on the subject matter, how to answer FAQs, and general information on RPBO programs and projects.  You provide information about our programs, activities, and facilities, to ensure visitors have all they need for an unforgettable experience.  Support the needs of the Banders and Staff on shift.  This role may be on an as-needed basis, when larger groups or event days are scheduled at the station.

Time / Commitment:
● September 15 to October 31
● Shift is 8pm to 11pm
● once a week

Party Planner

Your primary responsibility is to orchestrate two parties a year - the start-of-season (July) and end-of-season (October) group parties for Volunteers, Banders, Staff, and Board Members. We celebrate the launch of a new monitoring season by welcoming our staff & volunteers, new and returning.  And we toast the success of a completed season, and thank everyone who participated for all their hard work.  This role can be done independently or shared with a friend.   Action Plans from previous parties are available to get you started.  Secure a host (someone’s house/backyard), name the date, invite the guests, arrange for food, secure a presenter (usually a Bander) and equipment, help with set up and clean up.   These are low-budget, high-fun events that we all look forward to every year! 

Time / Commitment:
● Start-of-Season Party ~ last week in July
● End-of-Season Party ~ first week in September
● Planning: two weeks in advance
● Party: 3 hours each

Fundraising Event Planner

Christmas Craft Show, Book Sale, Yard Sale -  to name three of our annual fundraising events.  Each event needs a dedicated leader.  The Planner would arrange the who, where, when, and how of the whole event - venue, date & time, event promotion, supplies, sale items - from set up to take down.  RPBO has a large corp of volunteers that can be called upon to help out with each event, and previous years Action Plans are available.  These Planners report to the Development Director who oversees RPBO’s Fundraising initiatives. These events not only raise funds for RPBO’s migration monitoring, public education and research programs, but also promote camaraderie and interaction with our Volunteers and expand awareness of RPBO in the community.   Ideal for those who enjoy a fun and rewarding challenge but prefer a once-a-year commitment.

Education & Outreach Assistant

Education & Outreach events and programs are led by RPBO’s Lead Educator, with support from our Development Director.  Events are scheduled throughout the year - weekdays, weekends, daytime, or evenings.  Locations vary from outside at our public banding station in Metchosin or Outerbridge Park in Saanich, to hosting a booth inside at community events throughout the greater Victoria area.   You engage with the public about RPBO’s conservation and education programs.  You will be on a call list for all events - choose only those that you can attend.  School Programs, Public Outreach, Victoria Bird Week.  This role especially suits those with teaching or instructional experience, a love of working with the public, and the willingness to learn from our established team members.  There is plenty of room to learn on the job!

Station Set Up and Take Down

Play a pivotal role in the onsite set up and tear down of our seasonal monitoring projects.  As part of a larger team, you would be called upon only a few times a year to assist with the opening and closing of our Fall Migration (July/Oct), Owl Migration (Sept/Oct) or MAPS  (May/June) monitoring stations.  It is a great reassurance to the Project Coordinators to have reliable and consistent volunteer help in these areas, with experienced crew members on hand to offer guidance and help in training new-comers.  Under guidance from the Operations Coordinator and the Project Coordinators, the Crew installs poles and nets, clears net lanes and walking paths, and sets up the station with all the gear, furniture and equipment.  If you like being outside, working with your hands (and the occasional power tool), and being among friends, these one-day gigs a few times a year might be just the thing for you!  

As much as we all love photos of birds, this is a role to take photos of the people that make RPBO what it is.  As an Event Photographer & Videographer, you'll play a vital role in capturing all the fun. You’ll be on site to take vibrant photos of guests and activities—everything from candid moments and group interactions to important ceremonies. Throughout the event, it's also your responsibility to ensure key and special moments are captured on video - ribbon-cuttings, award presentations, you name it. After the event wraps, you'll select the best shots and footage, then apply a little photo/video editing to create polished deliverables that reflect the event’s atmosphere and purpose. Your work will be used to promote our mission across social media, newsletters, and future outreach efforts. It’s a fulfilling way to pitch in—especially since event dates are set well in advance, giving you time to plan. Event organizers count on someone reliable to capture our special moments when it matters most, so your focus and consistency will make a real difference.

Station Videographer   

Ready to step behind the camera? As our volunteer Videographer, you’ll visit the banding station(s) frequently throughout the season, and work closely with the Project Coordinator (PC) to shoot both training and promotional videos. You’ll create shorts of proper bird handling and RPBO banding techniques, at the direction of the PC, as well as creating fun, engaging promos that showcase why RPBO rocks. Turn raw footage into compelling videos using any editing software you like. You’ll take notes to produce polished edits. And you'll get the satisfaction of creating visuals that teach, inspire, and maybe even spark the next generation of birders.  If you love birds, storytelling, and the reward of seeing your edited clip live on our channels—this role is for you!

Bird bags are the tiny, pillow-case type baggies that birds are put into for safe transportation between the nets and the monitoring station.  Each bag is only used once, for one bird, before being tossed into the dirty laundry pile.  This high degree of cleanliness is important to keep the birds healthy and safe, but this can easily amount to over a hundred bags a day used between the two stations.  The Bird Bag Manager sees that the dirty bags are collected from both banding stations in Metchosin, taken home to wash and dry, and returned to the stations in a timely manner.  Whether you do collecting or washing yourself, or you organize help from your peeps, this is a simple, but highly necessary role that requires no bird knowledge, just consistent time throughout the week, throughout the season.

RPBO uses mist nets in our monitoring efforts and damaged nets are costly in terms of destroyed assets and unusable products.  When deer take a wrong turn, or high winds down large branches, holes (some small, some gaping) are torn in the nets, and wherever possible, need repair.  Our Chief of Net Mending is the person who coordinates the who, where, and when of Net Mending parties, a few throughout the year, with groups of our volunteers to repair our mist nets.  You will host and participate in the event, as well as show others how to mend the nets.  We’ll show you how to make repairs, and the tools you need, and then let you run with it!  

Data Scribe / Helper
This volunteer field position takes place at the Banding Stations, during both Fall Migration Monitoring (July-Oct mornings) and Nocturnal Owl Monitoring (Sept-Oct evenings). As the Scribe, you’ll sit at the banding table alongside the Banders, entering data into a spreadsheet on a laptop, recording scientific information in real time as the Banders examine and band each bird. As a General Helper, you could be called upon to participate in a variety of tasks, all at the discretion of the Bander in Charge.  These could include, but are not limited to; onsite net mending, net lane clearing, net monitoring, equipment repair, or any immediate-need trips or tasks.  This role requires focus, attention to detail, and a calm presence. It’s well suited to someone who remains composed in a quiet setting but can also adapt quickly when the pace picks up. You’re responsive to spontaneous instructions, yet able to stay self-motivated during slower moments. It’s a rewarding opportunity to support our dedicated banding and extracting team - a great way to sharpen your birding skills along the way.

Extractor
This specialized volunteer field position takes place at the Banding Station(s), and involves removing birds from mist nets by hand.  This position requires training and experience, study of the North American Banders’ Guide and apprenticeship under an experienced person.  This is not an immediate role for new Volunteers.  Extractor positions are offered during  Fall Migration Monitoring (July-Oct mornings) and Nocturnal Owl Monitoring (Sept-Oct evenings). Extracting may only be done with the approval of the bander-in-charge or trainer.  If you have previous experience in mist-net extractions, you will be asked to provide details about the number of species, the number of birds, and references.  Volunteers who commit for at least 10 days per season will, if they wish, be considered for training on how to handle live birds. However, please be aware that not everyone has the dexterity and sensitivity to safely handle birds. The decision on who may and may not handle birds rests with the project’s Bander-in-charge.

Census
RPBO conducts standardized daily census bird counts at both Pedder Bay and Rocky Point stations, every morning during the Fall Migration banding season.  Census includes every bird seen and heard along an established transect.  The Pedder Bay census route is a 3km path over light to moderate terrain, takes 75 minutes and starts 1 hour after sunrise.  Only those with proven bird identification skills (at least 75% identification success rate on western birds) can participate.  The census walk can only be done by one person at a time - no guests permitted.

Bird Banding is done by qualified staff, with eligible banding permits.  The integrity of the research process and the safety of the birds is paramount to all our monitoring operations.  If you have passerine banding experience, please contact us directly, with references.