Bird Conservation Intern

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

Audubon South Carolina Recognizes the strength and power that cultural and ethnical diversity brings to our mission, Audubon is committed to advancing racial equity and justice in our conservation work, and building a truly diverse, inclusive team. We strongly encourage Black, Indigenous and People of Color to apply for positions at Audubon.

The Audubon South Carolina Bird Research Intern will be responsible for assisting with several bird research and conservation projects, primarily with the following priority species: Prothonotary Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, Painted Bunting, and nesting Shorebirds. In addition, the technician will help run the MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) bird banding station located at the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest, and will assist with other research, data entry and processing, banding demonstrations and educational and visitor programs, as needed.

This is a part-time, internship position that will begin approximately May 1st, 2022, and last until July 31st, 2022. Flexible start dates will be considered for enthusiastic candidates with strong interest. The position will be based at Beidler Forest or Audubon South Carolina’s Charleston office with frequent trips to Beidler Forest, other field locations, and the coast.

Reporting to the Engagement Manager, this position is an exciting opportunity to enrich a career in conservation by assisting with critical research used to protect birds and their habitats while developing skills needed for a career in the environmental and scientific fields. The Manager, Beidler Forest Center Director and entire Audubon South Carolina team will work closely with the intern to ensure a meaningful, successful work experience.

Audubon South Carolina strongly supports migratory bird science and is excited to be part of the National Audubon Society’s Migratory Bird Initiative. The mission of the Migratory Bird Initiative is to secure the future of migratory birds in the Western Hemisphere by reducing direct threats and protecting key places across the Americas in coordination with science, conservation and policy partners. South Carolina provides nesting, wintering, and stop over habitat for a large suite of bird species. By gaining understanding of their full life cycle and seasonal threats, we strive to provide complete and well-informed conservation strategies and solutions, as well as engage communities in their range to create awareness, appreciation, and a sense of stewardship for birds and the environment we share.

Audubon South Carolina is committed to equitable, resilient, and healthy communities in which every member benefits from the joy and value of nature. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and celebrate differences among candidates and employees. We also work to ensure that every candidate and employee is positioned to succeed, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or veteran status.

Compensation:

• $18.00/hour

Essential Functions

• Support the day-to-day field work for Project PROTHO, which includes the banding and monitoring of Prothonotary Warblers at two field sites in South Carolina (the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest and Old Santee Canal Park);
• Assist Coastal Staff with Coastal Shorebird monitoring, surveys, and stewardship.
• Work with the Master Bander to conduct the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) banding station at the Beidler Forest Audubon Center;
• Assist in banding Painted Buntings and other species at the bird feeder stations at the Beidler Forest Audubon Center, Dewees Island, and other field locations:
• Assist in many aspects of Audubon South Carolina’s work with MOTUS towers including installation and annual maintenance checks;
• Engage in public programs, both live and virtual, as needed;
• Support visitor engagement and operations at Beidler Forest as directed during center visitation hours;
• Data entry as directed by supervisor;
• Contribute to Audubon communications, including writing blog posts for the Beidler Forest e-newsletter as well as posts for social media channels; and
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Working toward or completed a science-focused degree or lived experience;
• Experience with or willingness to be trained in extracting, handling and banding birds is necessary; interest in avian ecology is a plus but not required;
• Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well in the field and with others, including staff and volunteers;
• Must properly maintain field equipment and keep supplies and materials organized;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint;
• Strong organizational and communication skills, willingness to learn and collaborate with coworkers and partners in a respectful manner;
• Valid driver’s license required,
• Must be willing to work outdoors in varying South Carolina field conditions; and
• Able to adapt to various field and work conditions while under deadlin

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.