Coastal Program 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 Texas seeks an applicant to assist their coastal program with activities and engagements around their coastal program centennial celebration. This position will work with the Coastal Program Manager on a series of science and policy workshops, develop communications content, and assist with seasonal monitoring activities on Audubon-managed rookery islands. The internship is designed to provide a range of programmatic and communications experiences focusing on issues facing coastal waterbirds in Texas.

The position will be from April through September 2023, with a time frame that can be adapted to meet a variety of academic schedules, weather, and needs. Applicants must commit to working 500 hours total throughout the 22-week internship.

Compensation:

$16.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Assist with the planning and logistics of three workshops about coastal sea level rise and rookery island habitat loss;
• Conduct or assist with coastal waterbird surveys on Audubon-managed islands using the Texas Waterbirds Society protocols;
• Develop ideas for and collect content to document coastal birds using Audubon-managed islands;
• Collect photos and videos of coastal birds using Audubon-managed islands and Audubon staff at work;
• Draft articles, webpage and social media content, and other outreach materials to support Audubon Texas's coastal program;
• Attend coastal bird festivals and host outreach booths as a representative of Audubon's coastal program;
• Assist with other Coastal Program activities as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

Personal Attributes:

• Self-starter and ability to work independently;
• Strong work ethic;
• Appetite for learning and growth.'
• Believes in the mission to protect birds and the spaces they need for now and the future through human connection, conservation, and policy.

Primary Qualifications:

• Working toward or recently received a bachelor's or higher degree in environmental studies, natural resources, ecology, or a related field;
• Able to work from a small boat (16 ft.) in variable weather and sea conditions;
• Familiarity with and basic identification skills of coastal waterbirds in Texas;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Able to take photos and create social media posts;
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of challenging settings, including high heat and very buggy conditions;
• A valid driver's license;
• Strong organizational skills, strong time management skills, and the ability to coordinate a large group of people will be essential to success in this position.

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.