Mid Pinellas County Anchor Steward

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 Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations along the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding, and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. In order to more effectively monitor and protect nesting shorebirds, Audubon is hiring a seasonal Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites within Pinellas County, Florida. Sites requiring stewardship may include Indian Shores and Clearwater Beach. Nesting species may include Black Skimmer, Least Tern, and American Oystercatcher. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize and train volunteers to minimize disturbance by conducting public outreach near shore/seabird nesting areas and to help monitor nesting.

This is a seasonal position working 20 hours per week to include weekends and the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists until the latter holiday. The position is anticipated to begin May 1, 2023 and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into late August but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

Under the direction of Audubon’s Project Manager for Bird Stewardship, the Mid Pinellas County Anchor Steward will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species; report data in the Florida Shorebird Database and Excel spreadsheets as directed by the supervisor.
• Assist site managers and partners with installing symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.
• Conduct public outreach at beach-nesting sites on weekends and holidays, to target maximum number of beachgoers and prevent nest disturbance. Hours may run longer or change as needed, and overtime is anticipated on holiday weekends.
• Assist with recruitment of volunteers; train and schedule volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and to conduct public outreach at nesting sites on weekends and holidays.
• Work closely and communicate with site managers and other Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong data collection and organizational skills.
• Ability to recruit, train, support, and schedule volunteers.
• Works well independently and with other staff, partners, and volunteers.
• Capability of carrying field equipment in Florida summer field conditions while traversing up to 5 miles on sandy beaches, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to move 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to complete assigned tasks.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
• Familiarity with Pinellas County beaches preferred.
• Previous experience with shorebird and seabird monitoring and stewardship is helpful, but not required.
• Must have a positive and diplomatic attitude.
• Must have an interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society.

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

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COVID Policy

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