Seasonal Coastal Bird Technician

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

Coastal Mississippi’s beaches are a popular destination for tourists, fishermen, and beachgoers. Several species of birds (including Least Terns, Black Skimmers, and Snowy Plovers) nest on these beaches, creating the potential for disturbance by recreational users. We are seeking two (2) Seasonal Coastal Bird Technicians to help buffer beach-nesting birds against the threats of human disturbance, offer outreach and education to visitors, and survey and monitor nesting areas. The program will have a strong bird monitoring component, which will involve surveying coastal areas, resighting banded birds, counting breeding colonies, as well as tracking nests, chicks, and their fates. Supervised by the Field Operations Associate, the Seasonal Coastal Bird Technician will have opportunities to intimately monitor and protect charismatic beach-nesting bird species as well as gain skills in outreach and education. We will hire two full-time seasonal position based in coastal Mississippi (Jackson, Harrison, or Hancock County). The position will start in 3 April 2023 and terminate in end of July (~17 weeks). Occasional weekend and holiday work will be required, including Independence Day. A valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle are required (mileage will be reimbursed at the current federal rate).

Compensation:

$15.00 / hr

Essential Functions

The Seasonal Coastal Bird Technician will work with full-time Audubon staff, volunteers, and partners to help protect and monitor the breeding of beach-nesting species on mainland beaches and the nearby islands.

Duties will include:

• Posting and fencing nesting sites.
• Recording colony disturbance data.
• Monitoring colony size, nest and chick fates, and fledging rates to determine productivity.
• Resighting banded adults and chicks to determine territory ownership and to confirm fledge success.
• Deploying game cameras on active nests and maintaining and organizing photos throughout the season.
• Working with full-time staff to engage local communities to increase awareness around the protection of sensitive beach-nesting birds.
• Entering data daily and maintaining order and quality to all existing datasets.
• Must properly maintain field equipment and keep supplies and materials organized.

Exact combinations of responsibilities may vary among positions but will require working during early mornings and sometimes evenings and weekends, on holidays, and in the Mississippi summer heat. Working on the 4th of July holiday weekend is required. Work weeks will average 40 hours per week across the term of employment but may vary and be unpredictable each week, depending on program needs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Environmental Education, or a related field.
• At least one season of work experience in avian ecology or coastal ecosystems
• Excellent interpersonal as well as written and oral communication skills.
• Must be willing to work long hours outside under physically demanding conditions (hot, humid, biting insects).
• Must be comfortable interacting with the public and staff of multiple partner organizations.
• Must have strong organizational skills and great attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint required.
• Experience capturing, handling, and banding birds, particularly shorebirds or terns, preferred but not required.
• Schedule flexibility required. Must be willing to accommodate for weather conditions, with ability to work occasional weekends or holidays.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle are required for travel to nearby work sites; travel will be reimbursed at the current federal rate.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in a single PDF document to apply for the position by March 1, 2023.

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.

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