Seasonal Coastal 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 Delta’s program in Mississippi is a comprehensive conservation and research program that promotes the safeguarding of coastal birds and their habitats through volunteer-driven, community science and outreach, and strategic partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, local academic institutions, and community organizations.

We are seeking four enthusiastic individuals to serve as Seasonal Coastal Stewards for Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties. Supervised by the Stewardship Manager, the Coastal Steward will work with program staff and Audubon volunteers during the breeding season (May – end of August) to help protect nesting sites from the threats of human disturbance.

The position pays $15.00/hour; is full-time (up to 40 hrs/week) but may occasionally be less due to the nature of the job being weather dependent; and does not offer short-term housing or benefits.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

The Seasonal Coastal Steward will help steward colonial bird species, collect data, perform outreach, and train volunteers during the breeding season (May – August) in the coastal counties of Mississippi as directed by the Stewardship Manager.

Duties will include:

• Assist in the installation of symbolic fencing around Least Tern (and other nesting bird) colonies;
• Interact with the public to promote conservation of and discourage disturbance of colonies;
• Act as a sentry to encourage beachgoers to avoid nesting colony areas;
• Educate interested beach visitors about beach-nesting birds;
• Collect data on human use of beaches and impacts on colonial nesters;
• Re-sight and record color banded birds;
• Assist with volunteer recruitment;
• Assist and train volunteers in partnership with the Stewardship Coordinator to steward bird colonies during weekends and holidays;
• Conduct public outreach including camps, festivals, and markets;
• Assist in prepping field and outreach supplies and activities prior to the field season;
• Provide assistance to the Stewardship Manager in organizing and implementing stewardship events;
• Participate in other projects as necessary;
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection;
• Maintain proper care and inventory of all project equipment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Interest and knowledge in bird conservation and/or environmental issues;
• Willingness to work odd hours (early mornings and evenings), weekends, and the July 4th holiday are a must;
• A positive and professional attitude, and excellent interpersonal communication skills;
• Willingness to sit for long hours on the beach protecting sensitive nesting sites;
• Ability to perform outdoor tasks requiring physical exertion, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain (e.g., walking on sand beach in high heat) while maintaining a positive attitude;
• Ability to lift 50 pounds;
• Ability to maintain a professional and upbeat attitude when working with disagreeable members of the public;
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently in a dynamic, non-structured environment;
• A passion for environmental conservation and a willingness to learn;
• Must have valid Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks (e.g., driving to assigned sites along the Mississippi coast).

All applications must be submitted via Audubon’s Careers on-line portal at https://careers-audubon.icims.com.

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.