Volunteer Coordinator

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 North Carolina posts and manages beach-nesting bird colonies on Wrightsville Beach. As a busy, public beach, the area receives a great deal of foot traffic and is both vulnerable to human disturbance and ideal for outreach. The Volunteer Coordinator will work to recruit, train, and manage volunteer bird stewards on Wrightsville Beach. The volunteers will act as ambassadors for the birds by educating beachgoers about the birds and using optics to show them the birds. The Volunteer Coordinator will also ensure beachgoers, or their dogs do not enter the posting or disturb nesting birds. The Volunteer Coordinator will lead field trips at the colony, act a steward him- or herself, do light maintenance of the posting, and collect some simple data. He or she will report to the coastal biologist and work closely with other Audubon North Carolina staff to ensure the needs of the birds are met throughout the summer.

Please note that this is a part-time seasonal position (15-20 hours/week, approx. March 15-September 15), and housing is not provided.

Compensation:

$16.15 / hour

Essential Functions

• Recruit and train volunteers to be bird stewards at nesting colonies on Wrightsville Beach.
• Coordinate and organize volunteers' schedules to ensure the greatest possible steward presence at the colony and distribute materials and equipment needed for steward activities.
• Perform steward duties at the colonies as needed.
• Lead weekly field trips to the colony and organize additional field trips as requested.
• Support volunteers, field phone calls and emails, and provide logistical support when possible.
• Collect counts of human or dog entry into the posted areas, collect the same from volunteers, and assist with nest censuses in the colony.
• Assist with organizing a volunteer appreciation event at end of season.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in biology or a related field.
• Experience with and a high comfort level in public speaking and interacting with the public on an informal basis is required; experience interacting with local government officials desired.
• Demonstrated interest in protecting coastal wildlife in North Carolina.
• Knowledge of beach-nesting bird biology preferred.
• Willingness to work in harsh conditions outdoors and to provide own transportation to and from the beach.
• Management or HR experience preferred.
• Willingness to work on weekends and holidays; candidate must live in the Wilmington, NC area.
• Excellent oral and written communication and public speaking skills.

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.