What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Shorebird Technician position at National Audubon Society, Inc.?
Position Summary
We are currently hiring one Seasonal Shorebird Field Technicians to work with our New York Coast program on Long Island, NY for the 2025 field season (March – August). The field technicians will work closely with other Audubon staff to reduce threats to priority coastal birds like the Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Least Tern. This position will focus on conducting beach-nesting bird productivity surveys, stewarding nesting areas, surveying migrating shorebirds, and assisting with setting up field cameras.
Work may include, but is not limited to: locating and monitoring Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Least Tern nests and chicks to determine reproductive success; putting up and maintaining string fencing and signage around nesting areas; installing predator exclosures around Piping Plover nests; closely coordinating field work and schedules with other field staff; interacting with beach-goers regarding coastal birds; documenting and reporting human disturbance and other issues to land managers and law enforcement officials; entering and managing survey data; assisting with field cameras deployment and, assisting with outreach and volunteer events.
The technician will be required to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) on sandy and rocky beaches, carry and use equipment (i.e. binoculars, post pounders, fence posts), work independently without supervision, and talk to beach-goers about beach-nesting bird conservation. The candidates chosen will be expected to work 5 days per week (usually 35 hours). Some weekend and holiday work will be required.
The technician will be required to use their personal vehicle to access field sites that are located across Long Island. Travel will be reimbursed.
Compensation:
$17.50-$18.00 / hour
Additional Job Description
Essential Functions
Assist the Coast Program Manager in monitoring and protecting shorebirds and seabirds including Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and American Oystercatcher, disturbance management and nesting site protection.
Participate in nest searching and monitoring of nesting shorebirds.
Use binoculars and/or a spotting scope to locate, identify, and count Piping Plovers, Least Terns, American Oystercatchers, and migratory shorebirds.
Set up and maintain protective fencing and signs at nesting areas and assist in erecting predator exclosures at Piping Plover nests.
Record and enter data into Excel and monitor database.
Coordinate and work with other staff, partners, land managers and volunteers.
Talk to beachgoers about beach-nesting birds when necessary.
Assist in field camera deployment and maintenance.
Assist the Coast Program Manager and other staff in beach-nesting bird outreach activities.
Write an end-of-season report.
Qualifications and Experience
Working towards or currently have a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Natural sciences, or related field preferred, or multiple years of experience carrying out similar field work.
Prior field experience is required and experience with shorebirds is preferred.
Strong work ethic with comfort working in an independent environment.
Strong attention to detail.
Willingness to work outdoors for long periods of time in adverse conditions (i.e. hot, humid)
Ability to walk long distances (up to 7 miles), transport and carry heavy equipment (tents, tables, post pounders, fence posts), and drive to beaches in eastern and western Long Island, NY
Experience with Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel.
Ability to speak Spanish and/or other languages is preferred but not required.
Must hold a valid driver’s license and have access to a personal vehicle.
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.
Salary : $18 - $18
