Overview
Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Position Summary
Audubon’s Women in Conservation program provides career opportunities for young women in the environmental field. Each spring and summer, we offer seasonal positions for young women to advance our conservation work and further develop young conservationists’ skills and knowledge. These positions provide an array of different professional experiences in conservation, including field research, habitat stewardship, education and outreach, and communication.
We are currently hiring one Seasonal Shorebird Outreach Technician, Women in Conservation to work with our New York Coast Program on Long Island, NY for the 2020 field season (early April – mid August). The technician 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 focuses on implementing public outreach, community engagement, and coastal stewardship programs.
This position also provides the opportunity to further develop leadership and communications skills. Communications work may include contributing photos and videos for reports and social media posts; delivering a public presentation; writing an article for an Audubon newsletter; performing outreach activities on the beach with volunteers and other staff; and participating in a press event. Also, the technician will have the opportunity to connect with other conservationists and program supporters at the annual Women in Conservation Luncheon in May.
Work may include, but is not limited to: leading on-the-beach outreach events; coordinating a volunteer beach steward program; recruiting and training volunteers; coordinating schedules with partners, volunteers, and land managers; interacting with beach-goers regarding coastal birds; taking photos and videos of stewardship and outreach work; creating content for social media and other platforms; conducting coastal bird surveys; and, helping to steward beach-nesting birds and their habitats.
The candidate chosen for this position will be expected to work 5 days a week (usually 40 hours). Weekend and holiday work will be required, especially in June and July. The technician will be required to use their personal vehicle to access field sites that are located across Long Island. Travel to field sites will be reimbursed. Housing is not provided.
Essential Functions
- Lead “Be a Good Egg” outreach events and volunteer programs.
- Approach beach-goers and educate them about coastal birds and their conservation needs.
- Encourage beach-goers to sign a pledge to “share the beach” with beach-nesting birds.
- Recruit, train, and coordinate coastal stewardship and outreach volunteers.
- Coordinate with other staff, partners, and land managers.
- Assist with beach-nesting bird stewardship, including installing and maintain fencing and signage around nesting areas.
- Use binoculars and/or a spotting scope to locate, identify, and count Piping Plovers, Least Terns, American Oystercatchers, and migrating shorebirds.
- Record and enter data into Excel and eBird as needed.
- Post photos, updates from the field, and volunteer opportunities on social media.
- Communicate shorebird conservation needs to the public through writing an article and/or delivering a public presentation.
- Write an end-of-season report.
Qualifications and Experience
- Women with a bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, environmental education, or related field seeking to expand their experience and career in the field of conservation.
- Strong communications skills and an interest in engaging and communicating with a diverse public audience.
- A strong work ethic with comfort working in an independent environment.
- 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), with or without reasonable accommodation, and drive to beaches in eastern and western Long Island, NY.
- Willingness to work on busy beach days, holiday weekends, and some evenings.
- Prior shorebird and/or field experience is not required, but a willingness to learn about beach-nesting bird biology and conservation is plus.
- Ability to speak Spanish and/or other languages is preferred but not required.