Anchor Steward, Longboat Key

Employer: Audubon Florida/National Audubon Society

Position: Anchor Steward, Longboat Key

Location: Longboat Key, FL

 

APPLY ONLINE ONLY AT:  

https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/3590/anchor-steward%2c-longboat-key/job

 

 

Position Summary

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations on the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better monitor and protect the nesting shorebirds along beaches and other nest sites, Audubon is hiring a seasonal Beach Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites on Longboat Key, Florida. Sites most likely requiring stewardship include Snowy Plover nests and Least Tern colonies. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize and train volunteers in order to help monitor nesting birds and to conduct public outreach around the shore/seabird nesting areas. This is a part-time, 20 hours per week, seasonal position focused on weekend days and holidays, including Memorial Day and Independence Day. The position is expected to begin the week of May 7, 2018 and continue for 12 consecutive weeks.

Essential Functions

Under the direction of Audubon’s Project Manager for Bird Stewardship, the Longboat Key Anchor Steward will be responsible for the following tasks:

  • Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly surveys and counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species and enter/report data in the Florida Shorebird Database as directed by the supervisor.
  • Assist City of Longboat Key and Audubon staff with installing symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.
  • Conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays generally between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hours may run longer per day as needed and on holiday weekends.
  • Assist with recruiting volunteers; train and schedule volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays.
  • Work closely with City of Longboat Key and Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Strong oral and written communication skills a must.
  • Experience and ability with record-keeping and summarizing data for grant-required reports.
  • Ability to recruit, train, support and schedule volunteers.
  • Work well independently and with other staff and volunteers.
  • A positive and diplomatic attitude is a must.
  • Demonstrated capability of physically active work walking on sandy beaches carrying field equipment during Florida summer field conditions. Ability to lift 30 lbs.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks.
  • Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
  • Familiarity with Sarasota & Manatee County beaches preferred.
  • Previous experience with monitoring and stewardship for one shore/seabird nesting season strongly preferred, but similar experience will be considered.
  • Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.