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 Bird Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites within Lee County, Florida. The site most likely requiring stewardship include Black Skimmer and Least Tern colonies within Little Estero Critical Wildlife Area and private sections of Fort Myers Beach. There are also nesting Wilson’s and Snowy Plovers in the area. 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-hour per week, seasonal position focused on weekends and holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists through the latter. The position is expected to begin April 15, 2022 and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into late-August to mid-September but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

Essential Functions

Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species, and enter/report data to the supervisor.
Assist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff, Audubon staff, and site managers with installing symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.
Conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends (Friday- Sunday) and holidays generally between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hours may run longer per day or change as needed, and this is anticipated 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 site managers and Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.

Qualifications and Experience

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.
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 Southwest Florida beaches preferred.
Previous experience with monitoring and stewardship for one shore/seabird nesting season preferred, but similar experience will be considered.
Bilingual or Spanish speaking is a plus.
Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.

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.