Bird Conservation Technician (2)

Start Date: October 1, 2024

Background - About Houston Audubon

Houston Audubon, founded in 1969, is a nonprofit, accredited land trust organization committed to protecting the natural environment for birds and people. Houston Audubon owns and manages over 4,100 acres consisting of 17 sanctuaries in five counties, which includes the well-known High Island and Bolivar Flats sanctuaries. Over 400 species of birds have been documented across its properties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Bird Conservation Technicians will assist the Conservation Specialist in the day-to-day operations of Houston Audubon’s Upper Texas Coast sanctuaries. Technicians will primarily aid in habitat restoration and enhancement activities in the coastal sanctuaries utilizing chainsaws, tractors, sprayers, UTV, and herbicides to remove non-native invasive plant species. She/he will also be expected to conduct three shorebird transect surveys per month, weekly rookery surveys on land and less frequently by boat, assist with volunteer workdays, and trail maintenance/construction. Other duties include, but are not limited to, infrastructure maintenance/construction, visitor services, assisting visiting researchers, participating in citizen science projects (Christmas Bird Counts, eBird, iNaturalist), educational/outreach programs, public/volunteer interactions, and keeping up with weekly social media posts. Successful candidates will be expected to commit to May 2025, largely shifting focus to guiding bird walks, visitor services, and public outreach programs during the spring migration season. This is a temporary position, 6-7 months with a possible extension of up 12 months, $15/hr up to 40 hours per week located on the Bolivar Peninsula. Benefits not included. For mutual convenience, shared housing will be provided at Houston Audubon’s Coastal Operations Center in High Island, TX. Utilities included. Recent graduates encouraged to apply.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

·         Bachelor’s degree in natural resource related field, REQUIRED.

·         Excellent physical condition. Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, perform hard physical work for extended and irregular periods under adverse conditions including, but not limited to, repeated pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, and squatting. Conditions may include extreme heat and humidity, biting/stinging insects, venomous snakes, and alligators REQUIRED.

·         Ability to work, live, and interact with diverse individuals and work independently of supervisor, REQUIRED.

·         Vehicle for personal use, REQUIRED.

·         Strong interest and experience in avian conservation.

·         Experience with field work and avian surveys. Excellent Eastern bird ID skills preferred.

·         Willing and able to use chainsaws and other power/hand tools with minimal supervision. Training provided.

·         Common sense problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude.

·         Outgoing and enthusiastic about birds, wildlife, and working outdoors.

Salary: $15/hour up to 40 hours per week (typically Tues – Sat workweek). Housing provided.

Application guidelines: Please send cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references as a SINGLE pdf or word document to Wyatt Egelhoff, Conservation Specialist wegelhoff@houstonaudubon.org Applications will be reviewed on receipt. Position will remain open until filled.