Seasonal Coastal Birds Biologist

Maine Audubon is hiring two Seasonal Coastal Birds Biologists to join its dynamic team based in Falmouth, ME. Since 1843, Maine Audubon has worked to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action.

Position Overview

We are seeking two Seasonal Coastal Birds Biologists at Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, ME. The Seasonal Coastal Birds Biologist reports to the Project’s Wildlife Biologist and is responsible for monitoring and managing endangered Least Terns, Piping Plovers, and other coastal birds including migrating shorebirds on beaches in Southern Maine during the 2024 field season. This is a unique opportunity to apply and grow your skills in direct management of endangered and severely declining species and outreach with a variety of audiences.

Project Overview

The Coastal Birds Project is designed to recover these endangered species, reduce disturbance of migratory shorebirds, and protect beach/dune/estuary systems. The position works as part of a larger collaborative effort that includes the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, USDA Wildlife Services, numerous municipalities, hundreds of private landowners, and dozens of volunteer plover monitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

·        Conduct breeding surveys and nest searches for Piping Plovers and Least Terns.

·        Decide when/where to erect symbolic fencing, exclose nests, and place signs and immediately erect metal fencing around plover nests when possible.

·        Track and record nest locations, hatch dates, nest success, fledgling success, and other relevant data in an online database while in the field.

·        Engage with the public through on the beach education, presentations, on beach information stations, and community events.

·        Monitor predation through track observations and by deploying and maintaining wildlife cameras.

·        Lead training presentations for volunteer programs and municipal partners. Support partners throughout the nesting season by providing frequent updates.

·        Make complicated decisions in the field based on many inputs, including human, biological, and abiotic factors.

·        Communicate with both private and public landowners about management needs.

·        Supervise project interns.

·        Contribute to final technical report and project newsletter as needed.

·        Responsible for periodic cleaning and maintenance of work vehicles and work space.

·        Construction and maintenance of signs, exclosures, and fencing.

·        Communicate effectively and extensively with team members, partners, and the public.

·        Answer calls and emails in a timely manner and respond after hours to immediate needs.

Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree in wildlife or related field or equivalent work experience

·         Excellent observational skills

·         Independent thinker and problem solver

·         Skilled at prioritizing tasks while in the field

·         Effective, engaging, and diplomatic communicator both verbally and in writing

·         Experience working in the field with birds and/or endangered species preferred

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions

·         Able to walk extensively, up to 10 miles/day, on soft substrates (sand beaches)

·         Able to lift and carry heavy equipment of 50 pounds or more on sand beaches for extended distances

·         Able and willing to work outdoors on beaches in all weather conditions

·         Clean driving record for last 5 years

·         Able to navigate and drive large pickup trucks through summer beach traffic

Timing, Compensation, and Benefits

·        Full-time, five days a week from approximately mid-April through early August, four days a week through the end of August

·        Some weekend, holiday, and evening work required

·        Stipend $760/week for full-time, prorated for part-time

To apply: Please send one document including resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to conserve@maineaudubon.org, with “PPLT Biologist Last Name” in the subject line. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis starting January 8, 2024. Position closes February 2, 2024. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements but believe that you would be a good fit for this position.

Maine Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other aspect of identity protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.