Seasonal Shorebird Field Technician

Position Summary

We are currently hiring one Seasonal Shorebird Field Technician to work with our New York Coast program on Long Island, NY for the 2022 field season (early April – mid August). The field 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 will focus on conducting beach-nesting bird productivity surveys, stewarding nesting areas, surveying migrating shorebirds, and assessing the impact of human disturbance on shorebirds.

Work may include, but is not limited to: locating and monitoring Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Least Tern nests and chicks to determine reproductive success; putting up and maintaining string fencing and signage around nesting areas; installing predator exclosures around Piping Plover nests; closely coordinating field work and schedules with partners and volunteers; interacting with beach-goers regarding coastal birds; documenting and reporting human disturbance and other issues to land managers and law enforcement officials; collecting human disturbance data for a region-wide shorebird disturbance study; assist Coastal Program Associate in disturbance management and event coordination; entering and managing survey data; and, assisting with outreach and volunteer events.

The technician will be required to traverse long distances (up to 7 miles) on sandy and rocky beaches, move and use equipment (i.e. binoculars, post pounders, fence posts), work self-guided without supervision, and communicate to beach-goers about beach-nesting bird conservation. The candidate chosen  will be expected to work 5 days per week (usually 40 hours). Some weekend and holiday work will be required. The technician will be required to use their personal vehicle to access field sites that are located across Long Island. Travel will be reimbursed. Housing is not provided.

Essential Functions

• Participate in nest searching and monitoring of reproductive success.
• Monitor and record behavior of nesting birds.
• Use binoculars and/or a spotting scope to locate, identify, and count Piping Plovers, Least Terns, American Oystercatchers, and migratory shorebirds.
• Set up and maintain protective fencing and signs at nesting areas and assist in erecting predator exclosures at Piping Plover nests.
• Collect human disturbance data for a region-wide shorebird disturbance study.
• Conduct focal behavior surveys of shorebirds and record human disturbance.
• Assist Coastal Program Associate in disturbance management and event coordination.
• Record and enter data into Excel and bird monitoring software as needed.
• Document updates from the field for social media and communication reports.
• Approach beachgoers and educate them about coastal birds and their conservation needs.
• Encourage beachgoers to sign a pledge to “share the beach” with beach-nesting birds.
• Coordinate and work with other staff, partners, land managers and volunteers.
• Communicate to beachgoers about beach-nesting bird.
• Write an end-of-season report.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology (or related field)
• Prior field experience is desired and experience with shorebirds is preferred
• Excellent work ethic with comfort working in an self-guided environment
• Thorough attention to detail
• Willingness to work outdoors for long periods of time in adverse conditions (i.e. hot, humid)
• Ability to traverse long distances (up to 7 miles), transport and move heavy equipment (tents, tables, post pounders, fence posts), and drive to beaches in eastern and western Long Island, NY
• Experience with Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel

To apply visit:

https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/4877/seasonal-shorebird-field-technician/job