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 2023 field season (late March-early August). The field technicians will work closely with other Audubon staff to reduce threats to priority coastal birds like the Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Least Tern. These positions 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; conducting point counts of migratory shorebirds; entering and managing survey data; and, assisting with outreach and volunteer events.

The candidates chosen for these positions will be expected to work 5 days per week. Some weekend and holiday work will be required. The technicians 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.

Compensation:

$16.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Assist the Coast Program Associate in monitoring and protecting Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and American Oystercatchers
• Assist the Coast Program Associate and other staff in beach-nesting bird outreach activities
• 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
• Carefully and neatly record and enter data into Excel and bird monitoring software as needed
• Coordinate and work with volunteers and partners
• Talk to beachgoers about beach-nesting birds
• Post photos, updates from the field, and volunteer opportunities on social media
• Write an end-of-season report

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology (or related field)
• Prior field experience is required and experience with shorebirds is preferred
• Strong work ethic with comfort working independently
• Strong attention to detail
• Willingness to work outdoors for long periods of time in adverse conditions (i.e. hot, humid)
• Ability to walk long distances (up to 7 miles), transport and carry 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