SEASONAL SHOREBIRD/WATERBIRD FIELD TECHNICIAN

The Seasonal Shorebird/Waterbird Field Technician assists conservation scientists with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting shorebirds and colonial waterbirds on the barrier islands and marshes of the Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve.  The Seasonal Shorebird/Waterbird Field Technician will work closely with the VVCR’s Coastal Science staff to conduct the following monitoring and research activities throughout these coastal habitats: shorebird (Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher and Willet) and waterbird surveys (terns and skimmers), shorebird and waterbird productivity monitoring, American Oystercatcher banding and resighting and data entry.  The technician will also engage in the following beach nesting bird management activities: posting and patrolling bird colonies on the barrier islands, educating island visitors about beach nesting birds, maintaining signage and conducting visitor use surveys. The position requires one to keep organized, detailed daily field notes, operate a boat to be used for access to the barrier islands, and perform daily maintenance on boats.  Additional duties may be assigned.

By joining the VVCR team, you will become part of a cutting edge Landscape Program that has worked to protect a unique coastal landscape using a science-based, partnership approach to management and conservation for over 50 years.  The VVCR is one of the last expanses of coastal wilderness on the U.S. East Coast and encompasses over 40,000 acres of natural landscape throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including 14 barrier and marsh islands.  VVCR’s Migratory Bird Program aims to protect and manage the bird populations that depend on these coastal habitats.  The impact of our work reaches beyond this region as well, as we work with partners from across the Western Hemisphere to advance our conservation initiatives.  The importance of the region to migratory birds is recognized through a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network designation and Audubon Important Bird Area Global status.  We’re looking for a passionate, motivated problem-solver to join our Migratory Bird Team for the 2023 season.  Creativity, flexibility, willingness to work on a fast-paced, dynamic schedule and a great attitude are key to this role. 

You can expect the following roles and responsibilities when you join our team:

·         Work under close supervision and receive specific and detailed instructions for required tasks, but also operate independently and exercise good judgement in varied field conditions.

·         Supervise volunteers on occasion.

·         Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including preserve volunteers, preserve visitors, and others.

·         Walk 3-8 miles each day in heat and humidity along remote barrier islands.   

·         Work from and on a boat; work in remote locations, sometimes during adverse conditions such as heat, humidity, extended exposure to sun and biting insects.

·         Work weekends and holidays on occasion and as scheduled ahead of time.

·         Work a varied schedule that depends on tide and weather; field sites span approximately 50 miles of coastline and include 10 different sites. 

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

·         Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of experience.

·         Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.

·         Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain.

·         Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation and personal automobile insurance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

·         BS degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred, or coursework in active pursuit of a degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field.

·         Waterbird and shorebird identification skills.  Experience with monitoring reproductive success of beach nesting birds preferred.

·         Experience operating and trailering boats independently up to 20 feet in length.  

·         Experience using GPS units, GIS mapping software and remote data collection tools such as ArcGIS Collector and Survey 123.   

·         Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software.

·         Local knowledge of the Eastern Shore of Virginia seaside, tides, and barrier islands preferred.  Must meet Virginia’s Boating Safety Education requirement or will be required to complete an online course prior to start of position.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

Current funding provides for $20.60 per hour, 40 hours/week, 16-18 weeks duration.  Few benefits. Assistance with housing may be available. Desired start date is early April 2023.

TO APPLY:

Go to www.nature.org/careers, click Search Careers and search by the position title and/or location, then click Apply Now to submit an online application.  It is necessary to complete the application in its entirety.  In addition, please attach as one document your resume and a letter of interest. 

Application deadline is 11:59 PM on March 7, 2023.