Shorebird Field Technician

Field Technicians (2) needed for ongoing research on shorebird migration ecology along New Jersey's Delaware Bay shore.  Delaware Bay is recognized as an internationally important staging area for shorebirds during spring migration.  Duties include extracting birds from mist-nets, color banding, collecting and recording data from captured birds, and data entry.  Mist-netting and wild bird handling experience required.  Ability to identify shorebirds of the eastern U. S., color-band resighting experience helpful, but not required. Applicants must be able to work independently or as part of a team, possibly working long hours or six days/week, in occasionally hot and buggy conditions.

Major Responsibilities

- Set up, maintain, and break down bird capture equipment (e.g., mist nets)

- Extract birds from mist nets and other capture equipment

- Band or collect data from captured birds

- Conduct surveys for color-marked birds and record detailed observations and data in the field

- Data entry and management

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills

- Demonstrated proficiency in extracting birds from mist nets. 

- Experience using binoculars and spotting scope.

- Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science, or similar field experience preferred.

- Attention to detail, ability to follow detailed instructions.

- Ability and willingness to interact with the public and work well with partners.

- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.

- Motivated self-starter with the capacity to work productively independently or in a team setting with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.

- Punctual with excellent organizational and time management skills.

- Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

- Flexibility to adjust hours to meet the special needs of the project

- Willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.

- Must be able to walk long distances in uneven, muddy, or wet terrain, sometimes in inclement weather.

- Must be able to move materials and lift 25 lbs. as needed.

- Must have own transportation, and a valid driver’s license.

Salary:             $1140 - $1200 bi-weekly, depending on experience.  Housing or housing allowance provided. Mileage reimbursement is provided.

Start Date:        April 24, 2023     End Date:         June 30, 2023

Qualified individuals may apply by emailing a cover letter of interest, resume, and three references as a single PDF document (including email and phone contact info) to hr.research@njaudubon.org  Please indicate in the subject line the position for which you are applying so that your application is directed to the appropriate department.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.  The New Jersey Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or