Shorebird Steward - Cape May County, New Jersey

The Wetlands Institute, located in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, is seeking qualified applicants for several positions to protect beach-nesting birds on beaches in Cape May County, New Jersey. Multiple Shorebird Steward positions will be filled.

These are temporary, hourly positions lasting approximately 14 weeks (Memorial Day-Labor Day). Candidates should be available for the duration of the position. Part-time and full-time schedules are available. Early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday hours will be required.

Primary responsibilities include acting as an overall steward for the conservation of beach-nesting birds by educating the public about shorebird conservation and beach regulations, preventing disturbance to shorebirds, and documenting and reporting disturbances. Training for position-related responsibilities and shorebird identification will be provided.

Applicants should have experience working with the public and/or teaching and an interest in shorebird conservation. Applicants should have bird identification experience or interest in improving skills, and be able to work effectively alone or in small groups. Applicants should be comfortable working independently in the field and recording data. Positions will require walking long distances over sandy beach, sitting for several hours, and tolerating exposure to variable and sometimes harsh weather and environmental conditions (wind, heat, sun, biting insects).  Successful candidates will be required to undergo a limited criminal background screening. A valid driver’s license and personal transportation is required.

To apply, please email 1) cover letter detailing interest, qualifications, and availability 2) resume, and 3) names and contact information for three professional references to Samantha Collins, scollins@wetlandsinstitute.org. Please include “Shorebird Steward” in the subject line and indicate your preference for part-time and/or full-time schedule in your application. Application deadline is April 8, 2022.

The Wetlands Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.