Three Rooker Island Shorebird Monitoring & Stewardship Coordinator

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Position Summary

From April through September, the Three Rooker Island Shorebird Monitoring and Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for assisting Florida Park Service staff with beach-nesting bird monitoring and stewardship work at primarily off-shore sites in Pinellas County, Florida. Nesting species surveyed include but are not limited to Black Skimmers, Royal Terns, Laughing Gull, Snowy Plovers, and American Oystercatchers. Stewardship activities will be conducted on Three Rooker Islands, located within Anclote Key Preserve State Park. Surveys and monitoring will be conducted on all islands within Anclote Key Preserve State Park (Three Rooker Islands, Anclote Key), Honeymoon Island State Park, and Caladesi Island State Park. At these sites, the coordinator is responsible for assisting Park staff with:

• Posting and maintaining symbolic fencing and signage around beach-nesting bird sites, as needed;
• Monitoring and surveying nest sites weekly for evidence of disturbance or predation;
• Performing nesting bird surveys weekly, including during five formal, one-week windows (including color band resighting);
• Non-breeding shorebird surveys and band resightings, especially focused on state and federally listed species;
• Data entry, recordkeeping, and reporting as directed by supervisor and by Park staff;
• Helping protect sites from disturbance through stewardship activities requiring motorboat transportation to and from Three Rooker Islands; recruiting, organizing, and working closely with volunteers to chaperone beach-nesting bird colonies during weekends and major holidays; educating beachgoers about these species; encouraging compliance with posted areas; and engaging in outreach to user groups as directed by supervisor.

This is a full-time seasonal position with a start date of April 15, 2024 and ending in September, determined in consultation with supervisor and Park staff. Funding for this seasonal position is provided by the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund through December 31, 2032. Additional funding may go beyond December 2032.

The Stewardship Coordinator will be based out of their home in the Tampa Bay area. This is an exciting seasonal position for a professional biologist with experience of shorebird/seabird surveys and experience of operating small vessels in nearshore marine waters.

Compensation:
$19.00 / hour

Essential Functions

With direction from the Shorebird Project Manager and designated Florida Park staff, the Coordinator will ensure:

• All sites are posted with symbolic fencing and signage by posting deadlines.
• All sites are surveyed weekly, including during the monthly Florida Shorebird Alliance beach-nesting bird survey windows.
• All sites are monitored weekly for signs of disturbance and changes in nesting status.
• All sites are stewarded to the terms of Audubon’s contract.
• Survey data and band resights are entered into the Florida Shorebird Database and Access or Excel databases as directed by the supervisor or Park staff within one week following the survey date.
• Summaries of survey and stewardship data required for grant report submissions.
• Contribution of photographs and short stories about birds and bird stewardship for use on Audubon website and in social media.
• Periodic cleaning and maintenance of program vehicles, trailers, and boats as needed.
• Training, mentorship, and management of volunteers engaged in monitoring and stewardship activities.
• Engagement of the public around coastal bird conservation through outreach at beach sites and through presentations to user groups.
• Work independently and with other staff as part of a team of bird stewards including on weekends and holidays.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife ecology or related field required.
• 1-2 years' demonstrated experience performing bird surveys required; experience in shorebird and seabird identification and performing waterbird surveys strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in solo operation of a motorboat in nearshore marine waters with wet landings is required; operating and maintaining equipment including boats, trucks, and trailers a must.
• Demonstrated experience performing fieldwork in challenging coastal marine conditions required including operating small vessels in tides, strong currents and inclement weather
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to maintain accountability for work products.
• Demonstrated experience working with partners and volunteers in a professional manner.
• Strong verbal communication and problem-solving skills; excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to move 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Ability to carry field equipment in Florida summer field conditions while traversing up to 5 miles on sandy beaches, with or without accommodation.
• Bilingual preferred, but not required.
• Familiarity with coastal conservation lands of the Pinellas County Gulf coast a plus.
• Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.