Coastal Bird Technician

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.
North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Reporting to the Regional Coastal Biologist, the MS Coastal Bird Technician will be expected to conduct Coastal Bird surveys and provide technical instruction and assistance to volunteer community scientists. Spring and summer duties will include breeding surveys for beach-nesting birds and assisting team members and partners on a Least Tern and Black Skimmer movement study. This person will be expected to assist the stewardship team on occasion to help set up symbolic fencing around breeding areas and to provide outreach to beach visitors. Fall and winter seasons will be a mix of field work (Audubon Coastal Bird Survey and Black Skimmer banding and resights) and office tasks such as writing reports. The MS Coastal Bird Technician will also work with staff in volunteer management, outreach and education, and research efforts. This is a full-time (40 hours per week), year-round position. The work schedule is primarily Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend and holiday work requirements.

Compensation:

$17.00-$19.00 / hour

• Conduct Coastal Bird surveys along Mississippi’s mainland beaches and barrier islands.
• Collect field data including colony size, nest and chick fate, and fledging rates to determine productivity, and participate in bird banding, resighting banded birds, and conducting Audubon Coastal Bird Surveys.
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection and reporting and ensure that all monitoring efforts follow approved protocols and best management practices as established by Audubon.
• Participate in communications and marketing efforts, which may include developing content for social media, newsletters, annual reports, and website content.
• Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers, provide technical assistance in bird identification and with monitoring protocols, and assist the Stewardship Manager with organizing volunteer events.
• Assist with outreach and engagement efforts, which may include delivering presentations, meeting partners on site, and participating in projects with partners.
• Participate in other research and non-research activities as assigned.
• Maintain proper care and inventory of all project equipment and vehicles.
• Contribute to the financial and administrative health of Audubon Delta through participation in meetings, assistance with annual budget creation, and adherence to financial policies.
• Participate in Audubon Delta’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging such as, but not limited to, staff trainings, hiring initiatives, and adhering to the community values in the NAS Flight Plan.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Ornithology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience and demonstrated success in avian monitoring including bird identification by sight and sound.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences; scientific writing skills required.
• Strong organizational and relationship building skills; excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and work as part of a team.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work comfortably in a dynamic, non-structured environment.
• Willingness and flexibility to work nonstandard hours (early mornings, evenings, etc.) and weekends as the job demands.
• Specific experience identifying and monitoring coastal shorebirds, wading birds, gulls, and terns.
• Knowledge of Gulf Coast conservation issues.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain while maintaining a positive attitude, with or without accommodation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and knowledge of eBird; additional programs (e.g., Microsoft Access) a plus.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and ability to responsibly drive company vehicles.
• Passion for the National Audubon Society’s mission.
• Experience capturing and banding Coastal Birds, especially terns and/or plovers, is a plus.

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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