Job Description

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 \xe2\x80\x93 and our planet \xe2\x80\x93 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.

Position Summary

We are currently hiring one Seasonal Salt Marsh Technician to work with our New York Coastal Resilience program on Long Island, NY. The field technician will work with other Audubon staff and volunteers to survey salt marsh habitat at Sunken Meadow State Park. This position will focus on conducting SHARP (Saltmarsh Habitat and Avian Research Program) surveys, habitat and rare plant surveys, and identifying potential nesting areas for salt marsh birds and diamondback terrapins, as well as other salt marsh species.

Work may include, but is not limited to: locating and monitoring Salt Marsh Sparrow, Clapper Rail, Red-Winged Blackbird, American Black Duck, and Willet nests and chicks to determine reproductive success; closely coordinating field work and schedules with partners and volunteers; interacting with beach-goers regarding coastal birds; documenting and reporting human disturbance and other issues to land managers and law enforcement officials; assist Coastal Program Manager in disturbance management and event coordination; entering and managing survey data; and, assisting with outreach and volunteer events. Outreach events may include delivering salt marsh educational programming to 8th and 9th grade students.

The candidates chosen will be able to work a variable schedule totaling ~450 hours starting in mid-March through June 30, 2024. Some weekend and holiday work may be possible. The technician may be required to use their personal vehicle to access field sites. Travel will be reimbursed.

This role is based on-site at Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park, New York with potential travel to Oyster Bay, Glen Cove, and Westbury.

Compensation:

$18.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Assist the Coast Program Manager in monitoring salt marsh species including Saltmarsh Sparrows, Clapper Rails, and American Black Duck
• Participate in nest searching and monitoring of reproductive success
• Monitor and record behavior of birds
• Use binoculars and/or a spotting scope to locate, identify, and count salt marsh species including Saltmarsh Sparrows, Clapper Rails, and American Black Duck
• Conduct focal behavior surveys of salt marsh birds
• Record and enter data into Excel, and provide updates from the field
• Coordinate and work with other staff, partners, land managers and volunteers
• Talk to park visitors about salt marsh birds when necessary
• Write an end-of-season report
• Coordinate project teams to ensure regular communication, free exchange of ideas, and successful problem solving to implement projects.
• Lead or work with partners and seasonal staff to complete pre-and post-response monitoring (e.g., bird, vegetation, elevation, and hydrology) at restoration sites.
• Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, conducting salt marsh field surveys/monitoring (70% of duties), data entry/management (20%), and equipment maintenance and other miscellaneous tasks (10%).
• Effectively communicate about coastal resilience issues (including sea level rise as a threat to priority bird species, the importance of salt marsh conservation, negative impacts of shoreline hardening, and natural solutions to shoreline stabilization) to elected and municipal officials, partners, media, and the public via presentations and written materials for internal and external audiences. E.g., contribute to press releases, articles, outreach materials, and content for social media.
• Supervise seasonal staff and assist with volunteer coordination and volunteer events. May also supervise full-time staff.
• Participate fully and productively in staff meetings, planning efforts, and other shared staff.
• The technician will be required to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) through wet, uneven salt marsh terrain, with or without accommodation
• Work independently without supervision

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in biology, ecology, conservation, environmental science, (or related field). An equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered
• Prior field experience is required and experience with salt marsh birds is preferred
• Applicants should have the ability to identify coastal/estuarine plant and animal species using prior knowledge and/or field guides
• Strong work ethic with comfort working in an independent environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Willingness to work outdoors for long periods of time in adverse conditions (i.e. hot, humid, buggy, wet)
• Ability to walk long distances (up to 7 miles), transport and carry heavy equipment (tents, tables, post pounders, fence posts)
• Experience with Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel
• Must hold a valid driver\xe2\x80\x99s license and have access to a personal vehicle

EEO Statement

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.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact . This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

National Audubon Society