Coastal Waterbird Technician & Boating Assistant

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 using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

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 will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

The Audubon Connecticut Coastal Waterbird Technician & Boating Assistant will work as a member of the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds. The Alliance is a partnership between Audubon CT, the Connecticut Audubon Society, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division, The Nature Conservancy, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Alliance implements conservation efforts statewide to protect nesting areas and reduce disturbance, while monitoring the breeding populations of five focal species (Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, Common Tern and Black Skimmer). The Coastal Waterbird Technician & Boating Assistant is responsible for aiding the efforts to inventory, monitor, and steward the five species of breeding coastal waterbirds on mainland beaches and offshore islands in Connecticut. This is a great opportunity to work with several species of shorebirds and waterbirds in a unique estuarine ecosystem along the coast of Connecticut.

Schedule:
The Coastal Waterbird Technician & Boating Assistant is a seasonal, full-time position, 35 hours per week, and is slated for April 3, 2023 through September 30, 2023.

Compensation:
$15.00–$17.00 / hour dependent on experience

The Coastal Waterbird Technician & Boating Assistant will assist conservation scientists with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting and migratory shorebirds along the coast of Connecticut. Stewardship, inventory and monitoring activities include:

• Working with Alliance partners, field staff monitor and manage beach and island nesting birds to collect
  productivity data and reduce human disturbance at nesting sites
• Assist with the safe operation of a 15’ skiff as transportation to monitor island nesting species, such as
  American Oystercatcher and Common Tern on a weekly basis
• Assist with the installation, maintenance and removal of string fencing, signage and Piping Plover nest
  exclosures throughout the season
• Monitor beach and island nesting birds to collect nest and chick survival data, document predators and
  instances of human disturbance
• Assist with the American Oystercatcher banding project and collecting data on and reporting sightings of all
  banded birds
• Conduct census surveys and patrol historical nesting sites for focal species
• Daily and weekly data entry into online database
• Educate beach and island visitors about breeding and migratory shorebirds through face-to-face interaction
  to reduce disturbances at nesting sites
• Coordinating monitoring efforts with other Audubon Alliance staff and partners
• Participate in weekly Alliance conference calls and communicate with Alliance staff via Slack, text, and phone
• Assist with data analysis and end of the season reports
• Provide content (pictures and brief descriptions) to document disturbances, for inclusion in final reports, and
  for Audubon Connecticut’s social media
• Additional duties may be assigned to support all aspects of the Coastal Program

• Must have a Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (Connecticut certification
  preferred)
• Experience trailering, launching, and operating a motor boat preferred
• Experience boating on Long Island Sound preferred
• Experience trapping and handling bird species preferred, shorebird banding experience a plus
• Coursework in active pursuit of a degree in ecology, wildlife management, or related field
• Experience with waterbird and shorebird identification and/or monitoring for the US east coast
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and problem solve in the field
• Experience collecting, managing, and maintaining a large data set
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software for data entry and report writing and experience with GPS
  units
• Experience and ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken and graphical means along with
  responding to communications in a prompt and timely manner
• Must have valid driver's license and safe driving record (technicians will be reimbursed for travel between
  field sites)
• Flexible approach to work, as weekend and holiday work will be required, as well as frequent schedule
  changes based on site needs and weather conditions
• Must be physically fit, able to walk miles in sand or on rocky coastal terrain and able to lift/carry at least
  40lbs.
• Required to manually install and maintain string fencing and nest exclosures in rocky substrate
• Willing to work in a variety of weather conditions including sun, rain, and hot/cold temps
• Interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society

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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