Nassau Sound Shorebird Steward

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.

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations in Northeast Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding, and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better protect nesting shorebirds Audubon is hiring a seasonal Shorebird Steward to work at the beaches of Nassau Sound including Amelia Island and Little Talbot Island. The primary responsibilities of the Shorebird Steward are to steward shorebird nesting areas and help train volunteer stewards as needed. Stewarding involves a variety of actions including observations of birds and the public at nesting sites and education of the public when their actions may pose a threat to the birds.

This is a part-time, 20-hour-per-week seasonal position focused on weekends and holidays, including Memorial Day and Independence Day. The position start date is anticipated to be 04/06/2023 and continue through the end of nesting season. Nesting season often persists through late August but may end early based on conditions at the nesting sites (e.g., storms causing loss of beach habitat).

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Under the direction of Audubon’s Northeast Florida Policy Associate, the Nassau Sound Shorebird Steward will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Assist with the installation or repair of symbolic fencing around nest areas as needed.
• Steward at nesting sites mainly on weekends and holidays. Hours are generally between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. though they may vary depending on needs. 40 hours are allowed during weeks with holidays.
• Assist with recruiting and training of shorebird steward volunteers.
• Work closely with local land managers, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.

• Ability to operate an ATV/UTV to reach some beach nesting sites. Training will be provided by Florida Park Service staff.
• Capable of walking and working on sandy beaches carrying field equipment during Florida summer field conditions, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with the public at beach nesting sites.
• Ability to help recruit, train, support, and schedule volunteers.
• Work well independently and with other staff and volunteers.
• Must have a positive and diplomatic attitude.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to complete assigned tasks.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
• Familiarity with local beaches preferred.
• Previous experience with shorebird stewardship preferred, but similar experience will be considered.
• Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.

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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