About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations along the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding, and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. In order to more effectively monitor and protect nesting shorebirds, Audubon is hiring a seasonal Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites located in the southern portion of Pinellas County, Florida. Sites requiring stewardship and monitoring will include Fort De Soto County Park and Shell Key Preserve. Nesting species may include American Oystercatcher, Wilson’s Plover, Snowy Plover, Least Tern, and Black Skimmer. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize and train volunteers to minimize disturbance by conducting public outreach near shorebird and seabird nesting areas and to help monitor nesting.

This is a seasonal position working 40 hours per week to include weekend days and the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists until the latter holiday. The position start date is anticipated to begin on March 18, 2026, and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into late August but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

This position is based on-site within the southern portion of Pinellas County, Florida.

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Essential Functions:

Under the direction of Audubon’s Shorebird Program Manager, the South Pinellas County Anchor Steward will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species; report data in the Florida Shorebird Database and Excel spreadsheets as directed by the supervisor.

• Assist site managers and partners with installation of symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.

• Conduct public outreach at beach-nesting sites on weekends and holidays, to target maximum number of beachgoers and prevent nest disturbance. Hours may run longer or change as needed, and overtime is anticipated on holiday weekends.

• Assist with recruitment of volunteers; train and schedule volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and to conduct public outreach at nesting sites on weekends and holidays.

• Work closely and communicate with site managers and other Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.

• Contribute to report writing as needed and submitting content for program-related publications in a variety of media.

• Communicate management needs to supervisor.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Maintains and fosters a culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Completed or enrolled in a degree program in natural resources or a similar field.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong data collection and organizational skills.

• Experience recruiting, training, supporting, and scheduling volunteers preferred.

• Works well independently and with other staff, partners, and volunteers.

• Capability of carrying field equipment in Florida summer field conditions while traversing up to 5 miles on sandy beaches, with or without accommodation.

• Ability to move 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to complete assigned tasks.

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings, often in hot and humid Florida Summer field conditions.

• Familiarity with Pinellas County beaches preferred.

• Previous experience with shorebird and seabird monitoring and stewardship is helpful, but not required.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing inclusion, and belonging.

• Must have a positive and diplomatic attitude.

• Must have an interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

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 Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.