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:

Three Rooker Island Shorebird Monitoring and Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for assisting Florida Park Service staff with beach-nesting bird monitoring and stewardship work at primary off-shore sites in Pinellas County, Florida. Nesting species surveyed include but are not limited to Black Skimmers, Royal Terns, Laughing Gull, Snowy Plovers, and American Oystercatchers. Stewardship activities will be conducted on Three Rooker Islands, located within Anclote Key Preserve State Park. Surveys and monitoring will be conducted on all islands within Anclote Key Preserve State Park (Three Rooker Islands, Anclote Key), Honeymoon Island State Park, and Caladesi Island State Park. At these sites, the coordinator is responsible for assisting Park staff by helping to monitor and protect sites from disturbance through stewardship activities requiring motorboat transportation to and from Three Rooker Islands; recruiting, organizing, and working closely with volunteers to chaperone beach-nesting bird colonies during weekends and major holidays; educating beachgoers about these species; encouraging compliance with posted areas; and engaging in outreach to user groups as directed by supervisor.

This is a seasonal, full-time, grant-funded 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 April 8, 2026 and continue through the end of nesting season, determined in consultation with supervisor and Park staff. Nesting may persist into late August but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

The Stewardship Coordinator will be based out of their home in the Tampa Bay area. This is an exciting seasonal position for a professional biologist with experience of shorebird/seabird surveys and experience of operating small vessels in nearshore marine waters.

Compensation:

$20.00 / hour

Essential Functions:

With direction from the Shorebird Program Manager and designated Florida Park staff, the Coordinator will:

• Ensure all sites are monitored and surveyed weekly for signs of disturbance and changes in nesting status; including during the monthly Florida Shorebird Alliance beach-nesting bird survey windows.

• Post and maintain symbolic fencing and signage around nesting sites by set deadlines.

• Input survey data and band resights into the Florida Shorebird Database and Access or Excel databases as directed by the supervisor or Park staff within one week following the survey date.

• Summaries of survey and stewardship data required for grant report submissions.

• Contribute photos and submit content for program-related publications in a variety of media.

• Periodic cleaning and maintenance of program vehicles, trailers, and boats as needed.

• Train, mentor, and manage volunteers engaged in monitoring and stewardship activities.

• Engagement of the public around coastal bird conservation through outreach at beach sites and through presentations to user groups.

• Conduct public outreach at beach-nesting sites on weekends and holidays independently and with other staff as part of a team of bird stewards, 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.

• 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 culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife ecology or related field preferred.

• 1-2 years demonstrated experience performing bird surveys required; experience in shorebird and seabird identification and performing waterbird surveys strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in solo operation of a motorboat in nearshore marine waters with wet landings is required; operating and maintaining equipment including boats, trucks, and trailers a must.

• Demonstrated experience performing fieldwork in challenging coastal marine conditions required including operating small vessels in tides, strong currents and inclement weather

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to maintain accountability for work products.

• Demonstrated experience working with partners and volunteers in a professional manner.

• Strong verbal communication and problem-solving skills; excellent judgment and decision-making skills.

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

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

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

• Willingness to maneuver with field equipment in challenging Florida summer field conditions while traversing up to 5 miles on sandy beaches, with or without accommodation.

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

• Spanish fluency preferred, but not required.

• Familiarity with coastal conservation lands of the Pinellas County Gulf coast a plus.

• Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.

• 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

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