As part of the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, the American Oystercatcher Technician is responsible for aiding Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Wildlife Division in efforts to inventory, monitor, and steward coastal waterbirds nesting both along the Connecticut shoreline and on offshore islands.
This is a great opportunity to work with several species of shorebirds and waterbirds in a unique estuarine ecosystem. The American Oystercatcher Technician is a seasonal, full-time position with a 35 hours per week schedule, and is slated for April 2nd through October 31st.
The Technician will assist conservation scientists with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting and migratory shorebirds on the coast of Connecticut. Stewardship, inventory and monitoring activities include:
- Posting and patrolling bird colonies on beaches and offshore islands
- Monitoring of beach and island nesting birds (by kayak) for productivity and entering data into online spreadsheet
- Educating island and beach visitors about beach nesting and migrant birds
- Recruiting, training and organizing volunteers for inventory and stewardship efforts
- Assisting DEEP staff in stewardship activities of Piping Plovers as needed
- Coordinating monitoring efforts with other Audubon Alliance staff
- Assisting with end of the season reports
- Additional duties may be assigned
- Experience with waterbird and shorebird identification and/or monitoring for the US east coast
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software; experience with GPS units
- Must have valid driver's license and safe driving record (the American Oystercatcher Technician will be reimburse for travel between nesting sites)
- Experience and ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken and graphical means
- Flexible approach to work, as some weekend and holiday work will be required
- Interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society
- Ability to safely operate a kayak in nearshore and offshore waters in Long Island Sound