The Audubon Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries Field Technician will be responsible for assisting with management of the colonial wading bird colonies along the central Gulf Coast of Florida and interacting with the boating and recreating public to prevent disturbance to nesting birds. This is a full-time, seasonal position that will begin approximately March 25, 2019 and last until the end of the nesting season (normally September 30th). The person in this position performs a spectrum of independent, bird nesting island conservation tasks with responsibilities that include:
- Posting sanctuary signs around bird island nesting sites and maintaining said posting;
- Patrol of nesting islands for evidence of disturbance or predation;
- Data entry as directed by supervisor;
- Protect sites from disturbance through stewardship activities, to include: training and coordinating with Audubon Colony Watch volunteers, educating the boating public about the nesting species and encouraging compliance with posted areas;
- Assist with restoration projects of the coastal sanctuary islands including non-native vegetation removal, native plantings and monitoring progress of offshore erosion control breakwater construction;
- Coordinate and assist with cleanups of the rookery islands to remove discarded fishing gear and other entangling debris;
- Interacting with boaters to avoid trespass on or closely approaching nesting islands;
- Additional Duties as assigned.
By closely collaborating with the Sanctuary Manager, s/he will:
- Monitor nesting birds, help conduct counts of nesting pelicans, cormorants, herons, spoonbills, storks, oystercatchers, etc. and monitor the colonies for signs of disturbance or predation;
- Help engage the boating public about birds;
- Interact and educate others in a professional, and appropriately intervene in the event of an active disturbance event;
- Operate and occasionally perform or secure maintenance on vehicles, boats, and all field equipment;
- Participate in additional activities with Audubon's partners, including shoreline cleanups, habitat enhancement projects, and oyster restoration projects;
Enter survey data and band resights into the Florida Shorebird Database or Access database as directed by the supervisor;
- Contribute survey and management summaries required for grant report submissions;
- Contribute photographs and short stories about birds for use on the Audubon website and in social media;
- Assume responsibility for maintenance of program vehicles, trailers, and boats as needed.a
- 1-2 years' demonstrated expertise in shorebird and seabird identification and experience in performing waterbird surveys preferred;
- Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well independently in the field and well with others, including staff and volunteers;
- Valid driver’s license required, with experience with small boats, trailers, and operating vehicles strongly preferred;
- Ability to perform routine maintenance on mechanical equipment such as trucks and boats highly desirable;
- Comfort with engaging public and talking about the importance of protecting bird colonies;
- Must be able to work weekends and holidays;
- Must be physically able to lift and carry 30 lbs;
- Walk up to 4 miles carrying spotting scope and day pack in Florida summer field conditions.