Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations on the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better monitor and protect the nesting shorebirds along beaches and other nest sites Audubon is hiring a seasonal Eastern Panhandle Beach Anchor Steward to work in one or more coastal areas that support beach-nesting birds in Franklin County. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize volunteers in order to help monitor nesting birds and to conduct public outreach around the shore/seabird nesting areas primarily around Franklin County.
This is a part-time, 20 hour per week seasonal position focused on weekend days and holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists until the latter holiday. The position will begin April 1, 2018 and continue through the end of nesting season. Nesting may persist into August or early September but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.
Under the direction of Audubon’s Project Coordinator for the Coastal Bird Stewardship Program, the Eastern Panhandle Anchor Steward will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Chaperone and conduct public outreach at nesting beaches and on water by kayak at nearshore coastal islands and oysterbars. This work is conducted primarily on weekends and holidays generally between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hours may run longer per day on holiday weekends.
- Assist with recruiting volunteers; train and schedule volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays.
- Work closely with supervisor and staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to recruit volunteers, train, support and schedule volunteers.
- Must work well independently and with other staff and volunteers.
- A positive and diplomatic attitude is a must.
- Demonstrated capability of physically active work walking on sandy beaches carrying field equipment during Florida summer field conditions. Ability to lift 30 lbs.
- Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks.
- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
- Familiarity with Franklin County coastal areas preferred.
- Paddle experience preferred but confidence around water a must. Personal kayak or small boat helpful.
- Previous experience with monitoring and stewardship for one shore/seabird nesting season strongly preferred, but similar experience will be considered.
- Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.