The Seasonal Shorebird/Waterbird Field Technician assists conservation scientists with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting shorebirds and colonial waterbirds on the barrier islands and marshes of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
The Conservancy’s Virginia Coast Reserve (VCR; nature.org/vcr) is one of the last expanses of coastal wilderness on the U.S. East Coast and one of the most important regions for migratory birds in North America. VCR manages and protects 40,000 acres of natural landscape throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including 14 barrier and marsh islands. The Seasonal Shorebird/Waterbird Field Technician will work closely with the VCR’s Coastal Scientist and Coastal Science Specialist to conduct the following monitoring and research activities throughout these coastal habitats: shorebird (Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher) and waterbird surveys (terns and skimmers), shorebird and waterbird productivity monitoring, American Oystercatcher banding and resighting and data entry. The technician will also engage in the following beach nesting bird management activities: posting and patrolling bird colonies on the barrier islands, educating island visitors about beach nesting birds, maintaining signage and conducting visitor use surveys. The position requires one to keep organized, detailed daily field notes, operate a boat to be used for access to the barrier islands, and perform daily maintenance on boats. Additional duties may be assigned.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of experience.
- Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
- Experience with waterbird and shorebird identification and/or monitoring for the US east coast.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software.
- Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain.
- Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
- Experience with waterbird and shorebird identification and/or monitoring for the US east coast.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software.
- Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BS degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred, or coursework in active pursuit of a degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field.
- Waterbird and shorebird identification skills. Experience with monitoring reproductive success of beach nesting birds preferred.
- Experience operating and trailering boats independently up to 20 feet in length.
- Experience using GPS units and GIS mapping software.
- Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means.
- Local knowledge of the Eastern Shore of Virginia seaside, tides, and barrier islands preferred. Must meet Virginia’s Boating Safety Education requirement or will be required to complete an online course prior to start of position.
- Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation and personal automobile insurance.
Current funding provides for $17.75 per hour, 40 hours/week, 18–20 weeks duration. Few benefits. Assistance with housing may be available. Desired start date is early April 2019, however later dates can be considered.