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American Oystercatcher Technician/Boat Operator

This job is no longer available

Southbury, CT, USA
Full-time

As part of the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, the American Oystercatcher Technician/Boat Operator is responsible for aiding Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division and US Fish and Wildlife Service efforts to inventory, monitor, and steward coastal waterbirds in Connecticut.

This position will focus mainly on American Oystercatcher monitoring. The American Oystercatcher is a shorebird that nests primarily on rocky, offshore islands in Connecticut. To monitor these birds, staff will drive a boat out to the islands. The boat will also be used to carry supplies such as string fencing stakes and banding materials. The Technician will be responsible for driving the boat safely to conduct these activities, as well as assisting with monitoring, banding, and other stewardship.

This is a great opportunity to work with American Oystercatchers through monitoring and banding. The American Oystercatcher Technician/Boat Operator is a seasonal, full-time position with a 35 hours per week schedule, and is slated for May 1st through October 31st.  

Areas of Responsibility: 

The American Oystercatcher/Boat 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:

  • Patrolling American Oystercatcher nesting areas offshore islands using a 15’ skiff as transportation to islands
  • Assisting with the banding program by trapping and banding birds, reporting resights of banded birds, and contributing the American Oystercatcher Working Group
  • Monitoring of beach and island nesting birds for productivity and entering data into online spreadsheet
  • Educating island and beach visitors about beach nesting and migrant birds
  • Assisting DEEP and USFWS staff in stewardship activities as needed (e.g., string fencing around nesting areas)
  • Coordinating monitoring efforts with other Audubon Alliance staff
  • Assisting with end of the season reports
  • Additional duties may be assigned
Educational Background: 
Coursework in active pursuit of a degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field
Skills/Experience: 
  • Must have boating certification (Connecticut certification preferred)
  • Experience trailering, launching, and driving a boat required
  • Experience with banding preferred, shorebird banding experience a plus
  • 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 (technicians will be reimbursed 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.

Organization Info

National Audubon Society

Overview
Headquarters: 
New York, NY, United States
Annual Budget : 
$100-500M
Founded: 
1972
About Us
Areas of Focus: 
Mission: 

Audubon saves birds and their habitats throughout the America using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation.

Audubon operates an extensive network of National conservation programs, 23 state and regional offices, 41 centers, 23 sanctuaries and 463 independent chapters. Our work is a powerful combination of science, on the ground conservation, policy and engagement expertise that strives to protect and restore habitat, and to build the durable public will to implement policies that safeguard birds, other wildlife and the resources that sustain us all-in the U.S. and across the Americas.

Listing Stats

Post Date: 
May 9 2019
Active Until: 
Jun 9 2019
Hiring Organization: 
National Audubon Society
industry: 
Nonprofit