As part of the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, the Coastal Waterbird Technician 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 is a great opportunity to work with several species of shorebirds and waterbirds in a unique estuarine ecosystem. There will also be opportunity to conduct point counts and monitor sources of disturbance for the Atlantic Flyway Disturbance Project. The Coastal Waterbird Technician is a seasonal, full-time position with a 35 hours per week schedule, and is slated for May 6th through Aug. 31st.
The Coastal Waterbird 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:
- Conducting Atlantic Flyway shorebird disturbance surveys along the CT shoreline
- Posting and patrolling bird colonies on beaches and offshore islands
- Monitoring of beach and island nesting birds for productivity and entering data into online database
- Educating island and beach visitors about beach nesting and migrant birds
- Assisting DEEP and USFWS staff in stewardship activities of Piping Plovers 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
- 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.