Seasonal Coastal Bird Technician at National Audubon Society – New York, New York
About This Position
Full time
Requisition ID: JR1050
About Audubon
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
Position Summary:
Audubon Texas, the state office of the National Audubon Society, is recruiting two (2) coastal bird technicians to contribute to a project monitoring Black Skimmer, Wilson’s Plover, Least Tern, and Snowy Plover along the Texas mid-coast (Matagorda Bay region). The successful applicants will conduct field research activities at multiple sites across coastal Texas from early April through July 2026 (start and end dates flexible).
This position works up to 40 hours per week, with a regular schedule Monday–Friday; occasional weekends and holidays may be required.
Applicants may sometimes be required to use their own vehicle to drive to field sites, but will be reimbursed for mileage. Housing (a two-bedroom apartment/house for the two field assistants) will be provided.
This position is remote in the Matagorda Bay region of the Texas mid-coast.
Compensation:
$21.74 / hour plus mileage between sites if personal vehicle is used
Essential Functions
Conduct weekly surveys for Black Skimmer, Wilson’s Plover, Least Tern, and Snowy Plover, following established protocols, in various coastal habitats including beaches, dunes, oyster reefs, offshore islands, and wetlands.
Search for and monitor nests of Black Skimmer, Wilson’s Plover, Least Tern, and Snowy Plover. Collect data describing nests and chick survival.
Post fencing and signage around nesting and loafing areas.
Engage with the public to educate beach visitors about beach-nesting and migratory shorebirds to reduce disturbances at nesting sites.
Document habitat disturbance and nest predation events.
Periodically assist with capture and banding of adult and hatchling shorebirds.
Re-sight and record color-banded birds.
Participate in outreach and fundraising events (e.g., local birding festivals, stewardship at busy beaches) as required.
Ensure timely and thorough data entry.
Appropriately fill out time sheets and mileage logs.
Maintain equipment as needed.
Interact with staff and volunteers from other organizations, agencies, and the public.
Assist with other activities as needed, including surveying colonial nesting waterbirds by boat.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Collaborate with Audubon staff to ensure that Audubon’s values are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, biology, or a related field.
At least one year field experience surveying for and monitoring birds. Prior experience with surveying nesting shorebirds highly preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Proficient at identifying gulf coast shorebirds by sight and comfortable using binoculars and high-powered scopes.
Experience trapping, handling, and banding shorebirds is not required but a plus.
Willingness to travel in coastal bays via boats required. Experience with operating boats desired but not required.
Excellent organizational and data management skills (including familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite software).
Demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for birds and coastal conservation and a willingness to engage with the public about such issues.
Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with a diverse team.
Flexibility to live and work with variable schedules as required for fieldwork.
Ability to sit, stand, and hike outside in hot temperatures in sandy coastal terrain for extended periods of time with or without accomodations.
Ability to work in coastal environments.
Comfortable working in adverse weather conditions, including cold, wind, rain, high humidity, extended exposure to sun, and heat.
Comfortable working around biting insects and venomous snakes.
Physical ability to lift 30lbs to shoulder height and carry, push, or pull objects with our without accommodations.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.
Accessibility Statement
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at