Field Technician at National Audubon Society – Bremen, Maine
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About This Position
Full time
Requisition ID: JR1078
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's Seabird Institute is seeking two seasonal field technicians to monitor and manage the tern colony on Falkner Island, Connecticut. Falkner Island, part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), is a 5-acre island approximately 3.5 miles offshore in Long Island Sound, and hosts Connecticut’s largest breeding Common Tern colony and its only Roseate Tern colony.
Duties of this position include but are not limited to:
monitoring productivity of Roseate Terns
conducting the Common Tern census
identifying both species’ prey items (typically small fish) and recording data
band re-sighting (fledglings and adults) from field blinds and other locations
participating in non-lethal predator management
completing maintenance projects and invasive species control
limiting human disturbance by educating people who may land on the island about the rules and regulations
Submitting collected data to refuge staff on a daily basis
Preparing and packing water and food for returning to the island each week, and assisting with boat operations
Technicians will live and work on site at Falkner Island 5 days per week, Monday-Friday, followed by 2 days off on the mainland. This schedule may vary if weather and sea conditions affect boat access to the island. Housing on the island is a bunkhouse of the former Coast Guard Light Station. Rustic living conditions include no running water, a propane stove/oven, solar electricity, and a vault toilet. Internet access is available on island but is not reliable in all conditions. Drinking water is brought to the island from the mainland. On days off, shared housing is provided at Stewart B. McKinney NWR headquarters in Westbrook, CT. Technicians will attend a seabird orientation program at Audubon’s Seabird Institute in Bremen, Maine, before being going to Falkner Island. Shared housing is provided during orientation.
A personal vehicle is required for travelling from the refuge housing to meet the boat in Guilford, CT each week. Secure parking is available.
Length of Assignment: Positions start May 5 and end July 27.
Hours: 40 hours a week
This role is on-site, based at Falkner Island, CT.
Compensation:
$19.00 / hour
Essential Functions
The position is based on an island in a bird colony with thousands of birds. Technicians must be able to work around birds who will be actively defending their territory/colony.
Participate in data collection including but not limited to: tern productivity, populations, and diets, and predator observations.
The technician will spend 5 days living on the island in rustic conditions and 2 days off. Schedule will be Monday-Friday on the island. Weather and wave height may change work schedule due to transportation issues.
Work will be labor intensive and may be in adverse weather – need to be able to lift 30lbs and traverse over uneven and rocky terrain.
Work includes hazards such as contact with poison ivy and plants with thorns, as well as conditions with biting insects to include ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies.
Will be required to assist with boat docking and launching, and preparing boat for trips to the island
Will be required to operate motor vehicles; a valid driver’s license is required
May use power equipment with personal protective equipment.
Will need to drive personal vehicle to/from Guilford, CT when meeting boat.
Collaborate with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
Other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience:
Comfortable living and working in small groups on remote islands with limited amenities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to get along with people of diverse backgrounds.
Capable of labor-intensive outdoor work in variable weather conditions.
Ability to interact with the public of all ages in a professional manner
Experience working with birds, fieldwork in a field camp setting, data collection, bird identification, and an academic background in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental science or a related field are preferred.
Comfortable on the water in small boats.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Accommodations:
Technicians will live and work on site at Falkner Island 5 days per week, Monday-Friday, followed by 2 days off on the mainland, subject to change due to weather and seas. Shared housing is provided both on the island and during days off on the mainland.
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