Location: Oyster Bay Cove, NY
Full time
Requisition ID: JR981

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:

We are currently hiring one Seasonal Shorebird Camera Technician to work with our New York Coast program on Long Island, NY for the 2026 field season (March – August). The field technicians will work closely with other Audubon staff to reduce threats to priority coastal birds like the Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Least Tern. This position will focus on conducting beach-nesting bird productivity surveys, stewarding nesting areas through on the ground monitoring and field camera monitoring.

Work may include, but is not limited to: locating and monitoring Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Least Tern nests and chicks to determine reproductive success; oversee nest camera deployment and video monitoring setting; putting up and maintaining string fencing and signage around nesting areas; installing predator exclosures around Piping Plover nests; closely coordinating field work and schedules with other field staff; interacting with beach-goers regarding coastal birds; documenting and reporting human disturbance and other issues to land managers and law enforcement officials; assist Coastal Program Manager in camera analysis; entering and managing survey data; and, assisting with outreach and volunteer events.

The technician will be required to traverse long distances (up to 7 miles) on sandy and rocky beaches, carry and use equipment (i.e. binoculars, post pounders, fence posts), work independently without supervision, and talk to beach-goers about beach-nesting bird conservation. The candidates chosen will be expected to work 5 days per week (usually 35 hours). Some weekend and holiday work will be required.

The technician will be required to use reliable transportation to access field sites that are located across Long Island. Travel will be reimbursed.

This role is a field position working remotely at various sites along the North and South Shore of Long Island of New York. It is based out of Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Oyster Bay, Long Island.

Compensation:

$20.50 - $21.00 / hour

Essential Functions

Assist the Coast Program Manager in monitoring and protecting shorebirds and seabirds including Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and American Oystercatcher, disturbance management and nesting site protection.

Oversee field camera set up, deployment and maintenance in cooperation with site managers and partner agencies.

Assist in field camera photo analysis of shorebird nest disturbance.

Participate in nest searching, and monitoring of nesting shorebirds.

Use binoculars and/or a spotting scope to locate, identify, and count Piping Plovers, Least Terns, American Oystercatchers, and migratory shorebirds.

Set up and maintain protective fencing and signs at nesting areas and assist in erecting predator exclosures at Piping Plover nests.

Record and enter data into Excel and monitor database.

Coordinate and work with other staff, partners, land managers and volunteers.

Talk to beachgoers about beach-nesting bird when necessary.

Assist the Coast Program Manager and other staff in beach-nesting bird outreach activities.

Write an end-of-season report.

Qualifications and Experience

Working to or currently have a bachelor’s degree in biology, Ecology, Conservation, Natural sciences, or related field preferred, or multiple years of experience carrying out similar field work.

Prior field experience is required and experience with shorebirds is preferred.

Prior experience operating field cameras is preferred.

Strong work ethic with comfort working in an independent environment.

Strong attention to detail.

Willingness to work outdoors for long periods of time in adverse conditions (i.e. hot, humid)

Ability to traverse long distances (up to 7 miles), transport and carry heavy equipment (tents, tables, post pounders, fence posts), and drive to beaches in eastern and western Long Island, NY

Experience with Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel.

Ability to speak Spanish and/or other languages is preferred but not required.

Must hold a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.

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