Coastal Steward

~ Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. ~

By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level.

What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Position Summary

The Audubon Mississippi Coastal Bird Stewardship Program (AMCBSP) is a comprehensive conservation and research program based in southern Mississippi that promotes the safeguarding of coastal birds and their habitats through volunteer-driven, citizen science and outreach, and strategic partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, local academic institutions and community organizations.

We are seeking six enthusiastic individuals to serve as Seasonal Coastal Stewards for Harrison, Jackson and Hancock Counties. Supervised by the AMCBSP Stewardship Manager, the Seasonal Coastal Steward will work with AMCBSP staff and Audubon volunteers during the breeding season to help protect nesting sites from the threats of human disturbance.

Note: This position is full-time (up to 40 hrs/week), seasonal opportunity that does not offer short-term housing or benefits.

Essential Functions

• The Seasonal Coastal Steward will help steward colonial bird species, collect data, and train volunteers during the breeding season in the coastal counties of Mississippi as directed by the AMCBSP Stewardship Manager.
• Assist in the installation of symbolic fencing around Least Tern (and other nesting bird) colonies.
• Interact with the public to promote conservation of and discourage disturbance of colonies.
• Act as a sentry to encourage beach-goers to avoid nesting colony areas.
• Educate interested beach visitors about beach-nesting birds.
• Collect data on human use of beaches and impacts on colonial nesters.
• Re-sight and record color banded birds.
• Assist with volunteer recruitment.
• Assist and train volunteers in stewarding colonies during weekends and holidays.
• Conduct public outreach including camps, festivals, and markets.
• Assist in prepping field and outreach supplies and activities prior to the field season.
• Provide assistance to the AMCBSP Stewardship Manager in organizing and implementing stewardship events.
• Participate in other projects as necessary.
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection.
• Maintain proper care and inventory of all project equipment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Interest and knowledge in bird conservation and/or environmental issues.
• Willingness to work odd hours (early mornings, evenings, weekends) including the July 4th weekend is a must.
• A positive and professional attitude, and excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness to sit for long hours on the beach protecting sensitive nesting sites.
• Ability to perform outdoor tasks requiring physical exertion, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain (e.g., walking on sand beach in high heat) while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to maintain a professional and upbeat attitude when working with disagreeable members of the public;
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently in a dynamic, non-structured environment.
• A passion for environmental conservation and a willingness to learn.
• Must have valid Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks (e.g., driving to assigned sites along the Mississippi coast).