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Description
~ The New Jersey Audubon Society is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide membership organization. Founded in 1897, and one of the oldest independent Audubon societies, New Jersey Audubon has no connection with the National Audubon Society. ~
Cape May is renowned as one of the world's greatest hotspots for animal migration, as well as being a popular summertime vacation destination and beach resort. The combination of the two, offers great opportunities for wildlife research and education through public outreach.
New Jersey Audubon fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, and the natural habitats with which they are associated.
Position Overview
The George Myers Field Naturalist Intern develops a full spectrum of skills through hands-on participation in various educational, research and conservation projects at New Jersey Audubon's Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) and Nature Center of Cape May (NCCM), Cape May, NJ. This position runs from May 1 though December 23.
This position is named in honor of the late George Myers, a talented CMBO Associate Naturalist who passed on much too soon.
In the spirit of George, the position aims to bring the successful candidate through a full lifecycle of being a field naturalist: from learning how New Jersey Audubon translates research into outreach material and ultimately into conservation, to how we develop and execute programs for youth through adulthood.
The successful applicant will work with the Bird Observatory during the spring and fall migration periods, and for the Nature Center during the summer months, during which time they will go from an active learner to a skilled leader with a clear understanding of the needs of New Jersey's resident and migratory wildlife, the ways in which we are working to protect them, and the ability to engage a diverse public audience to become stewards of the important resources.
Responsibilities
Educational Programming
- Conduct short programs, field trips and workshops on bird id and migration phenomena.
- Assist visitors with bird identification.
- Assist migration research counters when needed.
- Orient and assist visitors to the Cape May Migration Count Sites. Over 500 people may visit per day during peak times.
- Conduct children's programming at the Nature Center's summer children's nature camp.
- Conduct interpretive outreach programs (emphasis on local aquatic marine animals) at various locations throughout Cape May County.
- Assist in all daily operations of running the Nature Center during the busy summer season. This may include program registration, retail operations, cleaning, gardening, animal care, aquarium and equipment maintenance, etc.
- Organize and maintain lesson plans, educational supplies, equipment, teaching materials, files and records, and all other programming information.
- Assist with the design and maintenance of interpretive exhibits, displays, and other center-based informational materials.
Membership
- Strive to increase NJ Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory membership base.
Community Relations
- Represent NJ Audubon in the local community, expanding the organization's presence to increase local awareness, support and participation.
- Develop material for web/blog site and posting it.
- Develop brochures, checklists, and displays as instructed by the Program Director.
Other
- Obtain satisfactory background check.
- Attend center, department and NJ Audubon meetings and serve on committees as requested by supervisor.
- Obtain and maintain certification for First Aid, CPR and other public safety certification as appropriate.
- Participates with other NJ Audubon staff to adopt a "team" approach towards daily operations at the assigned center.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science or similar field preferred.
- Flexibility to adjust hours to meet the special needs of the program and organization.
- Must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate a vehicle in NJ.
- Must have the physical capacity to walk over uneven terrain for long distances, able to move materials and to lift 50 lbs.
- Familiarity with bird migration, birding, marine species and coastal ecology is a plus, but learning on the job is expected and we will provide training and support.
- Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to accept direction and constructive criticism.
- Motivated self-starter who is also a team player.
- Punctual with effective time management skills.
- Excellent oral and written skills required.
- Ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office) to fulfill the job requirements.
- Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion.
- Willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.
Compensation: Salary is 1500/month plus housing and gas reimbursement.
To Apply
Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email (or mail) a cover letter of interest, resume, and three references as a single PDF document (including email and phone contact info) to:
Mike Crewe, Cape May Bird Observatory
PO Box 3, 701 East Lake Drive
Cape May Point
NJ 08212
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
~ New Jersey Audubon Society is an equal opportunity employer ~