Coastal Bird Steward

Expected DatesMay 2, 2022 to August 21, 2022SiteAlabama AudubonPosition IDPO-00732296Beginning on 1/18/22, all new SCA volunteer program participants are required to be fully vaccinated. Full vaccination is defined as having received a booster shot six months after the Pfizer and Moderna primary series and two months after the Johnson & Johnson primary series.

Position Description

The Coastal Bird Steward will be responsible for conducting surveys to assess human disturbance at Least Tern, Black Skimmer, and Snowy Plover nest sites. They will also conduct stewardship activities on the beach to educate the public about beach nesting birds and will assist in public outreach activities in both Mobile and Baldwin counties. The steward will assist Coastal Biologists with carrying out beach nesting bird survey and monitoring activities.

Core Responsibilities

The Coastal Bird Steward will be responsible for:

• conducting surveys to record and assess the amount of human disturbance at shorebird nest sites and bird response to disturbance;
• ensuring accurate data collection during surveys and entering data;
• conducting stewardship activities during times of high beach use;
• interacting with members of the public in a professional manner;
• working with the Coastal Outreach Manager to engage the public through outreach and educational events;
• assisting the Coastal Biologists with beach-nesting bird monitoring as needed;
• assisting with installation of symbolic fencing at nest sites as needed.

Basic Qualifications

The Coastal Bird Steward should possess:

• a bachelor's degree in biology, ornithology, ecology or a related discipline, or currently be working towards a bachelor's degree;
• a working knowledge of and ability to identify shorebirds of Alabama;
• experience working with the public and excellent public speaking skills;
• excellent oral and written communication skills;
• a strong team ethic;
• a willingness to work long hours outside in harsh field conditions, sometimes alone;
• a willingness to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays;
• experience with basic office equipment and birding equipment;
• a valid driver's license and independent means of transportation.

Physical Requirements

The Coastal Bird Steward must be able to:

• carry out a wide variety of physical tasks (e.g., lifting, reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, typing, driving, standing, speaking) under a variety of conditions, both indoor and outdoor;
• tolerate a variety of challenging field conditions, including difficult weather (e.g. hot, wet, inclement), remote locations and inhospitable vegetation and insect life.

Tag: SCA1957

• Location DescriptionMainland and barrier island beaches of Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Alabama.
• Training ProvidedThe steward will be trained in survey and data collection methods. There may be opportunities to assist with shorebird banding activities.
• Educational/Recreational OpportunitiesEducational opportunities include honing shorebird ID and data collection skills and learning about shorebird conservation.
  Recreational opportunities include going to the beach, kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and bird-watching.
  

Main Area of FocusWildlife MgmtEducation, Training & Skills ExpectedBiologysome coursework or experienceResource Managementsome coursework or experienceBird Identificationsome experienceData Entrycompetent without supervisionCommunity Engagementsome experiencePublic Speakingcompetent without supervisionWorking with Childrencompetent without supervisionFurther DetailsAmeriCorps EligibleEligibleDriving LogisticsValid Drivers License NeededPersonal Vehicle RequiredThe Coastal Bird Steward will need to drive to field sites in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.Housing or Stipend Provided?YesIndoor/OutdoorOutdoorUS CitizenshipNot Required