Bird Conservation Intern

The National Audubon Society is seeking a Bird Conservation Intern in Harleyville, SC. The role involves fieldwork in bird conservation, including habitat management, monitoring shorebirds, and assisting with research projects. The intern will work at the MAPS bird banding station and engage in educational programs. This position offers hands-on experience and skill development in environmental science, with a commitment to diversity and community engagement.
Job Description:

Position Summary

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon's state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action.

Reporting to Audubon South Carolina's (ASC) Community Science and Research Program Manager, the Audubon South Carolina Bird Conservation Intern will experience many facets of field work associated with bird conservation, such as habitat management and restoration, coastal shorebird monitoring and protection, and assisting with several bird research and conservation projects. In addition, the intern will help run the MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) bird banding station located at the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest, and will assist with other research, data entry and processing, banding demonstrations, and educational and visitor programs, as needed.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to dive into meaningful research that helps protect birds and their habitats. As an intern, you'll develop valuable skills and gain real-world experience that will set you on a path to success in the environmental and scientific sectors. You'll work closely with experienced professionals, including the Community Science and Research Program Manager, Beidler Forest Center Director, Land Conservation staff, and the entire Audubon South Carolina team, ensuring a dynamic and enriching learning experience.

Audubon South Carolina recognizes the strength and power that cultural and ethnic diversity brings to our mission and encourages Black, Indigenous and People of Color to apply for this position. Audubon is committed to equitable, resilient, and healthy communities in which every member benefits from the joy and value of nature.

Compensation:

$18.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions
• Support the day-to-day field work for Project PROTHO, which includes the banding and monitoring of Prothonotary Warblers at three field sites in South Carolina.
• Work with the Master Bander to conduct the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) banding station at the Beidler Forest Audubon Center.
• Assist in banding Painted Buntings and other species at the bird feeder stations at the Beidler Forest Audubon Center, Dewees Island, and other field locations.
• Assist Coastal Staff with Coastal Shorebird monitoring, surveys, and stewardship.
• Participate in bird-friendly forestry programs and habitat management work with Audubon's land management team.
• Assist in many aspects of Audubon South Carolina's work with MOTUS towers including installation and annual maintenance checks.
• Engage in public programs, both live and virtual, as needed.
• Support visitor engagement and operations at Beidler Forest as directed during center visitation hours.
• Provide data entry as directed by supervisor.
• Contribute to Audubon communications, including writing blog posts for the Beidler Forest e-newsletter as well as posts for social media channels and special engagement projects.
• Complete a special independent project, including presentation to staff at the conclusion of the internship, to promote Audubon South Carolina's mission and goals.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience
• Working toward or completed a science-focused degree or lived experience.
• Experience with or willingness to be trained in field techniques for studying birds, including handling, banding and surveying birds; interest in avian ecology is a plus but not required.
• 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.
• Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well in the field and with others, including staff and volunteers.
• Must properly maintain field equipment and keep supplies and materials organized.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, willingness to learn and collaborate with coworkers and partners in a respectful manner.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in varying South Carolina field conditions.
• Able to adapt to various field and work conditions to complete tasks while under deadline.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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.