Seasonal Coastal Steward

The National Audubon Society is hiring four Seasonal Coastal Stewards in Mississippi to protect beach-nesting birds through community science and outreach from May to mid-August. Responsibilities include public education, data collection, volunteer training, and promoting conservation efforts. This seasonal, full-time role requires physical outdoor work and interaction with the public, with a pay rate of $16.00/hour, but does not offer housing or benefits.
Job Description:

Position Summary

Audubon Delta’s program in Mississippi is a comprehensive conservation and research program that promotes the safeguarding of coastal birds and their habitats through volunteer-driven, community science and outreach, and strategic partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, local academic institutions, and community organizations.

We are seeking four enthusiastic individuals to serve as Seasonal Coastal Stewards for Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties. Supervised by the Stewardship Manager, the Coastal Steward will work with program staff and Audubon volunteers during the breeding season (May – mid August) to help protect beach-nesting birds from the threats of human disturbance. This includes stewarding nesting colonial bird species, collecting data, performing education and outreach, and mentoring volunteers.

This is a seasonal, full-time position (up to 40 hours/week) but may occasionally be less due to the nature of the job being weather dependent; and does not offer short-term housing or benefits.

Compensation:

$16.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions
• Assist in the installation of symbolic fencing around 10+ Least Tern (and other nesting bird) colonies.
• Interact with the public to promote conservation of and discourage disturbance of colonies.
• Act as a sentinel to encourage beachgoers to avoid nesting areas.
• Educate the public about beach-nesting birds.
• Collect data on human-use of beaches and impacts on colonial nesters.
• Re-sight and record color banded birds.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry into Excel.
• Assist with volunteer recruitment.
• Assist and train volunteers in partnership with the Stewardship Coordinator to steward bird colonies during weekends and holidays.
• Conduct public education and outreach including at camps, festivals, schools, and markets. This can include opportunities for media appearances.
• Assist in prepping outreach supplies for activities.
• Provide assistance to the Stewardship Manager in organizing and implementing stewardship events.
• Maintain proper care and inventory of all project equipment.
• Participate in other projects as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience
• Interest and knowledge in bird conservation and/or environmental issues
• Willingness to work odd hours (early mornings and evenings), weekends, Memorial Day, and the July 4th holiday are a must
• A positive and professional attitude and excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Willingness to sit for long hours on the beach, in the heat, 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
• 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
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Suite programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Must have a 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)

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

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