Seasonal Coastal Steward

The National Audubon Society is hiring Seasonal Coastal Stewards for a conservation program in Mississippi. The role involves protecting beach-nesting birds, conducting outreach, and mentoring volunteers during the breeding season from May to mid-August 2026. This full-time, seasonal position is on-site in Moss Point, MS, with responsibilities including public education, data collection, and volunteer training. Compensation is $19.00/hour plus mileage.
About Audubon


The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.



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 from May to mid-August 2026. Their work will 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.



This position is classified as on-site based at the Audubon Delta – Mississippi ACBS Office location in Moss Point, MS .



Compensation:


$19.00/ hour + mileage in-between sites





Additional Job Description





Essential Functions:


Duties will include:




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 recruitment and training of 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.




Maintains and fosters culture of safety.




Participate in other projects as necessary.




Qualifications and Experience:




Ability to use optics such as binoculars and spotting scope.




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 required.




A positive and professional attitude and excellent interpersonal communication skills.




Ability to remain stationary 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., traversing along sand beach in high heat) while maintaining a positive attitude.




Ability to maneuver with at least 50-lbs without reasonable accommodation.




Ability to maintain a professional demeanor 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).




Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.




Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.




EEO Statement


We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.



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.