Shorebird Steward Program

The Wetlands Institute is hiring Shorebird Stewards in Stone Harbor, NJ, to protect beach-nesting and migratory shorebirds from late May to early September. Responsibilities include educating the public, reducing disturbances, and documenting observations. Candidates should have strong communication skills, a passion for shorebird conservation, and be comfortable working independently in various weather conditions. A flexible schedule is required, and housing is not provided.
The Wetlands Institute, located in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, is seeking qualified applicants for several positions to protect beach-nesting birds and migratory shorebirds in Cape May County, New Jersey.

Primary responsibilities include:
• Acting as an overall ambassador for the conservation of beach-nesting birds by educating the public about shorebird conservation and beach regulations
• Reducing disturbance to beach-nesting birds and migratory shorebirds
• Documenting and reporting disturbances

Training for position-related responsibilities and shorebird identification will be provided.

Multiple Shorebird Steward positions will be filled. These are temporary, hourly positions starting in late May and ending in early September, including Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Candidates should be available for the duration of that period. A flexible schedule including early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday hours will be required.

Applicants should have excellent communication skills and feel comfortable engaging the public; experience working with the public and/or teaching is preferred. Applicants should have an interest in shorebird conservation and some bird identification experience or an interest in improving skills. Applicants should be comfortable working remotely and independently in the field and recording data. These positions require walking long distances over sandy beach, sitting for several hours, and tolerating exposure to variable and sometimes harsh weather and environmental conditions (wind, heat, sun, biting insects), but if you love spending time at the beach this may be the perfect job for you! Successful candidates will be required to undergo a limited criminal background screening. A valid driver’s license and personal transportation is required. Housing is not provided.

To apply, please email:
• Cover letter detailing interest, qualifications, and availability
• Resume
• Name and contact information (including email) for three professional references

to Meghan Kolk at mkolk@wetlandsinstitute.org. Please include “Shorebird Steward” in the subject line. Applications should be submitted no later than March 16, 2025.

The Wetlands Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.