Description

Location: Audubon Mississippi - ACBS Office
Full time
Requisition ID: JR985

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:

Coastal Mississippi's beaches and islands provide nesting habitat for a variety of birds such as Least Terns, Black Skimmers, Wilson's Plovers, Snowy Plovers, and American Oystercatchers. We are seeking three (3) Seasonal Coastal Bird Technicians to survey and monitor nesting areas, help buffer beach-nesting birds against the threats of human disturbance, and offer outreach and education to visitors. The technician will work with Audubon staff, volunteers, and partners to help monitor and protect the breeding of beach-nesting species on mainland beaches and the nearshore and barrier islands. The coastal bird technician will count and monitor breeding colonies, survey coastal areas, perform disturbance surveys, resight banded birds, and track nests, chicks, and their fates. Supervised by the Senior Coordinator of Field Operations, the technician will have opportunities to intimately monitor and protect charismatic beach-nesting bird species and gain outreach and education skills. This position will be split between mainland Least Tern colonies and nesting Black Skimmers, Snowy Plovers, Wilson's Plovers, American Oystercatchers, and various tern species on Mississippi's islands. The positions are based in coastal Mississippi (Jackson, Harrison, or Hancock County). Shared housing will be provided. The position will start on 7 April 2026 and terminate in early August (~20 weeks). Occasional weekend and holiday work will be required, including Independence Day. A valid driver's license and a reliable personal vehicle are required (mileage will be reimbursed at the current federal rate).

Length of Assignment: April 7th, 2026 Early August 2026

Hours: 40 per week

Location: Different field-based locations each day, across mainland and islands of Mississippi

Compensation:
$19.00 / hour
Essential Functions

Perform beach-nesting bird surveys, monitoring colony size, nest and chick fates, and fledging rates to determine productivity on mainland, nearshore, and barrier islands.

Assist with posting and fencing colonial and solitary bird nesting sites.

Collect data on human use of beaches and impacts on colonial and solitary nesters.

Resight banded adult birds and chicks to determine territory ownership and to confirm fledge success.

Deploy game cameras on active nests and maintain and organize photos throughout the season.

Work with full-time staff to engage local communities to increase awareness about protecting sensitive beach-nesting birds.

Enter data daily and maintain order and quality in all existing datasets

Properly maintain field equipment and keep supplies and materials organized.

Participate in other projects as necessary.

Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Exact combinations of responsibilities may vary among positions but will require working during early mornings and sometimes evenings and weekends, on holidays, and in the Mississippi summer heat. Working on the 4th of July holiday weekend is required. Work weeks will average 40 hours per week across the term of employment but may vary and be unpredictable each week, depending on weather and program needs.

Qualifications and Experience:

Must have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Environmental Education, or a related field.

At least one season of work experience in avian ecology or coastal ecosystems is preferred

Excellent interpersonal as well as written and oral communication skills.

Must be willing to work long hours outside under physically demanding conditions (hot, humid, biting insects) and to live in group housing (provided).

Must be comfortable interacting with the public and staff of multiple partner organizations.

Must be comfortable riding on a boat

A valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle are required for travel between housing and nearby work sites; travel will be reimbursed at the current federal rate.

Must have strong organizational skills and great attention to detail.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is required.

Experience identifying and counting large groups of coastal birds in eastern North America preferred.

Flexibility in schedule that accommodates weather conditions, with the ability to work occasional weekends or holidays required.

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

Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Accommodations:

Shared housing is provided and living on-site is required for employment.

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.

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

PI281737741