Seasonal Shorebird Technician

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 planets 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 and on Facebook Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

We are currently hiring one Seasonal Shorebird Field Technicians to work with our New York Coast program on Long Island NY for the 2026 field season (March August). The field technicians will work closely with other Audubon staff to reduce threats to priority coastal birds like the Piping Plover American Oystercatcher and Least Tern. This position will focus on conducting beach-nesting bird productivity surveys stewarding nesting areas surveying migrating shorebirds and assisting with setting up field cameras.

Work may include but is not limited to: locating and monitoring Piping Plover American Oystercatcher and Least Tern nests and chicks to determine reproductive success; putting up and maintaining string fencing and signage around nesting areas; installing predator exclosures around Piping Plover nests; closely coordinating field work and schedules with other field staff; interacting with beach-goers regarding coastal birds; documenting and reporting human disturbance and other issues to land managers and law enforcement officials; entering and managing survey data; assisting with field cameras deployment and assisting with outreach and volunteer events.

The technician will be required to traverse long distances (up to 7 miles) on sandy and rocky beaches carry and use equipment (i.e. binoculars post pounders fence posts) work independently without supervision and talk to beach-goers about beach-nesting bird conservation. The candidates chosen will be expected to work 5 days per week (usually 35 hours). Some weekend and holiday work will be required.

The technician will be required to use reliable transportation to access field sites that are located across Long Island. Travel will be reimbursed.

Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Oyster Bay but require travel to multiple sites across Long Island. This role is a field position working remotely at various sites along the North and South Shore of Long Island of New York. It is based out of Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Oyster Bay Long Island.

Compensation:

$20.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Assist the Coast Program Manager in monitoring and protecting shorebirds and seabirds including Piping Plovers Least Terns and American Oystercatcher disturbance management and nesting site protection.

• Participate in nest searching and monitoring of nesting shorebirds.

• Use binoculars and/or a spotting scope to locate identify and count Piping Plovers Least Terns American Oystercatchers and migratory shorebirds.

• Set up and maintain protective fencing and signs at nesting areas and assist in erecting predator exclosures at Piping Plover nests.

• Record and enter data into Excel and monitor database.

• Coordinate and work with other staff partners land managers and volunteers.

• Talk to beachgoers about beach-nesting birds when necessary.

• Assist in field camera deployment and maintenance.

• Assist the Coast Program Manager and other staff in beach-nesting bird outreach activities.

• Write an end-of-season report.

Qualifications and Experience

• Working towards or currently have a bachelors degree in Biology Ecology Conservation Natural sciences or related field preferred or multiple years of experience carrying out similar field work.

• Prior field experience is required and experience with shorebirds is preferred.

• Strong work ethic with comfort working in an independent environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Willingness to work outdoors for long periods of time in adverse conditions (i.e. hot humid)

• Ability to traverse long distances (up to 7 miles) transport and carry heavy equipment (tents tables post pounders fence posts) and drive to beaches in eastern and western Long Island NY

• Experience with Microsoft Office software specifically Excel.

• Ability to speak Spanish and/or other languages is preferred but not required.

• Must hold a valid drivers license and have access to reliable transportation.

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

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