Collier County Anchor Steward

Position Summary

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations on the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better monitor and protect the nesting shorebirds along beaches and other nest sites Audubon is hiring a seasonal Beach Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites within Collier County, Florida. The sites requiring stewardship could include, but not limited to Big Marco Pass CWA, Caxambas, and Kice Islands, which are reached by boating. Nesting species may include Wilson’s Plover, Least Tern, and Black Skimmer. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize and train volunteers in order to help monitor nesting birds and to conduct public outreach around the shore/seabird nesting areas. Additional responsibilities include aiding with additional sea/shorebird surveys with the supervisor, assisting external partners with research and management, and data management at the discretion of the supervisor.

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, seasonal position focused on weekend days and holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists until the latter holiday. The position is expected to begin on March 17th, 2025 and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into August or early September but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species, and enter/report data to the supervisor.

Assist site managers and Audubon staff with installing symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.

Conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays generally between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hours may run longer or change as needed, and longer hours are anticipated on holiday weekends.

Assist with recruiting volunteers; train, schedule, and transport volunteers by boat to chaperone nesting birds and to conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays.

Work closely with site managers and Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.

Assist with additional surveys and research with Audubon Florida staff and external partners

Qualifications and Experience

Experience and ability with verbal communication, including a willingness to engage with a large variety of public.

Experience and ability with record-keeping and summarizing data for grant-required reports.

Ability to recruit, train, support, and schedule volunteers.

Work well independently and with other staff and volunteers.

A positive and diplomatic attitude.

Demonstrated capability of physically active work walking on sandy beaches carrying field equipment during Florida summer field conditions and move 30 lbs with or without accommodation.

Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks.

Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

Must be comfortable with boating and working on the water. Experience using a motorboat is preferred.

Previous experience with monitoring and stewardship for one shore/seabird nesting season strongly preferred, but similar experience will be considered.

Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.

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

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.