Coastal Steward

Overview: Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them.

Audubon s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action.

By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive.

And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level.

What defines Audubon s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country.

Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

The Audubon Mississippi Coastal Bird Stewardship Program (AMCBSP) is a comprehensive conservation and research program based in southern Mississippi that promotes the safeguarding of coastal birds and their habitats through volunteer-driven, citizen science and outreach, and strategic partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, local academic institutions and community organizations.

We seek two enthusiastic individuals to serve as Coastal Stewards for the AMCBS program.

Supervised by the AMCBSP Stewardship Manager, the Coastal Stewards will work with AMCBSP staff and Audubon volunteers during the breeding season (mid April end of August) to help protect nesting sites from the threats of human disturbance.

Stewards will work at nesting sites which are primarily in Harrison County, MS (Biloxi to Pass Christian), but some occasional office work in Moss Point will be required.

This is a full-time, seasonal working up to 40 hours per week.

Housing is not provided.

Essential Functions Assist in the posting and roping of Least Tern (and other nesting bird) colonies during the breeding season.

Interact with the public to promote conservation of and discourage disturbance of colonies.

Act as a sentry to encourage beach-goers to avoid nesting colony areas.

Educate interested beach visitors about beach-nesting birds.

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

Assist in prepping field and outreach supplies and activities prior to the field season.

Provide assistance to the AMCBSP Stewardship Manager in organizing and implementing stewardship events.

Participate in other projects as necessary.

Ensure timely and accurate data collection.

Maintain proper care and inventory of all project equipment.

and Experience Interest and knowledge in bird conservation and/or environmental issues.

Willingness to work odd hours (early mornings, evenings, weekends) including the July 4th weekend is a must.

A positive and professional attitude, and excellent interpersonal communication skills.

Willingness to stay in place for long hours on the beach protecting sensitive nesting sites.

Ability to perform outdoor tasks requiring physical exertion, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain (e.

g.

, maneuvering in sand beach in high heat) while maintaining a positive attitude.

Ability to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.

Ability to maintain a professional and upbeat attitude 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.

A passion for environmental conservation and a willingness to learn.

Must have 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).