Seasonal Shorebird Steward & Monitoring Technician

Audubon; Charleston (SC); Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon South Carolina seeks a Seasonal Shorebird Stewardship and Monitoring Technician to support the Coastal Bird Stewardship Program. You will assist with stewardship events, field surveys, nest monitoring, and public education across SC coast, helping reduce disturbances to nesting shorebirds and seabirds.

The role involves data entry, driving between sites, and working a hybrid schedule within commuting distance of Charleston, SC.

Qualifications

• Must have completed or are pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Environmental Education, or a related field, or have equivalent knowledge and experience
• Ability to use optics, such as binoculars or spotting scopes, required
• At least one season of work experience in avian ecology, nest monitoring, or coastal ecosystems is preferred
• Excellent interpersonal as well as written and oral communication skills, with experience giving educational talks or guided bird walks, preferred
• Must be willing to work long hours outside under physically demanding conditions (hot, humid, biting insects)
• Applicants must be able to traverse long distances (up to 5 miles), carry heavy equipment, and drive to coastal stewardship sites spanning from Hunting Beach State Park to Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
• Must be comfortable interacting with the public and staff of multiple partner organizations
• Must be comfortable riding on a boat and paddling in a kayak
• Must be willing and able to work both independently and as a team member
• A valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle are required for travel
• Must have strong organizational skills and great attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is required; proficiency in social media platforms preferred
• Experience identifying and counting large groups of coastal birds in eastern North America preferred
• Flexibility in schedule that accommodates weather conditions required
• Ability to work a Tuesday‑Saturday average work week with occasional holidays required
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change,
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environment is valued

Responsibilities

• Host in-person stewardship training events for volunteers
• Conduct shorebird stewardship activities and educate beachgoers while collecting data on disturbances
• Distribute educational and promotional materials to beach-goers
• Distribute new stewardship materials such as signs, vests, and handouts to volunteers
• Conduct shorebird surveys to count birds using binoculars and spotting scope
• Assist with shorebird nest monitoring to measure reproductive success and assess causes of nest failure
• Host educational bird walks for shorebird stewards
• Host educational tabling events promoting “Share the Shore” messaging
• Assist partners with installing or taking down protective shorebird fencing
• Maintain field equipment and keep supplies organized
• Create social media posts and blog posts to promote messaging
• Take and organize site photos
• Enter data into Excel and Ebird databases
• Participate in other coastal projects as needed such as salt marsh bird and vegetation monitoring
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety

Skills

Field observations

Bird surveys

Public speaking

Data entry

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biology or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Audubon South Carolina seeks a Seasonal Shorebird Stewardship and Monitoring Technician to support the Coastal Bird Stewardship Program. You will assist with stewardship events, field surveys, nest monitoring, and public education across SC coast, helping reduce disturbances to nesting shorebirds and seabirds.

The role involves data entry, driving between sites, and working a hybrid schedule within commuting distance of Charleston, SC.