Connecticut Audbon Society

Coastal Ranger – seasonal, weekend

WEEKEND COASTAL RANGER POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Position Summary:

The Connecticut Audubon Society’s Coastal Rangers will work as a member of the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds. The Alliance is a partnership between The Connecticut Audubon Society, Audubon Connecticut, The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division, The Nature Conservancy and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Alliance implements conservation efforts statewide to protect nesting areas and reduce disturbance, while monitoring the breeding populations of five focal species- Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, Common Tern and Black Skimmer. The Coastal Rangers will be responsible for aiding the efforts to inventory, monitor, and steward the five species of breeding coastal waterbirds in Connecticut. These positions are based at our Coastal Center at Milford Point in Milford, Connecticut.

This is a great opportunity to work with several species of shorebirds and waterbirds in a unique estuarine ecosystem along the coast of Connecticut. The Connecticut Audubon Society is offering 3 positions for the 2023 field season.

Position-

Seasonal, weekend position- 14 hours per week, May 20, 2023 through September 4, 2023. $15 – 17.00/hour, dependent on experience. This position will require a few days of training prior to official start date.

  All positions required to work holidays and flexibility to work weekends if schedule not assigned to weekends already.

 

Essential Functions:

The Coastal Rangers will assist conservation scientists with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting and migratory shorebirds on the coast of Connecticut. Stewardship, inventory and monitoring activities include:

  • Working with Alliance partners, field staff monitor and manage beach-nesting birds to collect productivity data and reduce human disturbance at nesting sites
  • Assist with the installation, maintenance and removal of string fencing, signage and Piping Plover nest exclosures throughout the season
  • Monitor beach-nesting birds to collect nest and chick survival data, document predators and instances of human disturbance
  • Daily and weekly data entry into online database
  • Educate beach visitors about beach-nesting and migratory shorebirds through face-to-face interaction to reduce disturbances at nesting sites
  • Collecting data on and reporting sightings of banded shorebirds
  • Coordinating monitoring efforts with other Audubon Alliance staff and partners
  • Participate in weekly Alliance conference calls and communicate with Alliance staff via Slack, text, and phone.
  • Assist with data analysis and end of the season reports
  • Provide content (pictures and brief descriptions) to document disturbances, for inclusion in final reports, and for The Connecticut Audubon Society’s media use
  • Additional duties, such as helping at other locations as needed with Alliance staff and volunteers may be asked

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Coursework in active pursuit of a degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field
  • Experience with waterbird and shorebird identification and/or monitoring for the US east coast
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and problem solve in the field
  • Experience collecting, managing, and maintaining a large data set
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software for data entry and report writing
  • Experience and ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken and graphical means along with responding to communications in a prompt and timely manner
  • Must have valid driver’s license
  • Must undergo a background check per The Connecticut Audubon Society’s protocal
  • Flexible approach to work, as weekend and holiday work will be required, as well as frequent schedule changes based on site needs and weather conditions.
  • Must be able to walk in sand or on rocky coastal terrain and able to lift/carry at least 30lbs.
  • Required to manually install and maintain fencing and exclosures in rocky substrate
  • Willing to work in a variety of weather conditions including sun, rain, and hot/cold temps
  • Interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of The Connecticut Audubon Society.

This position will report to the Conservation Manager. Please send resume with cover letter email to smartin@ctaudubon.org

The Connecticut Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse Board, staff and membership body. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

 

 

 

 

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