Position Summary:

Audubon Florida is hiring a seasonal Shorebird Anchor Steward to support monitoring and protection of beach-nesting birds in Collier County, including but not limited to, boat-access sites like Big Marco Pass CWA, Caxambas, and Kice Islands. Species may include Wilson’s Plovers, Least Terns, Black Skimmers, and American Oystercatchers. The role focuses on coordinating and training volunteers, monitoring nesting activity, engaging with the public, and assisting with surveys, partner projects, and basic data tasks.

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 16th, 2026 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:

$19.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

Under the direction of Audubon’s Southwest Florida Shorebird Project Manager, the Collier County Anchor Steward will be responsible for the following tasks:

• 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.
• 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.
• Assist with recruiting volunteers; train, schedule, and safely 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
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Comfortable speaking to groups and engaging with a wide variety of audiences.
• 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.
• Comfortable with traversing on sandy beaches while transporting field equipment during Florida summer field conditions and move 30 lbs with or without accommodation.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to complete assigned tasks.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays in accordance with nesting season.
• 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.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.