Position Title:         George Myers Naturalist

Job Classification: Seasonal Full Time (April 1 through December 15, 2026)

 Job Description: The GEORGE MYERS NATURALIST develops a full spectrum of skills through hands-on participation in various educational, research, and conservation projects at New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) and Nature Center of Cape May (NCCM) in Cape May, NJ. Cape May is renowned as one of the world's greatest hotspots for animal migration, as well as being a popular summertime vacation destination and beach resort. The combination of the two offers great opportunities for wildlife research and education through public outreach. New Jersey Audubon fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to vertebrate and invertebrate fauna and the natural habitats with which they are associated.

Note: This position is named in honor of the late George Myers, a talented CMBO Associate Naturalist who passed on much too soon. In the spirit of George, the position aims to bring the successful candidate through a full lifecycle of being a field naturalist: from learning how New Jersey Audubon translates research into outreach material and ultimately into conservation, to how we develop and execute programs for youth through adulthood. The successful applicant will work with CMBO during the spring and fall migration periods and for the NCCM during the summer months, during which time they will go from an active learner to a skilled leader with a clear understanding of the needs of New Jersey’s resident and migratory wildlife, how we are working to protect them, and the ability to engage a diverse public audience to become stewards of the important resources

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Educational Efforts

• Conduct short programs, field trips, and workshops on bird identification and migration phenomena.
• Orient and assist visitors to the Cape May migration count sites with background information and bird identification. Over 800 people may visit per day during peak times.
• Take on a major role with the development and management of the Bird Observatory’s and Nature Center’s social media pages. This will include writing captions, creating content, and managing social media schedules. Applicants are encouraged to check out the Cape May Bird Observatory and Nature Center of Cape May’s social media platforms for context.
• Conduct children’s programming at the Nature Center of Cape May’s summer nature camp, including the creation of daily lesson plans.
• Conduct interpretive outreach programs (emphasis on local aquatic marine animals) at various locations throughout Cape May County.
• Assist in all daily operations of running the Nature Center during the busy summer season. This may include program registration, retail operations, cleaning, gardening, animal care, aquarium and equipment maintenance, etc.
• Organize and maintain lesson plans, educational supplies, equipment, teaching materials, files and records, and all other programming information.

Membership

• Strive to increase NJ Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory membership base.

Community Relations 

• Represent NJ Audubon in the local community, expanding the organization’s presence to increase local awareness, support, and participation.
• Develop material for NJA website, blog, and volunteer/member newsletter.
• Develop brochures, checklists, and displays as instructed by the Program Directors.

Other

• Attend center, department, and NJ Audubon meetings and serve on committees as requested by supervisor.
• Obtain and maintain certification for First Aid, CPR, and other public safety certifications as appropriate.
• Participates with other NJ Audubon staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations at the assigned center.
• Assume additional responsibilities as requested by supervisor(s)/manager(s).

Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills and Other Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science, or a similar field preferred.
• Familiarity with bird migration, birding, marine species, and coastal ecology is a plus, but learning on the job is expected, and we will provide training and support.

• Strong computer skills – Microsoft Office 365, social media – to fulfill the job requirements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Punctual with excellent organizational, time, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.
• Motivated self-starter able to work independently in the execution of their responsibilities while collaborating with other staff and organizations, with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
• Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet deadlines and needs of the department and organization, including availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must have own transportation, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to operate a motor vehicle in NJ.
• Must have the physical capacity to walk over uneven terrain for long distances, be able to move materials, and lift 25 lbs.

Willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions