Position Summary:

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations on the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better monitor and protect the nesting shorebirds along beaches and other nest sites, Audubon is hiring a seasonal Shorebird Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites within Lee County Barrier Islands, Florida. The sites may include but are not limited to North Captiva and Cayo Costa State Park where transportation is available. These sites are important to the nesting of all five focal shorebirds, Black Skimmers, Least Terns, Wilson’s Plovers, Snowy Plovers, and American Oystercatchers. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to coordinate and train volunteers to help monitor nesting birds and to conduct public outreach around the sea/shorebird nesting areas.

This is a part-time, 20-hour per week, seasonal position focused on weekends and holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists through the latter. The position is expected to begin April 27th, 2026, and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into late-August to mid-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 Monitoring and Stewardship Project Manager, the Lee Barrier Islands 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 3 p.m. Hours may run longer per day or change as needed, and this is anticipated on holiday weekends. Transportation to the island leaves at 7:30 a.m. and returns around 4 p.m. with State Park partners.
• 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 and schedule volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and 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.
• Coordinate with external partners, including State Parks staff and SCCF, for boating transportation to barrier islands for stewarding.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience and ability with verbal communication, including a willingness to engage with large variety of the public
• Experience and ability with record-keeping and summarizing data for grant-required reports.
• Demonstrated experience with recruiting, training, supporting, and scheduling volunteers.
• Works well independently and with other staff and volunteers.
• A positive and diplomatic attitude.
• Comfortable working outdoors in sandy beach environments during Florida summers and managing field equipment up to 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.
• Previous experience with monitoring and stewardship for one sea/shorebird nesting season preferred, but similar experience will be considered.
• Must be comfortable with boating and working on the water. Experience using a motorboat is preferred, but not necessary.
• Ability to adapt and problem solve in an ever-changing situation.
• 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.