Date: March 1 – August 31, 2026 (some flexibility on start date possible if necessary)

Compensation: Salary of $4,333 per month. A mileage reimbursement up to $4,000 is given for the season. A $500/month housing stipend will be provided.

Location: Lower Rio Grande Valley (La Sal Del Rey, Boca Chica)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated technician to protect, monitor, and conduct public outreach for beach-nesting bird species in the Lower Rio Grande Valley area of the Texas coast. Primary duties will include: identifying, posting, and maintaining nesting habitat for Least Terns, Wilson’s Plovers, and Snowy Plovers using signs and symbolic fencing at designated study sites; conduct weekly surveys to collect breeding data on adults, nests, and broods, and document habitat and disturbances. Adherence to an established protocol is required. Technicians will participate in additional scientific monitoring including (but not limited to) trapping and banding plover adults and chicks, re-sighting banded birds, and conducting surveys for the International Shorebird Survey. This is a full-time seasonal position and requires working weekends and holidays (Memorial Day and July 4th). A 40-hour work week is required, and possibly up to 50 hours during the peak season (April-May).

Technicians will also perform public outreach and education about imperiled beach-nesting birds at critical nesting areas and at community events. Busy weekends and holidays will be targeted for stewardship activities at nesting locations where human recreation is present. Weekend work is required. Individuals will work closely with volunteers, and seek out new volunteers and other community members when conducting education and bird stewardship activities. The position may require technician to conduct informative presentations to local community and/or school groups about beach-nesting birds and coordinate volunteer efforts to deploy additional stewards at critical nesting areas with high human use.

A significant portion of time will be spent viewing birds through binoculars and high-powered scopes, and standing and walking outside (~ 5 miles/day) along long stretches of beach habitat in hot, sunny conditions. Weather conditions vary and may include, cold, strong winds, rain and storms, heat, and high humidity – biting insects will be prevalent throughout the season. Candidates must be able to physically and mentally work in these conditions.

Technician will be expected to maintain all field data on paper and electronically and conduct basic data analysis of these data to include interim and final reports as per the grant requirements funding this position. Regular reviews of data management will be conducted.

This is a contract position (1099 income) and taxes will not be withheld from monthly pay. Contractor will utilize their own vehicle for travel to/from sites. Contractor is expected to provide proof of housing (i.e. lease) and will submit an invoice each month including mileage between study sites to receive payment.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Wildlife Sciences, or a related field, and be experienced in following bird monitoring and research protocols. Experience with shorebird identification, surveying, locating nests and re-sighting banded beach-nesting birds is required. Experience with trapping and banding birds is strongly desired.

Strong verbal and written communication skills are a must and will include conflict resolution. Applicants must be comfortable communicating and working with recreational beach users, volunteers, community members, and staff of multiple partner organizations.

Basic Microsoft Word and Excel skills are required. Report writing skills are desirable. Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle are required for travel between work sites. Personal vehicles will be exposed to sand and salt as work is conducted in a coastal barrier environment.