Sarasota Seasonal Bird Stewardship Coordinator

Position Summary

Audubon Florida seeks a seasonal Bird Stewardship Coordinator to support beach-nesting bird conservation work in Sarasota County. The Coordinator will work on beaches throughout Sarasota County, a shoreline distance of about 37 miles, but predominantly in the central and northern portions of the county where shorebirds and seabirds have nested historically, on Lido Key, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key. Nesting species surveyed include Black Skimmers, Least Terns, and Snowy Plovers.

During the breeding season from March through August, the Coordinator will be responsible for independently performing bird monitoring and stewardship work for beach-nesting birds with responsibilities that include:

• Posting and maintaining symbolic fencing and signage around beach-nesting bird sites.
• Monitoring nest sites at least twice weekly for evidence of disturbance or predation.
• Performing weekly or more bird surveys to include the number of adult pairs of nesting species, the number of nests, the number of downy and feathered chicks, and the number of fledged young.
• Protecting sites from disturbance through stewardship activities that will include coordination with municipal and county staff or landowners to minimize disturbance.
• Recruitment and training of new volunteers; advising and partnering with volunteers to chaperone beach-nesting bird sites during busy weekends.
• Educating beachgoers about these species and encouraging compliance with posted areas; engaging in outreach to user groups through presentations at organizational meetings.

This is a seasonal, full-time, grant-funded position from approximately April 1, 2024 through mid-August. Funding for this seasonal position is provided by the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund through December 31, 2032. Additional funding may beyond December 2032. The Stewardship Coordinator will work remotely out of their home in the Sarasota County area.

Compensation:

$18.00 / hour

Essential Functions

By closely collaborating with Audubon’s Shorebird Project Manager, the Sarasota Seasonal Bird Stewardship Coordinator will:

• Monitor all active nesting sites and perform weekly or more surveys and steward sites as appropriate (to be determined in consultation with the Project Manager).
• Ensure all Sarasota County beaches are effectively surveyed during the monthly Florida Shorebird Alliance beach-nesting bird survey windows.
• Ensure all bird survey data is entered weekly into the Florida Shorebird Database.
• Collect accurate data as assigned and submit associated activity logs on a scheduled timeline.
• Summarize survey and stewardship data required for grant report submissions.
• Contribute photographs and short stories about birds and bird stewardship for use on Audubon website and in social media.
• Train, mentor, and manage volunteers engaged in monitoring and stewardship activities.
• Educate and engage the public around coastal bird conservation through outreach at nesting sites.
• Cooperate with Audubon partners, including but not limited to: Sarasota Audubon Society leaders and volunteers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists and law enforcement officers, Sarasota County staff, and municipal staff as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife ecology or related field required.
• 1-2 years' demonstrated experience performing bird surveys required; experience in shorebird and seabird identification strongly preferred.
• Strong verbal communication and problem-solving skills; excellent judgment and decision-making skills, possessing a high degree of integrity in all deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to maintain accountability for work products.
• Demonstrated experience working with external partners and volunteers.
• Ability to move 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Ability to carry field equipment in Florida summer field conditions while traversing up to 5 miles on sandy beaches, with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to work long days, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Bilingual preferred, but not required.
• Familiarity with Sarasota County beaches and coastal conservation lands of a plus.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks.
• Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.