Seasonal Shorebird Technician

Pay: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour (dependent on experience)

Job description:

The Connecticut Audubon Society, Milford Point Shorebird Technician 2026 (1 Position)

Position Summary:

The Connecticut Audubon Society’s Shorebird Technician will work as a member of the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds. The Alliance is a partnership between The Connecticut Audubon Society, Audubon Connecticut, The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division, The Nature Conservancy and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Alliance implements conservation efforts statewide to protect nesting areas and reduce disturbance, while monitoring the breeding populations of five focal species- Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, and Common Tern. The Shorebird Technician will be responsible for aiding the efforts to inventory, monitor, and steward the four species of breeding coastal waterbirds in Connecticut. This position is based at our Coastal Center at Milford Point in Milford, Connecticut.

This is a great opportunity to work with several species of shorebirds and waterbirds in a unique estuarine ecosystem along the coast of Connecticut. The Connecticut Audubon Society is offering 1 position for the 2026 field season. The successful applicant will work under the Senior Shorebird Technician and Conservation Science Manager.

Positions-

Seasonal, full-time position- 35 hours per week, March 15, 2026 through October 16, 2026. $18 – 20.00/hour, dependent on experience. This position will require a few days of training prior to official start date.

The successful candidate will be required to work holidays and one weekend day a week.

Essential Functions:

The Shorebird Technician will assist conservation scientists with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting and migratory shorebirds on the coast of Connecticut. Stewardship, inventory and monitoring activities include:

Working with Alliance partners, field staff will monitor and manage beach-nesting birds to collect productivity data and reduce human disturbance at nesting sites
Assist with the installation, maintenance and removal of string fencing, signage and Piping Plover nest exclosures throughout the season
Monitor beach-nesting birds to collect nest and chick survival data, document predators and instances of human disturbance
Daily and weekly data entry into online database
Educate beach visitors about beach-nesting and migratory shorebirds through face-to-face interaction to reduce disturbances at nesting sites
Collecting data on and reporting sightings of banded shorebirds
Coordinating monitoring efforts with other Audubon Alliance staff and partners
Participate in weekly Alliance conference calls and communicate with Alliance staff via Slack, text, and phone.
Assist with data analysis and end of season reports
Provide content (pictures and brief descriptions) to document disturbances, for inclusion in final reports, and for The Connecticut Audubon Society’s media use
Additional duties, such as helping at other locations as needed with Alliance staff and volunteers may be asked

Qualifications and Experience:

Strong interest or coursework in biology, wildlife management, or related field
Experience with waterbird and shorebird identification and/or monitoring for the US east coast
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and problem solve in the field
Experience collecting, managing, and maintaining a large data set
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software for data entry and report writing
Experience and ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken and graphical means along with responding to communications in a prompt and timely manner
Applicants encouraged to detail experience in customer/public facing roles
Must have reliable transportation
Must undergo a background check per The Connecticut Audubon Society’s protocol
Flexible approach to work, as weekend and holiday work will be required, as well as frequent schedule changes based on site needs and weather conditions.
Must be able to walk in sand or on rocky coastal terrain and able to lift/carry at least 30lbs.
Required to manually install and maintain fencing and exclosures in rocky substrate
Willing to work in a variety of weather conditions including sun, rain, and hot/cold temps
Interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of The Connecticut Audubon Society.

Physical Requirements: (e.g., lifting, reaching, climb, push/pull, etc.) Working in physically strenuous settings, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain. Familiarity with basic hand tools a plus

The Connecticut Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse Board, staff and membership body. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please send a resume and cover letter to mjoyce@ctaudubon.org