Seasonal Biological Technician

Location

Audubon North Carolina – Wilmington, NC – Remote

Based in Wilmington, NC, the Seasonal Biological Technician will assist the coastal biologist in monitoring and managing Audubon North Carolina's sanctuary system for the purpose of providing habitat for nesting shorebirds, including American Oyster catchers. The technician will be responsible for monitoring Oystercatcher, plover, and tern numbers and productivity on assigned island(s), collecting accurate data, maintaining and enforcing signage, educating the public, interacting with volunteers, and assisting with other related activities as needed.

Esta seasonal (temporary) position requires full‑time commitment (40hrs per week) from March through September with no benefits or housing provided. The job requires working long hours in adverse outdoor conditions and accessing most work sites by outboard motorboat.

$19.00 per hour

• Monitor American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, and Piping and Wilson's Plover abundance and productivity on barrier islands and other coastal sites: locate, mark, and track nests to success or failure, recording accurate data.
• Post nesting areas and maintain postings throughout summer: lift and carry 8’ wooden posts, use post‑hole diggers and other hand tools.
• Monitor sea turtle nesting activity and install predator exclusion cages: identify crawling activity and dig 2’ trenches.
• Carry out protocols for specific monitoring and research projects and provide logistical support: remain alert and observant for long periods, follow detailed directions, communicate effectively with partners and co‑workers.
• Maintain accurate, detailed field journal, data sheets, and spreadsheets; assist in producing written reports and summary spreadsheets at end of season.
• Conduct shorebird surveys: identify shorebirds and gulls and terns, use binoculars and spotting scope, count birds rapidly and accurately.
• Assist with other job‑related activities as needed, including volunteer events, educational activities, and waterbird surveys: engage positively with the public and volunteers.
• Maintain a culture of safety.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred, or 1–2 years of experience carrying out field work.
• Previous experience monitoring nesting shorebirds and colonial waterbirds strongly preferred; experience monitoring nesting sea turtles preferred.
• Experience identifying birds (recreational or work basis); ability to identify shorebirds and other waterbirds strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate outboard motorboats up to 23’ inshore and tow, launch, and recover such boats; prior boating and towing experience strongly preferred.
• Good written and oral communication skills and strong organizational abilities; ability to interact positively with public, volunteers, and co‑workers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to pass NC boater’s license test.
• Ability to traverse up to 25 miles per week over sand; work outdoors in adverse conditions (cold, extreme heat, humidity, insects).
• Ability to maneuver up to 40 lbs, use manual post‑hole diggers and other hand tools.
• Comfortable working alone, unsupervised, on water and on uninhabited islands.
• Willing to start work early, work long, flexible hours, weekends and holidays including Memorial Day, Fourth of July.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments valued.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

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