Conservation Technician, Coastal

National Audubon Society

1d•$24 - $26

About The Position

The Conservation Technician, Coastal is a hands-on, field-based position responsible for protecting, managing, and enhancing Audubon-leased or owned bird rookery islands in the Galveston Bay area. This role serves as the first line of defense for colonial waterbirds and other species of conservation concern through island monitoring, habitat management, and outreach and education. This position supports Audubon’s conservation priorities in the Galveston Bay region, advancing outcomes for birds and coastal ecosystems aligned with Audubon’s hemispheric Flight Plan. During the breeding season, the Conservation Technician monitors bird nesting colonies, counts nesting pairs, identifies threats to nesting success, and reduces disturbance to birds. During the non-breeding season, the Conservation Technician leads habitat management actions to improve island condition and future nesting success. Year-round the Conservation Technician also engages coastal communities, recreational users, and partners to promote stewardship and protection of rookery islands, coastal birds, and coastal ecosystems. This position requires extensive time in the field, the ability to safely operate a boat in coastal environments, and strong knowledge of Texas coastal birds and habitats.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources related field
At least one year experience in field-based wildlife monitoring, habitat management, or conservation work. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Demonstrated ability to safely operate boats and navigate coastal waters.
Strong communication skills and ability to work with volunteers and partners.
Ability to work alone for extended periods in remote coastal environments, often in hot, windy, or wet conditions.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks such as walking on uneven terrain, wading in shallow water, bending, and climbing in and out of boats, with or without accommodation.
Comfort working from boats and on isolated islands.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, and occasional holidays during the breeding season.
Valid driver’s license required.
Knowledge of Texas coastal birds, particularly colonial waterbirds and shorebirds.

Nice To Haves

Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
Experience with invasive species control, predator management, or habitat restoration.

Responsibilities

Monitor and manage colonial waterbird nesting sites in the Galveston Bay area on Audubon leased or owned coastal bird islands.
Coordinate and conduct annual waterbird colony surveys and routine colony monitoring.
Document nesting activity, disturbance events, predator presence, and environmental conditions.
Work with the Senior Program Manager to establish site-specific breeding season goals and monitoring schedules, following established protocols and adaptive management guidance.
Prepare breeding and non-breeding season end-of-season reports summarizing nesting activity, threats, and management recommendations.
Follow habitat management plan developed in collaboration with Senior Program manager to improve nesting conditions, including invasive species control, fire ant treatment, predator management, native vegetation planting, debris removal, signage installation, and nesting structure maintenance.
Monitor for and assist with predator removal in coordination with appropriate agencies and partners.
Assist with planning and leading off-season workdays with staff, volunteers, or partners.
Communicate with boaters, anglers, and nearby residents to reduce disturbance and promote compliance with island protections.
Participate in community outreach events and conservation education efforts.
Coordinate closely with the Senior Program Manager and Audubon staff to share information on species status, habitat needs, and management outcomes.
Safely operate and maintain boats and coastal field equipment.
Ensure assigned Audubon equipment is maintained in good working order and report repair or registration needs.
Maintain accurate field notes, monitoring data, boat logs, and comply with reporting procedures.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.