Lead Bird Survey Technician

National Audubon Society•West Alton, MO

1d•$19 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety. Position Summary : The Audubon Center at Riverlands is seeking one seasonal lead bird survey technician to assist in our long-term bottomland forest bird surveys for the Upper Mississippi River system. Working under the Senior Conservation Manager and Senior Conservation Science Associate, the Lead Bird Survey Technician will assist in conducting point-count surveys on islands and areas along the Mississippi River during the spring/summer. The part-time lead bird survey technician will also act as a lead over our other part-time techs and volunteers and assist in scheduling field outings/survey needs. Technicians will also conduct associated data entry and quality assurance, as well as some data analysis. This position starts May 4th and could last until July 31st (dates may vary due to river conditions) with some weekend and holiday work being required. Housing is not provided. Applicants will be accepted until the position is filled. This role is on-site, based out of the Audubon Center at Riverlands, in West Alton, MO. Length of Assignment: May 4th, 2026 – July 31st, 2026 Hours: Roughly 10-20 hours/week This role is on-site, based out of the Audubon Center at Riverlands, in West Alton, MO. Compensation: $19.00 - $21.00 / hour

Requirements

Working to or currently have a bachelor’s degree in biology, Ecology, Conservation, Natural sciences, related field, or similar experience required.
Prior experience conducting biological surveys is preferred.
Familiarity with identifying Midwestern songbirds by sight and sound is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with avian point count surveys is strongly preferred.
Willingness and flexibility to work early morning hours, weekends, or holidays.
Strong attention to detail and data entry skills.
Strong organization and communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Must hold a valid driver’s license and have access to a personal vehicle.
Ability to work for prolonged periods of time, with or without accommodation, under difficult field conditions such as rugged or muddy terrain, thick grass, forest undergrowth, high temps/humidity, and biting insects.
Comfortable maneuvering up to 25 lbs., with or without accommodations.
Ability to bend, crouch, stoop, and reach with or without accommodations.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Nice To Haves

Ability to operate light trucks and boats with outboard motors desired but not required.
Boating experience desired but not required.

Responsibilities

Navigate study points using GPS and other orienteering methods.
Predominately collect detailed information on bird species locations, timing, and movements.
Record measurements on data sheets and/or field notebook computers.
Meticulously enter data into computer databases.
Collect, record, summarize, organize, and/or file data using various standardized data collection procedures and equipment.
Facilitate monitoring and logistics; this includes putting together survey equipment, assisting in transportation to and from survey sites (by boat and by car), scheduling, etc.
Assist in teaching other part-time biological technicians bird species ID skills.
Act as a team lead and coordinate part-time biological techs and volunteers during surveys.
Collaborate with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
Other job-related duties as assigned