South Pinellas County Anchor Steward

Position Summary

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations along the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding, and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. In order to more effectively monitor and protect nesting shorebirds, Audubon is hiring a seasonal Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites located in the southern portion of Pinellas County, Florida. Sites requiring stewardship and monitoring will include Fort De Soto County Park and Shell Key Preserve. Nesting species may include American Oystercatcher, Wilson’s Plover, Snowy Plover, Least Tern, and Black Skimmer. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize and train volunteers to minimize disturbance by conducting public outreach near shorebird and seabird nesting areas and to help monitor nesting.

This is a seasonal position working 40 hours per week to include weekend days and the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists until the latter holiday. The position start date is anticipated to begin on March 19, 2025 and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into late August but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

This position is based on-site within the southern portion of Pinellas County, Florida.

Compensation: $15.00 / hour
 

Essential Functions

Under the direction of Audubon’s Shorebird Project Manager, the South Pinellas County Anchor Steward will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species; report data in the Florida Shorebird Database and Excel spreadsheets as directed by the supervisor.
• Assist site managers and partners with installation of symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.
• Conduct public outreach at beach-nesting sites on weekends and holidays, to target maximum number of beachgoers and prevent nest disturbance. Hours may run longer or change as needed, and overtime is anticipated on holiday weekends.
• Assist with recruitment of volunteers; train and schedule volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and to conduct public outreach at nesting sites on weekends and holidays.
• Work closely and communicate with site managers and other Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong data collection and organizational skills.
• Experience recruiting, training, supporting, and scheduling volunteers preferred.
• Works well independently and with other staff, partners, and volunteers.
• Capability of carrying field equipment in Florida summer field conditions while traversing up to 5 miles on sandy beaches, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to move 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to complete assigned tasks.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
• Familiarity with Pinellas County beaches preferred.
• Previous experience with shorebird and seabird monitoring and stewardship is helpful, but not required.
• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Must have a positive and diplomatic attitude.
• Must have an interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.