Seasonal Shorebird Technicians
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Who We Are
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science‑based organization, we create innovative, on‑the‑ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures.
Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you.
What We Can Achieve Together
Two Seasonal Shorebird Technicians will assist conservation scientists with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting shorebirds on the barrier islands and marshes of the Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve. Technicians will work closely with the VVCR’s Coastal Science staff with each position assigned to one of two specific projects:
1. Eastern Willet, Piping plover and American oystercatcher (12‑week position) productivity monitoring, resighting, and banding.
2. American oystercatcher productivity monitoring, banding and resighting within salt marshes combined with management and implementation of a study to test the efficacy of using artificial nesting platforms for nesting oystercatchers (18‑week position).
Technicians will have opportunities to assist on all projects and will also participate in other program activities such as colonial waterbird surveys and data entry. Technicians will also engage in the following beach nesting bird management activities: posting and patrolling bird colonies on the barrier islands, educating island visitors about beach nesting birds, maintaining signage, and conducting visitor use surveys. These positions require one to keep organized, detailed daily field notes, operate a boat to be used for access to the barrier islands and perform daily maintenance on boats. Additional duties may be assigned.
We’re Looking for You
By joining the VVCR team, you will become part of a cutting edge Landscape Program that has worked to protect a unique coastal landscape using a science‑based, partnership approach to management and conservation for over 50 years. The VVCR is one of the last expanses of coastal wilderness on the U.S. East Coast and encompasses over 40,000 acres of natural landscape throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including 14 barrier and marsh islands. The Migratory Bird Program aims to protect and manage the bird populations that depend on these coastal habitats. The importance of the region to migratory birds is recognized through a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network designation and Audubon Important Bird Area Global status.
You can expect the following roles and responsibilities when you join our team:
- Work under close supervision and receive specific and detailed instructions for required tasks, but also operate independently and exercise good judgement in varied field conditions.
- Supervise volunteers on occasion.
- Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including preserve volunteers, preserve visitors, and others.
- Walk 3‑8 miles each day in heat and humidity along remote barrier islands.
- Work from and on a boat; work in remote locations, sometimes during adverse conditions such as heat, humidity, extended exposure to sun and biting insects.
- Work weekends and holidays on occasion and as scheduled ahead of time.
- Work a varied schedule that depends on tide and weather; field sites span approximately 50 miles of coastline and include 10 different sites.
What You’ll Bring:
- Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of experience.
- Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
- Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain.
- Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation and personal automobile insurance.
Desired Qualifications
- BS degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred, or coursework in active pursuit of a degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field.
- Waterbird and shorebird identification skills. Experience with monitoring reproductive success of beach nesting birds preferred.
- Shorebird banding experience preferred.
- Experience operating and trailering boats independently up to 20 feet in length.
- Experience using GPS units, GIS mapping software and remote data collection tools such as ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey 123.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software.
- Local knowledge of the Eastern Shore of Virginia seaside, tides, and barrier islands preferred. Must meet Virginia’s Boating Safety Education requirement or will be required to complete an online course prior to start of position.
Salary Information
Current funding provides for $23.50 per hour, 40 hours/week, 12‑18 weeks duration depending on the position. Shared seasonal housing will be provided with the rental value included as non‑cash taxable income. Desired start date is March or April 2026.
