Shorebird Conservation Biologist

• Coordinate compatible agriculture projects and bird monitoring efforts of the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership
• Help develop and implement conservation plans for private farms and ranches that include:
  • Restoration Projects: wetland, riparian, and hedgerow (in collaboration with Audubon California’s Landowner Stewardship Program staff).
  • Agricultural Field Management: work with farmers to identify and implement farm practices that enhance habitat value of agricultural fields, particularly rice.
• Work with landowners to apply for incentive programs to provide cost share for wildlife-friendly management practices.
• Implement bird research and monitoring on private properties in the region
• Collaborate with Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley Refuge staff on waterbird monitoring and management.
• Coordinate citizen scientist volunteers to implement bird monitoring
  • Includes assisting in development and coordination of focal species surveys (e.g. Long-billed Curlew, Mountain Plover).
  • Interact with and involve local Audubon chapters in monitoring and other conservation activities.

The Shorebird Conservation Biologist will report to Audubon California’s Director of Migratory Bird Conservation and interact with Audubon California’s Executive Director, Director of Bird Conservation, Director of the Landowner Stewardship Program, and Director of the California IBA Program.

Citizen scientist volunteers, private landowners, agency staff, and research collaborators.

• Advanced degree in ornithology, ecology, wildlife management, environmental science, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with a variety of public and private stakeholders to coordinate and implement conservation projects. Ideally including experience working with private landowners in an agricultural setting.
• Strong field identification skills and knowledge of birds, especially waterbirds. Experience in identification and surveying of vegetation and other wildlife desirable.
• Experience in habitat restoration and/or management desirable, especially with wetlands.
• Experience in creating and using databases; mapping and GIS skills also desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to work both independently and as part of a team.  Position will require excellent communication skills with the program team, landowners, and volunteers.
• Strong initiative and self-motivation and ability to work with limited supervision.
• Ability to travel in California, and to work evenings and weekends, as needed; a valid driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to perform physically demanding field tasks, including but not limited to: extensive hiking during field monitoring work and manual labor required for establishing monitoring plots and assisting in restoration activities.
• Strong commitment to the mission and vision of the National Audubon Society and proven effectiveness in a team setting.

The Shorebird Conservation Biologist must:

• Be able to traverse a wide range of natural areas, as needed;
• Have adequate visual and auditory ability for bird observation and identification;
• Have the digital and mental skills needed to operate standard office equipment and field equipment;
• Be able to sit, stand, grasp, lift, carry, walk, climb, kneel, stand, push and pull as needed.