Coastal Warden, Matagorda Bay

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

The Coastal Warden works with the Coastal Conservation Program Manager to asses s, monitor, and manage coastal bird islands in and near Matagorda Bay. The warden will patrol the waterbird sanctuaries by boat throughout the year, emphasizing monitoring, reducing disturbance, and identifying stressors during the February through August nesting season. During the non-breeding season, the Coastal Warden will work to conduct management actions to enhance coastal islands for bird nesting success. The warden will work to develop strong ties with partners in and near Matagorda Bay. The warden will collaborate with partners to identify potential nesting sites and, if needed, seek permission from landowners to access sites. The warden will collect data and submit monthly reports to the Coastal Program Manager in Texas.

Compensation:

$18.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Work with Audubon staff and partners to identify colonial waterbird nesting sites.
• Conduct regular colonial waterbird monitoring at islands.
• Develop reports documenting the arrival of colonial water birds to islands, nesting behavior, and nest success.
• Include weather events, disturbance (human or animal), and any other pertinent information in these reports
  • Identify and document stressors limiting nesting success.
  • When needed, remove stressors limiting nesting success , such as fire ants, raccoons, coyotes, and feral cats.
• Install and maintain signs on nesting islands.
• Remove trash, apply herbicide, plant native vegetation, and build nesting structures as needed and appropriate.
• Ensure that all Audubon coastal equipment in your possession is in good working order. Notify the supervisor of needed repairs and registration renewals as soon as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to identify coastal waterbird species.
• Ability to work remotely with limited supervision.
• Ability to work weekends and nights as required.
• Ability to operate and maintain a motorized boat of 90-175 hp required; a boater’s safety course certificate is preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot, humid, and buggy conditions.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Ability to complete other manual labor tasks as required
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as other desktop applications

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.