Senior Coordinator, Coastal Stewardship

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 towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.

North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.

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 brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Reporting to Coastal Program Manager and based at the state office in Charleston, SC, the Senior Coordinator, Coastal Stewardship will be part of Audubon South Carolina’s conservation team and will be responsible for leading its robust coastal volunteer program that covers the entire SC coastline. Main duties include coordinating volunteers, monitoring coastal bird sites, and interacting with the boating and beachgoing public to prevent disturbance to resting and nesting coastal birds.

Compensation:

$43,000 - $50,000 / year

• Oversee the recruitment, training, mentoring, supervision, and management of volunteers or seasonal staff for stewardship, community science, and other efforts deemed necessary by the program. Help improve the program from year to year by retaining volunteers during the off-season and growing the program during the field season.
• In collaboration with Audubon staff, lead and/or contribute to the development and implementation of volunteer training programs focused on proper monitoring, stewardship, habitat management, and safety protocols.
• Organize, participate in, and lead seasonal monitoring of coastal birds on Audubon-managed sites. Seasonal monitoring may include nesting pair counts, productivity as capacity allows, migratory and overwintering species counts, and mixed method surveys on the beach and from a boat. Familiarize oneself with various survey methods including but not limited to human disturbance surveys, International Shorebird Surveys, band resight surveys, and Christmas Bird Counts.
• Post signage around nesting sites and maintain said posting in coordination with community and conservation partners; assist these partners with field work, as needed.
• Data entry to support Audubon’s science and research, as directed by supervisor and in coordination with National Audubon Society priorities; communicate relevant data with the public as deemed appropriate.
• Foster and cultivate relationships with public and private entities.
• Coordinate with partners to ensure state-wide shorebird steward coverage at priority sites.
• Coordinate and assist with volunteer events throughout the year including but not limited to sign posting, litter cleanups, end-of-season thank you events, bird counts, and bird walks.
• Monitor nesting bird outcomes related to human disturbance reduction, predator threats, storm surge, and habitat restoration.
• Conduct non-breeding bird surveys.
• In collaboration with other Audubon staff, write technical reports and contribute to scientific manuscripts.
• Collaborate with other Audubon state/regional offices and the National Audubon Society conservation and science teams.
• Work with Audubon conservation and communications staff to develop and deliver compelling messages and publicity about shorebirds, the coastal program, and Shorebird Stewards volunteer program, both verbally and in writing, aimed at technical and non-technical partners.
• Create and coordinate youth leadership programming for conservation actions including reduction of threats to shorebirds and coastal resilience. This may include activities such as coordinating volunteers, continuing the student-designed sign initiative, and posting said signs on beaches to encourage responsible behavior from beachgoers.
• Expand our coastal volunteer program to provide engagement opportunities with a more diverse (in age and possibly in affluence) group of people.
• Serve as subject matter expert for communications software such as EveryAction and EmailMachine to streamline coastal communications with our supporters and volunteers.
• Organize and maintain sufficient stewardship materials, such as printed educational material, beach signage, and health/safety materials in accordance with annual budget; When necessary, identify materials and resource needs for the program.
• Update and maintain the Shorebird Steward volunteer training program and ensure it follows Audubon’s branding guidelines; maintain an online and in-person Stewardship training program.
• Work with local agencies and community members to garner support for the stewardship of priority birds, with an emphasis on beach-nesting birds, and habitats.
• Communicate with target audiences via various means (e.g., social media; programming, etc.) to promote the message of bird conservation and promote behavior change that benefits birds.
• In alignment with national, regional, and local milestones and goals, develop and implement goals and plans for the program.
• Support Audubon staff with funding opportunities, including grant writing, event coordination, and sponsorships.
• Cultivate and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external partners including other Audubon offices and chapters, state and federal agencies, other non-governmental organizations, and community and government leaders.  
• Help maintain a Coastal Stewardship annual budget to comply with the Audubon South Carolina budget.
• In close coordination with Audubon policy and coastal staff leads, incorporate climate policy and advocacy into stewardship activities and programming. 
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree with a background in ecology, biology, education, natural resources management (or equivalent), or related field. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in natural resource management, biology, environmental education, or related environmental or conservation work. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• 1+ years' demonstrated expertise in shorebird and seabird identification and experience in performing waterbird surveys.
• Comfort with engaging the public and talking about the importance of protecting birds in a positive & productive way.
• Experience with handheld GPS surveys and basic GIS mapping skills preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well independently in the field and well with others, including Audubon staff and volunteers.
• Project management experience including managing project deliverables, reporting on progress, and writing grant proposals. The ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize is essential.
• Strong communication skills including public speaking, public presentation, writing skills and ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Valid driver’s license required, with experience with small boats, trailers, and operating vehicles strongly preferred.
• Awareness of routine maintenance on mechanical equipment such as trucks and boats preferred.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day) during the spring and summer breeding season.
• Must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs., traverse up to 4 miles carrying spotting scope and day pack in South Carolina summer field conditions with or without accommodations.
• Adapt to various field and work conditions while under deadlines.

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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