Bird Survey Technician

New York City Audubon seeks two Bird Survey Technicians to assist with a monitoring study of multiple green roofs and green terraces in Manhattan. These seasonal, part-time staff positions will run from mid-March -mid-November, 2024, and are an exciting opportunity to get involved in urban biodiversity research with one of the city’s leading conservation organizations.

About NYC Audubon

Founded in 1979, NYC Audubon works for the protection of wild birds and habitat in the five boroughs, improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. NYC Audubon’s conservation and science activities, education and public programs, and advocacy and outreach efforts on behalf of urban and migrating birds and wildlife are more critical than ever due to climate change effects and the devastating, steady loss of the natural environment in the City over many decades.

NYC Audubon serves a diverse community of 10,000 members, with a team of 15 staff supported by seasonal scientists, hundreds of advocates, and thousands of volunteers. It is an exciting time for the organization. We will be changing the organization’s name in Spring 2024, dropping “Audubon” and choosing a new name that is more inclusive and better represents our work. We will remain an affiliated chapter of National Audubon. Learn more about our name change at nycaudubon.org/audubon-name.

NYC Audubon’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

NYC Audubon believes all people have the right to a close connection to the natural world and the right to a healthy environment. Preserving our environment is only possible if we all feel that connection. We commit to building an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible NYC Audubon, dedicated to protecting nature for all of New York City’s people and its wild birds. For more information including our complete EDIA statement, visit nycaudubon.org/edia.

About the Position

NYC Audubon surveys the bird populations in green spaces across the city, including parks and green roofs. Green roofs can provide important refuge for migratory birds that stop over in parts of the city with little street level greenspace. The Bird Survey Technicians will assist NYC Audubon’s conservation staff in monitoring migratory and breeding bird activity in up to 20 green roof and terrace sites in lower Manhattan from March through November. The Seasonal Bird Survey Technicians will report to NYC Audubon’s Senior Manager of Green Infrastructure.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-person bird surveys via point counts and line transects, identifying birds by sight and sound.
• Record observations and upload data.
• Assist with nest box monitoring, as needed.

As members of a small, dynamic team, the field technicians will also have the opportunity to build skills by joining NYC Audubon conservation staff in other field projects throughout the City. Opportunities available include bird banding, tagging Horseshoe Crabs, and participating in cutting-edge urban biodiversity research.

The job is physically demanding and will require walking up to two miles per day in all weather conditions. Work will be outdoors at high elevations on exposed rooftops and terraces.

Qualifications

Essential

• Expert Northeastern bird identification skills – must be able to identify birds by sight and sound.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience following monitoring protocols.
• Meticulous attention to detail in recording data.
• Good verbal communication skills and the ability to interact positively with the public and partners on sensitive conservation issues.
• Ability to work in physically strenuous field conditions, including climbing stairs and working outdoors in all weather.
• Availability to work early mornings (starting 6am) in all weather conditions.
• Ability to use binoculars.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Coursework in ornithology.
• Experience in ornithological field research.

Job Details

These are seasonal, part-time, hourly staff positions working five days a week, approximately 4-5 hours per day, from March 14 – November 15, 2024. Assigned work shifts will start at approximately sunrise and may include weekend work. These positions are in-person only.

Compensation

The Seasonal Bird Survey Technicians will be compensated at a rate of $23 per hour. While no fringe benefits (health insurance, retirement savings, or paid time off) are included in this job, the technicians will receive paid pro-rated days off for Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Indigenous Peoples Day, and sick time as provided by NYC law.