Mid Pinellas County Anchor Steward

Position Summary:

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations along the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding, and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. In order to more effectively monitor and protect nesting shorebirds, Audubon is hiring a seasonal Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites within Pinellas County, Florida. Sites requiring stewardship may include Redington Shores, St. Pete Beach, and Clearwater Beach. Nesting species may include Black Skimmer, Least Tern, and American Oystercatcher. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize and train volunteers to minimize disturbance by conducting public outreach near shore/seabird nesting areas and to help monitor nesting.

This is a seasonal position working 20 hours per week to include weekends and the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists until the latter holiday. The position is anticipated to begin April 22, 2026 and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into late August but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

This position is based on-site within Pinellas County, Florida.

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Essential Functions:

Under the direction of the Shorebird Program Manager, the Mid Pinellas County Anchor Steward will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species; report data in the Florida Shorebird Database and Excel spreadsheets as directed by the supervisor
• Assist site managers and partners with installing symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.
• Conduct public outreach at beach-nesting sites on weekends and holidays, to target maximum number of beachgoers and prevent nest disturbance. Hours may run longer or change as needed, and overtime is anticipated on holiday weekends.
• Assist with recruitment of volunteers; train and schedule volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and to conduct public outreach at nesting sites
• Work closely and communicate with site managers and other Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Enrolled in a degree program in natural resources or a similar field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong data collection and organizational skills.
• Experience recruiting, training, supporting, and scheduling volunteers preferred.
• Works well independently and with other staff, partners, and volunteers.
• Willingness to maneuver with field equipment in challenging Florida summer conditions while traversing up to 5 miles on sandy beaches, with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings, often in hot and humid Florida summer field conditions.
• Ability to move 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to complete assigned tasks.
• Familiarity with Pinellas County beaches preferred.
• Previous experience with shorebird and seabird monitoring and stewardship is a plus.
• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing inclusion, and belonging.
• Must have a positive and diplomatic attitude.
• Must have an interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.