Monarch Field Naturalist

MONARCH FIELD NATURALISTS (2) needed August 26 to November 14 for ongoing Monarch Monitoring Project (MMP) at New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO), Cape May, NJ. Cape May is renowned as one of the world’s great hot spots for migration. The Monarch Field Naturalists will gain valuable experience in progressing from an active learner to a skilled leader with a clear understanding of how we are working to monitor and protect New Jersey’s resident and migratory butterflies and wildlife, and the ability to engage a diverse public audience to become stewards of these important resources. NJ Audubon fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, and the natural habitats with which they are associated. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Educational Programming

• Educate the public about the project and monarch biology in both informal and formal settings.
• Maintain displays of monarch caterpillars and chrysalides at CMBO’s Northwood Center & The Nature Center of Cape May.
• Update existing MMP program materials and create new materials as needed.
• Assist with maintaining the MMP social media accounts.

Research

• Complete daily point counts of migrating monarchs and other insects across Cape Island.
• Conduct monarch tagging and keep organized records of all tags.
• Monarch tagging and point count data entry.
• Compile a comprehensive seasonal report to archive all efforts from the 2026 season.

Membership

• Strive to increase NJ Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory membership base.

Community Relations 

• Represent NJ Audubon in the local community, expanding the organization’s presence to increase local awareness, support, and participation.

Other

• Participates with other NJ Audubon staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations at the assigned center.
• Assume additional responsibilities or assignments as required by supervisor or department head.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Familiarity with insect ecology is a plus but not required. Training and support will be provided during our pre-season orientation.
• Careful data collection and entry skills required.
• A willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.
• Punctual with excellent organizational, time, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong computer skills – Microsoft Office to fulfill the job requirements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and knowledge of environmental and conservation issues required.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.
• Motivated self-starter with capacity to work productively in a team setting with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
• Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have your own vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and be able to operate a vehicle in NJ.
• Must have the physical capacity to walk over uneven terrain for long distances, able to move materials, and to lift 25 lbs.

Start Date: August 26, 2026              

End Date: November 14, 2026

Compensation: $16.25 per hour. Housing may be available.