Seasonal Coastal Birds Intern

Maine Audubon is hiring three Seasonal Coastal Birds Interns to join its dynamic team based in Falmouth, ME. Since 1843, Maine Audubon has worked to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action.

Position Overview

We are seeking three Seasonal Coastal Birds Project Interns at Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, ME. The Seasonal Coastal Birds Intern reports to the Project’s Seasonal Biologists and is responsible for assisting with monitoring and managing endangered Least Terns, Piping Plovers, and other coastal birds on beaches in Southern Maine during the 2024 field season. This is a unique opportunity to apply and grow your skills in direct management of endangered species and outreach with a variety of audiences.

Project Overview

The Coastal Birds Project is designed to recover these endangered species, reduce disturbance of migratory shorebirds, and protect beach/dune/estuary systems. The position works as part of a larger collaborative effort that includes the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, USDA Wildlife Services, numerous municipalities, hundreds of private landowners, and dozens of volunteer plover monitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Locating nests
• Erecting fencing
• Tracking nest success and fledglings
• Conducting educational outreach programs
• Monitoring predation

Qualifications

• Interest in conservation biology, shorebird ecology
• Desire to work with birds
• Excellent observational skills
• A diplomatic communicator
• An enthusiastic educator willing and able to engage the public

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements but believe that you would be a good fit for this position.

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions

• Able to walk extensively, up to 10 miles/day, on soft substrates (sand beaches)
• Able to lift and carry heavy equipment of 50 pounds or more on sand beaches for extended distances
• Able and willing to work outdoors on beaches in all weather conditions

Timing, Compensation, and Benefits

• Internship is a volunteer position, though we offer a small stipend of $1500 to help offset expenses. Housing is not provided.
• Full-time, five days a week for approximately 10 weeks during the months of May, June, July, and/or August – schedule can be flexible to accommodate other paid work, as long as 300 hours in the field with the team are fulfilled.
• Some weekend, holiday, and evening work may be required.