Seasonal Coastal Birds Outreach Coordinator

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

Position Overview

We are seeking a Seasonal Coastal Birds Outreach Coordinator at Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, ME. The Seasonal Coastal Birds Outreach Coordinator reports to the Associate Director of Conservation/Coastal Birds Project Manager and is responsible for communicating with the public, landowners, municipalities, pet owners, and others about the ecology, conservation, and disturbance of our endangered coastal birds. The position will work alongside the Coastal Birds Biologists educating the public about nesting Least Terns and Piping Plovers, and disturbance of migratory shorebirds on beaches in Southern Maine. This is a unique opportunity to apply and grow your skills in outreach about endangered and severely declining bird species 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

• Managing Pets for Plovers social media campaign and website
• Managing Shorebird Ambassadors outreach and education program
• Creating new content for online based outreach strategies through social media, blog posts, e-newsletters, printed newsletters, etc.
• Contacting and leading educational opportunities for the public, including presentations, on beach information stations, and community events
• Connecting with and educating new audiences by distributing informational materials and swag
• Leading training presentations for volunteer programs and municipal partners
• Assisting the Coastal Birds Project with management, monitoring, and other tasks as needed

Qualifications

• Interest in wildlife or environmental science helpful
• Experience with public relations, communications, environmental writing, or related field
• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team player
• Experience and passion for talking with and writing about science for the public
• Effective, engaging, and diplomatic communicator both verbally and in writing
• Skilled at developing and strengthening relationships with a variety of partners and audiences
• Ability to successfully plan, organize, and execute outreach events
• Demonstrated experience in managing a project independently
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to work strategically in a fast-paced environment with many partners
• Demonstrated management of social media and published content

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions

• Able to walk on soft substrates (sand beaches)
• Able to lift and carry heavy equipment of 25 pounds or more on sand beaches
• Able and willing to work outdoors on beaches in all weather conditions
• Clean driving record for last 5 years
• Able to navigate and drive large pickup trucks through summer beach traffic

Timing, Compensation, and Benefits

• Part-time, four days a week (30 hours) from April 28-August 15
• Weekend, holiday, and evening work required
• Stipend $570/week when 30 hours a week, prorated for fewer hours