Seasonal Field Technician in Urban Bird Conservation

New York City Audubon seeks two Seasonal Field Technicians to monitor and protect an active Herring Gull colony on the Javits Convention Center’s 7-acre green roof. These positions, which run from mid-March to late July, are exciting opportunities to get involved in urban biodiversity and green roof research with one of the city’s leading wildlife conservation organizations, and on one of the country’s pioneering and largest green roof systems.

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 full-time and part-time 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

The Seasonal Field Technicians will assist NYC Audubon’s conservation staff in protecting and managing an active Herring Gull colony on NYC’s largest and most high-profile green roof at the Javits Center. The technician will be full time at the Javits Center, working outdoors in a dynamic environment that includes a large solar farm, visiting tours, and active maintenance and construction on the roof. The job of the technician will be to prevent human-wildlife conflict by deterring gull usage on parts of the roof where sensitive equipment exists and human visitation is frequent.

The job is physically demanding. Work will be outdoors in all weather conditions, on an exposed roof without elevator access. Shade cover will be provided on the roof in the form of a “remote” field station.

Responsibilities

• Assist conservation staff with site preparation of the Javits green roof, such as mapping conservation areas and organizing the field station.
• Deter gull nesting activities in defined areas, using methodology designated by conservation staff.
• Record behavioral data on gull breeding, nesting, and response to deterrence, and keep detailed daily log of activities.
• Maintain scientific design and integrity of the study.
• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a safe and clean working environment.
• Assist with ongoing conservation and science projects on site.
• Work with and maintain relationships with partners on site.

As members of a small, dynamic team, the field technicians will also have the opportunity to build skills by joining conservation staff in various field projects, both at the Javits Center green roof and throughout the City. Opportunities available include bird banding (Herring Gulls and American Oystercatchers), learning insect and bird monitoring skills, and gaining experience with scientific research. Technicians are encouraged to conduct their own research while working on the roof under the direction of NYC Audubon’s Senior Manager of Green Infrastructure.

Qualifications

Essential

• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with following monitoring protocols, and meticulous attention to detail in recording data.
• Good 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 comfort working with large birds in an active colony.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and take direction from conservation staff
• Demonstrated interest in environmental issues.

Preferred

• Experience working in gull or other colonial waterbird colonies.
• Ability to use binoculars, spotting scope, or other survey equipment.
• Bird identification skills.
• Degree or coursework in biological science/environmental policy, or background in ornithology preferred.

Job Details

This is a seasonal full-time position working 37.5 hours per week from March 14 through July 30, 2024. The work schedule will include one weekend day per week.

Compensation

The Seasonal Field Technician will be compensated at a rate of $20/hour. While no fringe benefits (health insurance, retirement savings, or paid time off) are included in this job, the technician will receive paid days off for Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Independence Day.