Job Responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to conservation of shorebirds and seabirds in South Carolina. This position is responsible for the continued development and management of a statewide network of partners focused on conservation of shorebirds and seabirds in South Carolina. This is a full-time three-year term position to work with SCDNR’s Coastal Bird Program, which is principally charged with protecting beach nesting bird habitat, censusing and monitoring seabird colonies and surveying migratory species. The person in this position will work to increase the public’s understanding of coastal bird ecology by designing and managing an outreach program and organizing a network of volunteers that can help protect nesting and roosting colonies. We’re looking for a highly motivated self-starter with experience in beach ecology and boating.

Outreach

• Recruit and train volunteers to protect migratory and nesting bird species by developing outreach programs and presentations to user groups.

• Develop a stewardship manual for mentoring and guiding volunteers engaged in bird steward activities. Ensure training manuals are available online. Help coordinate a shorebird steward workshop.

• Schedule volunteers and develop and maintain a database to record volunteer hours and activities.

• Collaborate with other SCDNR coastal bird staff and communications manager to raise the profile of seabird and shorebird conservation through traditional and new media.

• Contribute photographs and short stories about birds for use on website and in social media.

• Maintain and update the content of the SCDNR Coastal Birds web site.

Beach Stewarding

• Help protect sites from disturbance through stewardship activities requiring motorboat transportation to and from islands.

• Work closely with volunteers to chaperone beach-nesting bird colonies during busy warm-weather weekends and major holidays.

• Educate beachgoers about these species, encouraging compliance with posted areas, and engaging in outreach to user groups.

• Able to independently troubleshoot situations involving public and volunteers.

• Appropriately intervene in the event of an active disturbance event.

Posting

• Assist in posting and roping nesting and roosting sites along the South Carolina coast all year but primarily during nesting season.

• Maintain posted areas, remove signs at the end of a season and store equipment.

Bird monitoring

• Monitor and survey nest sites for evidence of disturbance or predation.

• Perform formal nesting bird surveys at select sites.

• Conduct non-breeding shorebird surveys and band resightings, especially focused on state and federally listed species.

Other

• Coordinate cleanups of seabird nesting islands to remove discarded fishing gear and other entangling debris. This activity can serve as an educational opportunity for volunteers.

• Perform or secure maintenance on vehicles, boats, trailers and all field equipment. Maintain equipment and supplies in good condition.

• Enter survey data and band resights into databases.

• Contribute survey and management summaries required for grant report submissions.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A master’s degree in biology, wildlife ecology and/or natural resources management (or equivalent); or a bachelor’s degree in related area and two years of experience relevant to the job.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seeking a candidate with the skills and enthusiasm to expand an outreach program. Skilled in identification, biology, and conservation issues of seabirds and shorebirds.

• Excellent communication, verbal, writing and coordination skills. Adept at use of websites and social networking as communication tools. Understanding of and ability to navigate social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.

• Comfort with engaging public and talking about the importance of protecting bird colonies; demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal supervision. Demonstrated ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups. Experience recruiting, training, and working closely with volunteers. Ability to organize and plan workshops

• Valid driver’s license required; expertise in boating, trailering, and anchoring in tidal waters needed. Demonstrated experience with performing field work in challenging coastal marine conditions. Adheres to safety protocol and safe operating record.

• Must be able to work weekends and holidays and travel frequently including overnight trips. Must be physically able to lift and carry 30 lbs. and walk up to four miles carrying spotting scope and day pack.

Salary and Applying

$38,235 plus benefits, not negotiable

Applications accepted until March 11, 2020

Must apply online. May send inquiries to Felicia Sanders at SandersF@dnr.sc.gov.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on South Carolina Wild are solely those of the authors, and do not reflect official policies, positions, or endorsements of activity or products by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.