Bird Survey Technician

New York City Audubon seeks two Bird Survey Technicians to assist with a monitoring study of multiple green roofs and green terraces in Manhattan. The seasonal staff positions will run from May 1 - November 15, 2023, and are an exciting opportunity to get involved in urban biodiversity research with one of the city’s leading conservation organizations.

View PDF version of this job listing here.
 
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 13 full-time and part-time staff, supported by seasonal scientists, hundreds of advocates, and thousands of volunteers. We are a grassroots membership-based organization that is independent from but affiliates as a chapter of the National Audubon Society.
 
It’s an exciting time to join the NYC Audubon team. The organization recently announced plans to change its name as part of its effort to include all New Yorkers in conservation and protecting urban biodiversity. 
 
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 recognize that inequities in our society are widespread and hinder access to nature. Only by embracing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility as values and striving for them in practice will we begin to foster a love of nature in all people and inspire them to be active stewards of the environment. We further believe that to thrive as an organization and effectively advance our mission and vision, the diversity of New York City’s people must be represented in, and welcomed into, our leadership, staff, and membership. The expertise, values, and perspectives of a diverse and inclusive organization are fundamental to expanding the reach and impact of our conservation, advocacy, and educational efforts. 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.
 
About the Position
NYC Audubon surveys the bird populations on a network of buildings, part of a larger contract with a company to further its sustainability goals. The Bird Survey Technicians will assist NYC Audubon’s conservation staff in monitoring migratory and breeding bird activity in up to 20 green roof and terrace sites in lower Manhattan from May through November. 
 
As a member of a small, dynamic team, the field technicians will also have the opportunity to build skills by joining NYC Audubon conservation staff in other field projects throughout the City. Opportunities available include bird banding (Herring Gulls, American Oystercatchers, and Semipalmated Sandpipers) and participating in scientific research.
 
The job is physically demanding and will require walking up to two miles per day. Work will be outdoors on exposed rooftops, and terraces. 

Responsibilities
  • Conduct in-person bird surveys via point counts and line transects in Manhattan five days per week identifying birds by sight and sound.
  • Record observations and upload data.
  • Assist with nest box installation, as needed.
Qualifications
Essential
  • Expert Northeastern bird identification skills (must be able to identify birds by sight and sound)
  • 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 climbing stairs and time outdoors.
  • Ability to work early mornings (starting 6am) in all weather conditions.
Preferred
  • Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field.
  • Coursework in ornithology.
  • Experience in ornithological field research 

Job Details
This is a seasonal part-time staff position working up to 25 hours per week from May 1 - November 15, 2023. Assigned work shifts will be five days per week, approximately 6:00 - 11:00 am. The position may include weekend work. The Seasonal Bird Survey Technician will report to NYC Audubon’s Green Infrastructure Manager.
 
All NYC Audubon employees must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or medical necessity. If you are offered employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless an accommodation for exemption is received and approved.
 
Compensation
The Seasonal Bird Survey Technician will be compensated at a rate of $20 per 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, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Indigenous Peoples Day.  
 
To Apply
Send resume and cover letter in PDF format to jobs@nycaudubon.org, with “ Bird Survey Technician” in the subject line. No calls, please. 
 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a projected employment start date on May 1, 2023. 


New York City Audubon provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy, military or military reserve obligations, or any other class or status protected by law. 
 
NYC Audubon is committed to building a staff that represents the diversity of the New York City communities we serve. Candidates of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply though do note that the work can be physically demanding.