Conservation Technician, Coastal

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Conservation Technician, Coastal is a hands-on, field-based position responsible for protecting, managing, and enhancing Audubon-leased or owned bird rookery islands in the Galveston Bay area. This role serves as the first line of defense for colonial waterbirds and other species of conservation concern through island monitoring, habitat management, and outreach and education. This position supports Audubon’s conservation priorities in the Galveston Bay region, advancing outcomes for birds and coastal ecosystems aligned with Audubon’s hemispheric Flight Plan.

During the breeding season, the Conservation Technician monitors bird nesting colonies, counts nesting pairs, identifies threats to nesting success, and reduces disturbance to birds. During the non-breeding season, the Conservation Technician leads habitat management actions to improve island condition and future nesting success. Year-round the Conservation Technician also engages coastal communities, recreational users, and partners to promote stewardship and protection of rookery islands, coastal birds, and coastal ecosystems.

This position requires extensive time in the field, the ability to safely operate a boat in coastal environments, and strong knowledge of Texas coastal birds and habitats.

Compensation:

Essential Functions:

• Monitor and manage colonial waterbird nesting sites in the Galveston Bay area on Audubon leased or owned coastal bird islands.

• Coordinate and conduct annual waterbird colony surveys and routine colony monitoring.

• Document nesting activity, disturbance events, predator presence, and environmental conditions.

• Work with the Senior Program Manager to establish site-specific breeding season goals and monitoring schedules, following established protocols and adaptive management guidance.

• Prepare breeding and non-breeding season end-of-season reports summarizing nesting activity, threats, and management recommendations.

• Follow habitat management plan developed in collaboration with Senior Program manager to improve nesting conditions, including invasive species control, fire ant treatment, predator management, native vegetation planting, debris removal, signage installation, and nesting structure maintenance.

• Monitor for and assist with predator removal in coordination with appropriate agencies and partners.

• Assist with planning and leading off-season workdays with staff, volunteers, or partners.

• Communicate with boaters, anglers, and nearby residents to reduce disturbance and promote compliance with island protections.

• Participate in community outreach events and conservation education efforts.

• Coordinate closely with the Senior Program Manager and Audubon staff to share information on species status, habitat needs, and management outcomes.

• Safely operate and maintain boats and coastal field equipment.

• Ensure assigned Audubon equipment is maintained in good working order and report repair or registration needs.

• Maintain accurate field notes, monitoring data, boat logs, and comply with reporting procedures.

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources related field

• At least one year experience in field-based wildlife monitoring, habitat management, or conservation work. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Demonstrated ability to safely operate boats and navigate coastal waters.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work with volunteers and partners.

• Ability to work alone for extended periods in remote coastal environments, often in hot, windy, or wet conditions.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks such as walking on uneven terrain, wading in shallow water, bending, and climbing in and out of boats, with or without accommodation.

• Comfort working from boats and on isolated islands.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, and occasional holidays during the breeding season.

• Valid driver’s license required.

• Knowledge of Texas coastal birds, particularly colonial waterbirds and shorebirds.

• Experience with invasive species control, predator management, or habitat restoration.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Building Relationships: Establish and nurture meaningful connections and trust with others while fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.  

Problem Solving: Find effective solutions to challenges and support decision-making by drawing on critical thinking, creativity, and systematic approaches.  

Accountability: Be reliable and trustworthy in fulfilling commitments while recognizing inequities that may impact the ability of others to fulfill responsibilities effectively.  

Supporting Change: Adapt to changes and modify behavior in response to new information or unexpected obstacles while considering the diverse needs of others.  

Critical Thinking: Take an active approach to analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information or situations objectively and logically to make informed decisions or judgments.