St. Johns County Shorebird Steward

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:

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations in St. Johns County by surveying, posting, stewarding, and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better protect nesting shorebirds Audubon is hiring a seasonal Shorebird Steward to work within St. Johns County. The primary responsibilities of the Shorebird Steward are to steward shorebird colonies at Anastasia State Park, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Julia’s Island, and other sites as needed and to organize volunteers to help with this work. Stewarding involves a variety of actions including the observation of birds and the public at nesting sites and education of the public when their actions may pose a threat to the birds.  

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week seasonal position focused on weekends and holidays, including Memorial Day and Independence Day. The position will begin 04/15/2026 and continue through 08/21/2026, or the end of nesting season. Nesting season often persists through the end of August but this position may end early if nesting activity ends early based on conditions at the nesting sites (e.g., storms causing loss of beach habitat). 

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Essential Functions

Under the direction of Audubon’s Northeast Florida Policy Associate, the St. Johns County Shorebird Steward will be responsible for the following tasks: 

• Assist with the installation of symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed. 

• Steward at nesting sites prioritizing weekends and holidays. Hours are generally between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. though they may vary depending on needs.  

• Assist with recruiting, training, and scheduling of shorebird steward volunteers. 

• Clean and maintain field equipment and tools.

• Work closely with local land managers, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times. 

• Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with the public at beach nesting sites. 

• Ability to help recruit, train, support, and schedule volunteers. 

• Ability to work on sandy beaches carrying field equipment during Florida summer field conditions and move 30 lbs with or without accommodation.

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to complete assigned tasks. 

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings. 

• Work well independently and with other staff and volunteers. 

• Must have a positive and diplomatic attitude. 

• Familiarity with local beaches is preferred. 

• Previous experience with shorebird stewardship preferred, but similar experience will be considered. 

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

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.