POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE
JOB TITLE
JOB FAMILY
JOB NUMBER
SALARY GRADE
STATUS
SUPERVISOR
LOCATION
DATE
Seasonal Shorebird/Waterbird Field Technician
Science Technician I
Science
850001
3
Hourly
Coastal Scientist
Nassawadox, VA
December 2015
ABOUT US
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more
than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to
conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity therefore we are
committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Visit www.nature.org/about-us to learn more.
SUMMARY
The Seasonal Shorebird/Waterbird Field Technician assists conservation scientists with monitoring, research, and management
activities for nesting shorebirds and colonial waterbirds on the barrier islands and marshes of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
ESSENTIAL
FUNCTIONS
The Seasonal Shorebird/Waterbird Field Technician will work closely with the Virginia Coast Reserve’s Coastal Scientist and
Coastal Science Specialist to conduct the following monitoring and research activities at the Virginia Coast Reserve: shorebird
(Piping Plover and American Oystercatcher) and waterbird surveys (terns and skimmers), shorebird and waterbird productivity
monitoring, American Oystercatcher banding and resighting and data entry. The technician will also engage in the following
beach nesting bird management activities: posting and patrolling bird colonies on the barrier islands, educating island visitors
about beach nesting birds, maintaining signage and conducting visitor use surveys. The position requires one to keep organized,
detailed daily field notes, operate a boat to be used for access to the barrier islands, and perform daily maintenance on boats.
Additional duties may be assigned.



RESPONSIBILITIES
& SCOPE





MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS






PREFERRED
KNOWLEDGE,
SKILLS &
EXPERIENCE





ORGANIZATIONAL
COMPETENCIES
Works under close supervision and receives specific and detailed instructions for required tasks and results expected.
May supervise volunteers on a project basis.
Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including preserve volunteers, preserve
visitors, and others, providing and obtaining needed information.
Good physical condition; i.e. able to walk 3-8 miles each day in heat and humidity along remote barrier islands.
Comfortable working alone; comfortable working on a boat; willingness and ability to work in remote locations, sometimes
during adverse conditions such as heat, humidity, extended exposure to sun and biting insects.
Some weekend and holiday work required.
Willingness to work a varied schedule that depends on tide and weather; field sites span approximately 50 miles of coastline
and include 10 different sites.
Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of
experience.
Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
Experience with waterbird and shorebird identification and/or monitoring for the US east coast.
Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software.
Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather
conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain.
BS degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred, or coursework in active pursuit of a degree in biology,
wildlife management, or related field.
Waterbird and shorebird identification skills. Experience with monitoring reproductive success of beach nesting birds
preferred.
Experience operating and trailering boats independently up to 20 feet in length.
Experience using GPS units and GIS mapping software.
Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means.
Local knowledge of the Eastern Shore of Virginia seaside, tides, and barrier islands preferred. Must meet Virginia’s Boating
Safety Education requirement or will be required to complete an online course prior to start of position.
Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation and
personal automobile insurance.
Communications
Flexibility &
Innovation
Effectively expresses messages verbally and in writing. Actively listens to others. Fosters open exchange
of issues. Is timely with information.
Flexible to changing circumstances. Takes innovative approaches towards work. Takes calculated risks
and makes dependable decisions in the fact of uncertainty.
Interpersonal
Savvy
Open to Learning
Organizational
Awareness
Produces Results
Maintains positive working relationships. Contributes to productive partnerships inside and outside the
organization. Understands team member roles and values the contributions of others. Effectively deals
with conflict.
Versatile learner and committed to self-improvement. Employs strengths effectively. Willingly shares
knowledge with others. Seeks coaching on areas needing improvement. Adjusts behavior/performance as
needed. Views mistakes as learning opportunities.
Understands the basics of our business. Knows how local job relates to the big picture & contributes to
the overall strategy. Knows how/why things work inside TNC. Easily moves through internal networks
and channels for success.
Takes Initiative. Focuses on priorities. Strives for excellence. Is dependable and accountable for results.
Persistent in the face of obstacles and meets deadlines.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
Current funding provides for $15.00 per hour, 40 hours/week, 18–20 weeks duration. Few benefits. Assistance with housing may be available. Desired start
date is early April, however later dates can be considered.
TO APPLY:
Go to www.nature.org/careers, click Search Careers and search by the position title and/or location, then click Apply Now to submit an online application. It
is necessary to complete the application in its entirety. In addition, please attach as one document your resume and a letter of interest. For assistance
with the online process, go to:
http://www.nature.org/aboutus/careers/external-applicant-userguide.pdf.
Interested TNC employees should apply through PeopleSoft: https://peoplesoft.tnc.org/psp/tnchrprd/?cmd=login&errorPg=ckreq&languageCd=ENG
Application deadline is 11:59 PM on January 10, 2016.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best
advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an
inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national
or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.