Position title: Interpretive Naturalist Interns (3 positions)
Department: Cape May Bird Observatory
Location: Cape May Point, NJ
Reports to: Program Director, CMBO
Job Classification: Seasonal, full time (August 25 – October 31)
Job Description: Interpretive Naturalist Interns (3 positions) for fall migration monitoring projects at New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO), Cape May, NJ. Cape May is renowned as one of the world’s greatest hotspots for animal migration, as well as being a popular summertime vacation destination and beach resort. The combination of the two offers great opportunities for wildlife research and education through public outreach. The interpretive naturalist intern will gain valuable experience in progressing from an active learner to a skilled leader with a clear understanding of the ways in which we are working to monitor and protect New Jersey’s resident and migratory wildlife, and the ability to engage a diverse public audience to become stewards of these important resources. NJA fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, and the natural habitats with which they are associated.
Duties:
- Orienting and assisting visitors to the Cape May Hawkwatch, Avalon Seawatch, and Morning Flight Songbird Counts. Over 500 people may visit per day during peak times!
- Conducting mini-workshops on bird identification and migration phenomena.
- Assisting visitors with bird identification, and assisting hawk counter when needed.
- Maintaining records of visitor contacts.
Qualifications:
- Applicants should have experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills.
- An enthusiastic and motivated self-starter who is also a strong team player.
- Willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.
- Familiarity with bird migration and birding. Experience identifying raptors, passerines, and/or sea birds in flight is a plus, but learning on the job is possible and we will provide training and support.
- All applicants must have their own vehicle (unless other arrangements are made prior to employment), and a valid, clean driver’s license.
- Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs. as necessary.
Start Date: August 25, 2018
End Date: October 31, 2018
Salary: $ 900/month Housing and gas reimbursement provided
Application Deadline: June 15, 2018
Qualified individuals may apply by emailing cover letter of interest, resume, and three references as a single PDF document (including email and phone contact info) to hr.cmboseasonal@njaudubon.org
Please indicate in the subject line the position for which you are applying.
New Jersey Audubon (NJA) is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide membership organization. Founded in 1897, and one of the oldest independent Audubon societies, NJA is not connected with the National Audubon Society.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply. The New Jersey Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law