American Bird Conservancy seeks Coastal Program Coordinator

Position Summary:

Title: Coastal Program Coordinator

Supervisor: Gulf Coast Conservation Program Manager

Location: Houston, TX

Salary: $50,000; Based on experience

Submission Deadline: May 12, 2023

Introduction:

The mission of American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is to conserve birds and their habitats – the places birds need to thrive – across the Americas. We are a growing group of 125+ dedicated staff, located across the United States and with a network of partners from Canada to Chile. Each year, we grow in budget and staff, and we deliver more results aimed at preventing bird species extinctions and reversing declines that are reducing populations of nearly all bird groups. Our work is guided by our principles, which include a commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).

ABC is looking for a motivated, self-starting, and detail-oriented Coordinator.  This is a full-time position that will assist the Gulf Coast Conservation Program Manager in implementing projects to protect and monitor solitary and colonial nesting sites (e.g. Least Tern, Wilson’s and Snowy Plover, Black Skimmer) for shorebirds and seabirds, monitor migrating and wintering shorebirds (e.g. Piping Plover and Red Knot) along the Gulf Coast, and work with coastal communities to develop bird conservation practices and policies. 

The Gulf Conservation Program aims to provide protection and conservation of birds including those that have been adversely impacted by the BP oil spill and other persistent year-round anthropogenic threats.

Primary Duties:

1. Represent ABC’s Coastal Gulf Conservation Program in Texas through interactions with stakeholders to implement projects and generate funds for conservation work in Texas.
2. Regularly interact with stakeholders outside the organization, through public presentations, meetings, telephone calls and conferences, and through e-mail and other correspondence (i.e. partnership building and ongoing networking).
3. Integrate an understanding of ABC’s mission and a thorough knowledge of beach-nesting bird, shorebird, and waterbird biology to work with regional and local partners to implement on-the-ground conservation in Texas and other Gulf states.
4. Interview, hire, and manage seasonal subcontractors to complete site-specific project work in Texas.
5. Manage and assist seasonal subcontractors in: identifying, posting, and maintaining nesting and foraging habitat; conducting avian surveys tracking nest fates, reproductive output, migration counts, disturbance occurrences, and wintering counts; and conducting public outreach through community events and on-site activities.
6. Implement specific survey and data collection protocols for all survey efforts as requested by supervisor.
7. Work with partners and sub-contractors to recruit and coordinate volunteer efforts that support avian conservation efforts year-round.
8. Frequently work with local stakeholders; including local governments, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Houston Audubon, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, Audubon Texas, and other agencies and organizations.
9. Maintain all seasonal (spring and fall migration, summer, winter) field data electronically and work with Gulf Conservation Program Manager to improve electronic data platform for the state of Texas. 
10. Prepare and distribute technical and scientific reports on Texas projects to funding sources, partners, and other program stakeholders year-round.
11. Present Texas program results at local and regional scientific and natural resource management meetings and to non-technical audiences year-round.
12. Work with local communities to adopt “Bird City” practices. 

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Wildlife Sciences, or a related discipline is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Working knowledge in avian research, management, and conservation.
• Extensive field experience with shorebird identification and various survey protocols.
• Field experience with breeding beach-nesting birds, including locating nests, following broods and re-sighting birds.
• Field experience with endangered and threatened species such as Piping Plover and Red Knot.
• Experience with trapping and banding shorebirds and seabirds (permit holder or sub-permitted preferred).
• Must be comfortable communicating and working with recreational beach users, volunteers, community members, and staff of multiple partner organizations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are a must and will include conflict resolution.
• Personal knowledge and experience working with Texas avian stakeholders including researchers, agency staff and managers, non-profit organizations, and the community.
• Intermediate to advanced skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access skills.
• Proven data management and analysis skills.
• Proven report writing skills and ability to assist in proposal preparations.
• Must have valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle for travel between work sites (mileage reimbursed).
• Travel will be required primarily throughout the Texas coast, but occasionally in other Gulf States as well.
• Travel may also include ABC Headquarters in Virginia or locations selected for ABC staff retreats.
• Highly committed to conservation and to ABC’s conservation mission (see abcbirds.org).
• Background screening required
• Position open to U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents

Benefits:

• Benefits include medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, and supplemental health insurance policies; including vision.
• Paid vacation days, holidays (10+), sick leave, retirement savings with employer match, life insurance, parental leave, and Verizon cell service discount.
• Field equipment/office expenses covered.
• Pre-approved professional training and workshop expenses covered.
• Lodging and meals covered for work related travel.
• Rental vehicle or personal mileage reimbursement, if partner vehicles are unavailable.

If you have trouble submitting an application, please send your cover letter and resume as one document to HR@abcbirds.org

At American Bird Conservancy, we believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills makes us more effective. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment for all of our employees.

As an equal opportunity employer, ABC is committed to ensuring that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor unrelated to the requirements of the position.