Temporary Bird Banding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Responsibilities This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the conservation of seabirds and shorebirds in South Carolina as part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). SCDNR's mission is to serve as the principal advocate for and steward of South Carolina's natural resources. Its vision is to be a trusted and respected leader in natural resource protection and management through wise and balanced decisions that benefit both the state's natural resources and its people.

This position is part of a team responsible for implementing habitat management, monitoring, and research projects to conserve shorebirds and seabirds along the South Carolina coast. Work will focus on determining species distributions, population status, threats, and conservation needs on SCDNR-managed, public, and privately owned beaches and marshes. The ideal candidate is highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Strong communication skills, experience with seabirds and shorebirds, and the ability to safely navigate the marine environment in a small boat are essential. Primary Duties Include: Post, maintain, and remove symbolic fencing around nesting and roosting areas for beach-nesting birds. Implement seabird and shorebird projects, including breeding and nonbreeding surveys, trapping, and banding throughout coastal South Carolina.

Provide technical assistance to managers of SCDNR, public, and private beaches to improve protection of nesting and roosting shorebirds and seabirds. Develop outreach materials, organize workshops, maintain websites, and present educational programs to the public in coordination with the agency Communications team. Develop, maintain, and organize large multi-year databases using platforms such as Excel, Movebank, Animal Tracker, Survey123, and the Bird Banding Laboratory data portal.

Assist with grant administration, budgets, and preparation of monthly and annual reports. Coordinate, train, and supervise temporary personnel as needed. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Shorebird/Seabird Project Leader.

Minimum and Additional Requirements A master's degree in biology, chemistry or related technical area field; or a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, wildlife management or related technical area and two (2) years of experience relevant to the job. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of southeastern seabird and shorebird biology and coastal habitat management practices. Ability to safely trailer a boat through heavy traffic and on highways.

Ability to captain a small boat in the marine environment and anchor on beaches, shoals and in surf. Experience following field protocols, collecting and entering data, and maintaining large long-term databases. Experience analyzing biological data preferred.

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Experience preparing reports and assisting with budget management. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups.

Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with coworkers, partners, and colleagues. Experience supervising staff or volunteers. Ability to work long hours in adverse environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and wind; lift and carry heavy equipment; walk long distances carrying field gear; and participate in aerial surveys in small aircraft.

Ability and willingness to work long, non-standard hours with frequent, and sometimes overnight, travel.