Position Description: Shorebird Monitor

Position Description: Shorebird Monitor

Introduction

The incumbent serves as abiological monitor for the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Work is directed towards observing shorebirds, recording shorebird data and submitting data in such manner as instructed by refuge staff, and educating the public concerning shorebird management. The Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (as amended by the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978) authorizes the US Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Program.

Major Duties

Volunteers will:

Work at least one 4-hour shift a month from April until the end of August.

Observe and collect data for nesting piping plovers, least terns, common terns and American oystercatchers.

Record shorebird behavior in detail and submit as appropriate.

Report any problems encountered (i.e., nest abandonment, predator problems, public problems) to staff as soon as possible.

Educate thepublic who may have questions related toshorebirds or the monitoring program.

Inform the public of the rules related to sharing the beach with shorebirds.

Assist with predator exclosures, protective habitat fencing, and night monitoring.

Factors

1. Knowledge Required by the Position

Skill in oral communication.

Knowledge of the missions and objectives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and other partners in the shorebird monitoring program.

General knowledge of natural resource management and conservation and their application to shorebird management.

Skill in performing a variety of tasks and keeping detailed records of work activities, observations, and/or data collected.

1. Supervisory Controls

The incumbent is supervised by the Refuge Manger who may delegate this duty to other refuge staff.

1. Training

The incumbent will be required to attendShorebird Monitoring Training once a year in March. If the incumbent has completed the introductory course in the past, a yearly refresher is required.

1. Work Environment

The duties require both indoor and outdoor work. Offices and contact stations are adequately lighted and ventilated. Temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the performance of the outdoor work. The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, visitors, or property with which entrusted. The work may require the wearing of protective clothing and operations vehicles and motor boats and other water craft.