All positions first report to the Project Puffin office at 12 Audubon Road, Bremen, Maine. The Program operates on seven different seabird-nesting islands located from south of Portland to east of Rockland, Maine. Interns and volunteers live and work on an island for a minimum of two weeks at a time and those participating more than two weeks may be assigned to more than one island. Island assignments are made based on the Program's needs. Three islands are part of the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge, three are owned by the State of Maine and one island is a National Audubon Society sanctuary.

The mission of the Seabird Restoration Program is to develop techniques for restoring seabirds to historic ranges and to encourage a culture of conservation that promotes the protection and appreciation of seabirds worldwide. A more detailed description of our program and research sites is available through our website at www.projectpuffin.org.

Essential Functions:

Island sites are managed locally by Island Supervisors who are responsible for following and completing Program research work plans. Interns and volunteers are Research Assistants. Additionally, staff acts as Audubon Wardens protecting the seabird colony from disturbance during the nesting season.

While on an island, activities are performed DAILY beginning as early as sunrise and may continue sometimes as late as sunset. During inclement weather, our activity is curtailed when it would adversely affect the birds. Interns and volunteers live on site, usually in tent camps, for a minimum of two weeks at a time. Two to five individuals are assigned to an island at a time depending on facilities and workload.

Duties include observing birds and recording data at least twice daily for three hours at a time while seated in small wooden blinds. Other activities include daily bird counts, banding and censusing, and facility maintenance. Staff also greet and share natural history information with any members of the public who approach or land on the island. Public interaction may include restricting access to sensitive nesting areas.

While at the mainland facilities, duties may include: shopping for supplies, packing food and equipment for transport to islands, equipment maintenance, organizing supplies, transporting other staff as needed and occasional administrative assistance.

Staff supplies their own tent, sleeping bags, ground pads and binoculars.

Additional Functions:
Not specified at this time.

Internal:
Not specified at this time.

External:
Not specified at this time.

Not specified at this time.

Program positions are generally filled by students enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program in conservation biology, wildlife management or related disciplines. Career goals should include a career in conservation biology.

Volunteer positions are filled by persons who are at least 18 years of age. Varied backgrounds and employment experience are acceptable when an individual has had previous field research experience or a demonstrated interest in conservation work or environmental education.

All candidates must be in excellent physical condition (capable of climbing over rugged terrain and able to lift approximately 50 lbs.). Wilderness camping experience and dedication to wildlife conservation are highly desirable.

Not specified at this time.

While at mainland facilities, interns are housed in an apartment with a shared kitchen and bathroom and they may also be required to share a room. Housing at island research sites varies, but generally a small tent, sleeping bag and ground pad are required.

Stipends of $125 per week are available annually for approximately ten interns.

Food is provided for all Volunteers and Interns.

The National Audubon Society's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth's biological diversity.

Audubon promotes a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the National Audubon Society to employ the man or woman best qualified for the job regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (handicap) or marital status.