Waterbird Technician; north Carolina

Job Description

This position will assist the Wildlife Diversity Biologist (coastal waterbirds) with posting and protection of waterbird nesting habitats; preparation for and conducting standardized surveys of shorebirds and colonial waterbirds; data recording and entry into online databases; maintenance and repair of supplies and equipment; assistance with volunteer coordination; data and literature searches; and other duties as they arise. The position requires frequent travel and overnight stays.

Duty station will be a home office, ideally located in New Bern, NC.

Compensation will depend on education and experience. Housing is not provided. During travel for field work, a vehicle will be provided, lodging will be paid, and subsistence provided according to North Carolina state policies for employees. Health insurance is available through the state’s High Deductible Health Plan.

An Associate’s degree in Wildlife Ecology, Management, Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Marine Biology, or a related field is required; a Bachelor’s degree is desired. Applicants should have knowledge of coastal birds and habitats, good bird identification skills, and experience operating outboard motor boats in tidal waters, loading boats onto trailers, and driving a 4WD truck with trailer. A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are required.

Applicants must also be able to care for and maintain field supplies and equipment (e.g., boat, boat engine, trailer, tripod, scope, binoculars), walk several miles a day carrying equipment or supplies weighing 30 lbs or more, and travel overnight to field sites. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS software, along with strong organizational and interpersonal skills, is essential.

This is a 13-week position, expected to begin mid to late April 2026.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in a single PDF to Carmen Johnson, Waterbird Biologist, Waterbirds Investigations & Management Project,  additional details, please refer to the job description document: 2026 Technician Job Description – 3 .