Habitat Program Technician

About Audubon:

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center comprises nearly 14 acres of native demonstration gardens, woodlands, trails, meadow, and grounds, managed primarily to provide excellent habitat for birds.  An additional objective is to provide a safe, welcoming, and accessible venue for people to enjoy the landscape and wildlife of Long Island. Our extensive native demonstration gardens are used as a living lab to teach the public about ecosystem services and the benefits of native habitats in the managed landscape. Achieving these objectives requires intensive management during the growing season.  The Habitat Program Technician is a seasonal position, with a 21-hour work week, reporting to the Senior Coordinator of Bird-Friedly Communities to assist as needed with all aspects of maintaining demonstration gardens, wildlife habitat, and visitor areas at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center. Program support and outreach will be required in order to engage the public and volunteers in this work. Start and end dates are negotiable, but ideally from 14 weeks total May 26, 2026 - August 30, 2026.

• Length of Assignment: May 26, 2026 -  August 30, 2026.

• Hours: 21 hours / week. Some weekend days needed.

This position is classified as on-site at Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center Oyster Bay, NY.

Compensation:

$20.00 / hour

Essential Functions

Under the direction of the Senior Coordinator Bird Friendly Communities, responsibilities include:

• Mechanical control of invasive species throughout the property

• Weeding, planting, and transplanting in our native plant gardens

• Supervising volunteer work crews (requires working on some Saturdays)

• Support in planting designs and pollinator garden projects, trail maintenance projects, meadow restoration.

• Minor tree work such as pruning, removal of small trees, and keeping trails clear of obstructions

• General maintenance and upkeep, such as disposal of materials or cleaning as needed

• Assist with public outreach programs related to native habitats and landscapes.

• Assist with administrative program support, such as sending emails to volunteers, advertising programs, organizing program materials, and tracking garden volunteer registrations and hours through Volgistics online system.

• Maintenance and organization of tools and materials

• Mowing/trimming of lawns, beds, and meadows

• Other center tasks, as needed.

Qualifications and Experience:

Required:

• High school diploma

• Valid NY driver’s license and reliable transportation

• Ability to identify local flora and fauna, specifically native species

• Ability to follow instructions accurately and work as part of a team or independently

• Positive, problem-solving approach to a variety of situations

• Ability to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation

• Ability to work outdoors for prolonged periods in a variety of terrains and weather conditions

Preferred:

• College coursework or degree in natural resource management, or related field; and/or a minimum of 1-2 years’ experience in habitat management or similar position.

• Experience with landscaping, native plants, and habitat restoration projects.

• Experience supervising volunteers of all ages with an emphasis on safety, clear instructions or training, and coordinated effort.

• Experience working with power equipment such as trimmers, mowers, weed whackers, chainsaws

• Some experience working with native and invasive plants is preferred

• Public outreach and programming experience, a plus

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.