Habitat Program Technician

National Audubon Society•Oyster Bay Cove, NY

2d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.