Seasonal Ornithologist - Military veterans preferred

Location: Trabucco Canyon, CA
Full time
Requisition ID: JR861

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

Audubon California’s 4000-acre Starr Ranch Sanctuary in southeast Orange County, California, solicits applicants for a position as Seasonal Ornithologist from January 19, 2026, through July 17, 2026. This position will continue long-term surveys of five songbird species of the rare habitats, coastal sage scrub and cactus scrub, including long-term surveys of the federally threatened Coastal. California Gnatcatcher and Coastal Cactus Wren. Will continue surveys of birds in oak woodlands and the main riparian corridor on Starr Ranch. Starr Ranch developed protocols in collaboration with professional ornithologists with expertise in each species. Will do mapping, data entry, data summaries, and summarize point count and other data. Opportunity to do bird monitoring that is integrated into Starr Ranch land management, conservation, and education programs.

Training will be provided for a few of our “Ecology Programs” that integrate bird and other wildlife research into educational programs to be offered to children and adults one to three half days per week.

We seek applicants who are enthusiastic, dedicated, organized, self-starting, and thorough. Opportunity to live in a private cabin at our 4000-acre Sanctuary.

This is an on-site position located at Audubon’s Star Ranch Sanctuary, Trabuco Canyon, California.

Compensation:
$27.00 / hour
Essential Functions

Conducts rare bird surveys (Coastal California Gnatcatcher and Coastal Cactus Wren) and monitors other songbirds of the rare coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, and riparian woodlands).

Conducts hawk and owl surveys.

Enters and summarizes bird monitoring and other data using Excel and mapping programs (GIS, Google Earth).

Instructs Ecology Programs that emphasize avian and other wildlife research.

Qualifications and Experience

Master’s degree preferred or undergraduate degree in biology or ecology with strong Ornithological background and experience.

Strong background in bird monitoring techniques essential.

Mapping experience (GIS, Google Earth) preferred.

Strong knowledge and interest in birds and bird watching and general natural history of animals and their habitats.

Must have enthusiasm for working with kids, adults, and families.

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 Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization.



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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