The Nature Conservancy on Long Island

Location:
Uplands Farm Sanctuary
250 Lawrence Hill Road
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

Position:
Plover Steward

# of Positions:
Three

Type of Positions:
Seasonal (20 weeks)

Starting Date:
April 7, 2008

Ending Date:
August 22, 2008

Summary of Position:
The Plover Steward working in a team, locates and monitors piping plover and least tern nesting sites on private property on Westhampton Island and the Town of Southampton, Long Island.  Once nesting areas are identified, the Plover Steward educates private landowners about piping plover and least tern biology and protection needs, requests permission from private landowners to protect nests with symbolic fencing and predator exclosures, determines the land use needs of the landowner and reaches mutual decisions on placement of fencing and use of predator exclosures.  The Plover Steward erects symbolic fencing and predator exclosures at nesting areas where landowner’s permission is obtained.  The Plover Steward monitors reproductive success throughout the breeding season, records specified field observations and assists with preparation of final reports.  Private landowners who consent to protection efforts are asked to sign a piping plover/least tern registry agreement which automatically renews on an annual basis.  Registry agreements give Conservancy staff  prior approval to fence and exclose nests.  The Plover Steward works closely with the  Coastal Resources Manager and the Conservation, Finance & Policy Advisor.

Entrance Requirements
Interest in protection of piping plovers, least terns and rare coastal plants; wildlife biology degree preferred; ability and willingness to work long hours outdoors, including most summer weekends, and participate in strenuous activity; demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a wide variety of people including government officials and staff, private landowners, beach users, and volunteers; valid driver’s license, ability to drive a standard transmission and own transportation; (ability to operate a 4WD vehicle strongly preferred) ability to schedule work efficiently with a minimum of supervision; familiarity with Long Island and/or ability to read and interpret maps; and a commitment to conservation and the goals of The Nature Conservancy.