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(Internship) Georgia Coastal Bird Ambassador Program Coordinator
Manomet
Operations, Customer Service
Georgia
USD 16-16 / hour
Posted on Oct 27, 2025
Position Title: Georgia Coastal Bird Ambassador Program Coordinator (Internship)Department: Resilient Habitats (Georgia Bight Shorebird Conservation Initiative)Reports To: Shorebird BiologistHR Job Category: InternshipPOSITION SUMMARYThe intern will act as the coordinator and lead for the Georgia Coastal Bird Ambassadors volunteer program, taking on a visible leadership role in the community. They will recruit, train, and support volunteers, engage with the public, and conduct shorebird disturbance monitoring surveys to collect data that can support future management decisions. The intern will provide wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors and community members on Tybee Island’s beaches, helping increase awareness of shorebird and seabird conservation issues. They will also assist Allie Hayser, Shorebird Biologist, with tabling events, school programs, and opportunities for collaboration with partners across the Georgia coast. Training in shorebird identification, communication, and volunteer coordination will be provided during onboarding. This is an excellent opportunity for a local, early-career conservationist or birder who wants to build leadership skills, gain field experience, and grow as a community conservation leader.INTERNSHIP LOCATION:- Tybee Island, Georgia.- Some travel along the Georgia coast for outreach events between St. Simons, Savannah, and Brunswick, GA.TRAINING/EDUCATION PLAN:1) Volunteer Coordination, Outreach & Education: lead the volunteer program, convene volunteers and partners, conduct outreach and education related to shorebird conservation, and promote messaging to reduce disturbance at key stopover sites.2) Shorebird Conservation & Fieldwork: immersive training and experience in shorebird conservation and fieldwork, with data entry, management, and community-based social marketing. Projects include long-term disturbance monitoring, shorebird and seabird band resighting, nest monitoring, and environmental data collection. Projects may include developing social media posts, written pieces for local news, collecting data at beach sites, and collaborating with schools, partners, and agencies. The intern will organize volunteer shift reports, maintain/grow volunteer involvement, improve nesting success, and document disturbance issues to coastal birds.EXPECTED OUTCOMES:- Gain skills in volunteer management, community engagement, conservation planning, and collaboration.- Lead the Coastal Bird Ambassador program, manage and engage volunteers, support recruitment, and encourage positive public interactions.- Prioritize and schedule steward shifts for peak beach use (weekends/holidays).- Participate in tabling events; provide outreach programs virtually and in person; design materials (field guides, pamphlets, articles, blogs, social media posts).- Monitor seabird and shorebird roosting and nesting sites on Tybee Island while minimizing disturbance; promote the “Wildlife Beach Area” concept.- Engage the public via bird walks and education using optics and outreach tools.- Keep managers apprised of violations of existing ordinances (no enforcement authority for stewards).- Maintain volunteer equipment and coordinate maintenance of ropes/signs at exclosures with Manomet, GA DNR, and the City of Tybee.- Complete and encourage volunteer shift reports; ensure data accuracy; document disturbance issues (human, canine, tidal flooding, etc.).SCHEDULE:- Posting Closes: October 31, 2025- Application Review & Interviews: November–December 2025- Internship Start Date: February 2, 2026- End of the Internship Date: June 26, 2026- Schedule: 15–25 hours/week in the field and working remotely on projects.REQUIREMENTS:- Valid driver’s license and personal transportation for events and beach sites.- Must have local housing (housing not provided).- High School Diploma; Preferred: Bachelor’s (or in-progress) with emphasis in environmental education, conservation, avian ecology, or wildlife management.PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:- Familiarity with conservation projects and community engagement; positive communication with beachgoers.- Exceptional organization, attention to detail, enthusiasm, and ability to work independently.- Interest in shorebird conservation and birding; bird ID experience or interest in improving skills preferred.- Comfortable creating social media content and using cameras/phones/optics for media.- Familiar with scheduling, data management, and report writing.WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:- Willingness to travel along the Georgia Coast as necessary.- Hybrid remote work when not in the field.- Comfortable working independently outdoors, recording data, walking long distances on sandy beach, sitting for several hours, and tolerating variable/harsher weather conditions.BENEFITS:- Paid internship, $16 per hour.- Flexible hours: 15–25 hours/week (not to exceed 25 hours/week).- Documentation for college credit opportunities available upon request.HOW TO APPLY:Send cover letter, resume, and contact info for 2–3 references via email to Allie Hayser (ahayser@manomet.org) and CC Abby Sterling (asterling@manomet.org).Additional statements: This description outlines the general nature of the internship and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Applicants covered under the ADA must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Manomet is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.