Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

Two Seasonal Shorebird Technicians will assist conservation scientists with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting shorebirds on the barrier islands and marshes of the Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve. Technicians will work closely with the VVCR’s Coastal Science staff with each position assigned to one of two specific projects:

1. Eastern Willet, Piping plover and American oystercatcher (12-week position) productivity monitoring, resighting, and banding.

2. American oystercatcher productivity monitoring, banding and resighting within salt marshes combined with management and implementation of a study to test the efficacy of using artificial nesting platforms for nesting oystercatchers (18-week position).

Technicians will have opportunities to assist on all projects and will also participate in other program activities such as colonial waterbird surveys and data entry. Technicians will also engage in the following beach nesting bird management activities: posting and patrolling bird colonies on the barrier islands, educating island visitors about beach nesting birds, maintaining signage, and conducting visitor use surveys. These positions require one to keep organized, detailed daily field notes, operate a boat to be used for access to the barrier islands and perform daily maintenance on boats. Additional duties may be assigned.

We’re Looking for You:

By joining the VVCR team, you will become part of a cutting edge Landscape Program that has worked to protect a unique coastal landscape using a science-based, partnership approach to management and conservation for over 50 years. The VVCR is one of the last expanses of coastal wilderness on the U.S. East Coast and encompasses over 40,000 acres of natural landscape throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including 14 barrier and marsh islands. VVCR’s Migratory Bird Program aims to protect and manage the bird populations that depend on these coastal habitats. The impact of our work reaches beyond this region as well, as we work with partners from across the Western Hemisphere to advance our conservation initiatives. The importance of the region to migratory birds is recognized through a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network designation and Audubon Important Bird Area Global status. We’re looking for a passionate, motivated problem-solver to join our Migratory Bird Team for the 2026 season. Creativity, flexibility, willingness to work on a fast-paced, dynamic schedule and a great attitude are key to this role.

You can expect the following roles and responsibilities when you join our team:

• Work under close supervision and receive specific and detailed instructions for required tasks, but also operate independently and exercise good judgement in varied field conditions.
• Supervise volunteers on occasion.
• Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including preserve volunteers, preserve visitors, and others.
• Walk 3-8 miles each day in heat and humidity along remote barrier islands.
• Work from and on a boat; work in remote locations, sometimes during adverse conditions such as heat, humidity, extended exposure to sun and biting insects.
• Work weekends and holidays on occasion and as scheduled ahead of time.
• Work a varied schedule that depends on tide and weather; field sites span approximately 50 miles of coastline and include 10 different sites.

What You’ll Bring:

• Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of experience.
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain.
• Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation and personal automobile insurance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BS degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred, or coursework in active pursuit of a degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field.
• Waterbird and shorebird identification skills. Experience with monitoring reproductive success of beach nesting birds preferred.
• Shorebird banding experience preferred.
• Experience operating and trailering boats independently up to 20 feet in length.
• Experience using GPS units, GIS mapping software and remote data collection tools such as ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey 123.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Local knowledge of the Eastern Shore of Virginia seaside, tides, and barrier islands preferred. Must meet Virginia’s Boating Safety Education requirement or will be required to complete an online course prior to start of position.

This position requires a valid driver”s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee”s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Current funding provides for $23.50 per hour, 40 hours/week, 12-18 weeks duration depending on the position. Few benefits. Shared seasonal housing will be provided with the rental value included as non-cash taxable income. Desired start date is March or April 2026.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy”s background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.