Shorebird Steward Program Positions Available

The Wetlands Institute, located in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, is seeking qualified applicants for several positions to protect beach-nesting birds and migratory shorebirds in Cape May County, New Jersey. Primary responsibilities include acting as an overall ambassador for the conservation of beach-nesting birds by educating the public about shorebird conservation and beach regulations, reducing disturbance to beach-nesting birds and migratory shorebirds, and documenting and reporting disturbances. Training for position-related responsibilities and shorebird identification will be provided.

Multiple part-time Shorebird Steward positions and one full-time Crew Leader position will be filled. These are temporary, hourly positions starting in late May and ending in early September, including Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Candidates should be available for the duration of that period. A flexible schedule including early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday hours will be required.

Applicants should have excellent communication skills and feel comfortable engaging the public; experience working with the public and/or teaching is preferred. Applicants should have an interest in shorebird conservation and some bird identification experience or an interest in improving skills. Applicants should be comfortable working remotely and independently in the field and recording data. These positions require walking long distances over sandy beach, sitting for several hours, and tolerating exposure to variable and sometimes harsh weather and environmental conditions (wind, heat, sun, biting insects), but if you love spending time at the beach this may be the perfect job for you! In addition to stewarding responsibilities, the Crew Leader will also be responsible for scheduling, entering and summarizing data, communicating with the other stewards and staff, and providing oversight and guidance. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a limited criminal background screening. A valid driver’s license and personal transportation is required. Housing is not provided.

To apply, please email:

1. Cover letter detailing interest, qualifications, and availability
2. Resume
3. Name and contact information (including email) for three professional references

to Meghan Kolk at mkolk@wetlandsinstitute.org. Please include “Shorebird Steward” in the subject line. Please indicate your preference for a part-time Steward position or full-time Crew Leader position in your cover letter. Applications will be reviewed as received and should be submitted no later than March 8, 2026; positions may be filled prior to the closing date by qualified candidates.

The Wetlands Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.