Volunteers have been the leading force behind Alabama Audubon since its founding way back in 1946. If you’d like to play a bigger role in our work promoting conservation and a greater knowledge of birds, their habitats, and the natural world, we invite you to find out more about our current opportunities below.
Community Science Volunteer
Location: Statewide / Reports to the Science & Conservation Director
Our COMMUNITY SCIENCE CORPS assists the Science & Conservation Director with ongoing research efforts designed to investigate Alabama’s bird populations and the challenges they face. Duties vary according to the needs of each project, but all involve opportunities to learn bird-monitoring protocols and best practices in data collection. It’s also a great way to contribute to the long-term well-being of our avian friends!
We’re currently seeking volunteers for our Alabama SwiftWatch project monitoring chimney swift roost sites in the fall, and our Window Collision Monitoring program in the spring and fall. Email our Science & Conservation Director for more information and to sign up.
Potential tasks include:
- monitoring various bird species using standard protocols;
- participating in bird counts;
- recording and reporting data using standardized protocols.
Requirements:
Community-science Volunteers must:
- demonstrate basic and consistent bird-identification skills;
- follow standard protocols with consistency and a detail-oriented mindset;
- commit to a schedule over a fixed, predetermined time frame;
- utilize their own vehicle or other means of transportation;
- use their own binoculars if needed (although a limited number of loaner pairs may be available).
Time expectations:
Community Science Volunteers will coordinate with the Science & Conservation Director to develop a participation schedule that is compatible with both the individual’s availability and the requirements of the project.
Habitat Volunteer
Location: Birmingham office / Reports to the Science & Conservation Director
Our HABITAT VOLUNTEER CORPS plays an essential role in our efforts to restore Birmingham-area landscapes for the benefit of birds and the people who love them. During the 2019–2020 season, these efforts will focus primarily on our Audubon-Datnow Forest Preserve at W.E. Putnam Middle School, located in the heart of the city’s Eastwood neighborhood. This position provides a great opportunity to get outside, learn more about native-plant restoration, and make a positive difference in the Alabama landscape!
Potential tasks include:
- periodically removing invasive plants like Chinese privet, English ivy, and Nandina domestica;
- monitoring habitat-restoration sites for biodiversity metrics and emerging challenges;
- cleaning up litter;
- assisting with various tasks during public workdays on site.
Requirements:
Habitat Volunteers should be able to:
- conduct manual-labor tasks like lifting, bending, digging, crouching, and pulling;
- work outside under various conditions, including difficult weather (hot, cold, wet), and in the presence of inhospitable plant and insect life;
- safely operate standard yard-maintenance equipment.
Time expectations:
Habitat Volunteers will coordinate with the Science & Conservation Director to develop a participation schedule designed to meet the needs and interest of the volunteer. Hours may vary depending on both the volunteer’s and the property owner’s schedules.
Read more about Audubon’s work at Putnam here: https://www.audubon.org/news/at-alabama-middle-school-birds-belong-everyone
Office Volunteer
Location: Birmingham office / Reports to the Administrative Coordinator
Alabama Audubon’s OFFICE VOLUNTEERS help with simple chores that keep our organization running smoothly and efficiently. With flexible scheduling and a wide variety of possible tasks, this position is a perfect way for bird lovers to help us multiply the impact of our hardworking staff.
Potential tasks include:
- organizing Audubon’s extensive archives;
- assisting with merchandise fulfillment and inventory;
- stuffing envelopes for seasonal mailings, including annual and seasonal fund drives;
- other tasks to be determined by the Administrative Coordinator.
Requirements:
Office Volunteers will need:
- excellent organizational and time-management skills;
- good interpersonal skills;
- the ability to work independently and as part of a team;
- the ability to lift at least twenty pounds.
Time expectations:
Office Volunteers will work closely with the Administrative Coordinator to develop a participation schedule designed to meet the needs and interest of the individual. Hours may vary depending on both the volunteer’s and the organization’s schedule; available slots are limited to our open office hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Outreach Volunteer
Location: Statewide / Reports to the Outreach & Communications Director
Alabama Audubon’s OUTREACH VOLUNTEER CORPS helps connect both new and seasoned audiences to the wonders of Alabama’s natural world. Under the direction of our Outreach & Communications Director, these volunteers lead field trips and nature walks, fostering important face-to-face connections with our conservation-minded audience. In other words, if you’re excited to educate people about birds and their habitats, then this is the position for you! During the COVID-19 pandemic, this can be virtual bird walks!
Potential tasks include:
- leading or assisting with field trips, bird walks, Gosse Nature Walks, school-group walks, and other public outreach activities;
- assisting staff at occasional tabling-based outreach events.
Requirements:
All Outreach Volunteers will need:
- great interpersonal and instructional skills (e.g., people-focused personalities, comfort speaking to groups);
- intermediate to advanced bird-identification skills;
- great time-management skills;
- the ability to walk short to long distances, sometimes on uneven terrain, under a variety of outdoor conditions;
- their own means of transportation, as well as the ability to check out, transport, and return in good condition multiple pairs of Audubon binoculars;
- a valid driver’s license and up-to-date auto insurance;
- their own binoculars (although a limited number of loaner pairs may be available);
- the ability to pass a standard background check.
Time expectations:
Outreach Volunteers will work closely with the Outreach & Communications Director for scheduling. Hours may vary depending on both the volunteer’s and the organization’s needs, the program requests received, and the weather. Both weekend and weekday opportunities are available.
Interested in volunteering on the Alabama Gulf Coast? Click here.
Questions? Email us at info@alaudubon.org, subject line: Volunteer Opportunities.