POSITION TITLE: Monarch Field Naturalist

Hiring Organization/Employer:  Cape May Bird Observatory
Application Deadline:  June 1, 2026
Education Required:  none
Location:  Cape May, NJ

Description:  

 MONARCH FIELD NATURALISTS (2) needed August 26 to November 14, 2026 for
ongoing Monarch Monitoring Project (MMP) at New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO),
Cape May, NJ. Cape May is renowned as one of the world's great hot spots for migration. The Monarch Field Naturalists will gain valuable experience in progressing from an active learner to a skilled leader with a clear understanding of how we are working to monitor and protect New Jersey’s resident and migratory butterflies and wildlife, and the ability to engage a diverse public audience to become stewards of these important resources. NJ Audubon fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, and the natural habitats with which they are associated.

 

Compensation & Benefits:  

  $16.25 per hour. Housing may be available

 

Responsibilities:  

 Educational Programming
• Educate the public about the project and monarch biology in both informal and formal settings.
• Maintain displays of monarch caterpillars and chrysalides at CMBO's Northwood Center & The Nature
Center of Cape May.
• Update existing MMP program materials and create new materials as needed.
• Assist with maintaining the MMP social media accounts.
Research
• Complete daily point counts of migrating monarchs and other insects across Cape Island.
• Conduct monarch tagging and keep organized records of all tags.
• Monarch tagging and point count data entry.
• Compile a comprehensive seasonal report to archive all efforts from the 2026 season.
Membership
• Strive to increase NJ Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory membership base.
Community Relations
• Represent NJ Audubon in the local community, expanding the organization’s presence to increase
local awareness, support, and participation.
Other
• Participates with other NJ Audubon staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations at the
assigned center.
• Assume additional responsibilities or assignments as required by supervisor or department head.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Must have your own vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and be able to operate a vehicle in NJ.
• Must have the physical capacity to walk over uneven terrain for long distances, able to move materials,
and to lift 25 lbs

 

 

 

How to Apply:  

 To apply, email your cover letter and resume (include phone contact info) and indicate “Monarch Field
Naturalist” in the subject line to hr.cmboseasonal@njaudubon.org, so your application is routed to the
appropriate department for review.

 

 

 

 

Contact: