INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River County Conservation Lands Program is seeking volunteers to assist with the monitoring of Florida scrub-jays on conservation lands and surrounding areas.
Florida scrub-jays are a federally protected species under the Endangered Species Act and are managed on conservation lands in accordance with an Incidental Take Permit and a Habitat Conservation Plan.
Volunteers will assist the county in monitoring assigned areas and families of scrub-jays. These tasks require training and performance under a federal permit. Volunteers must be able to work year-round and especially in the months of June, July, and August. Ability to work in outdoor elements, during high temperatures and without shade is necessary. Volunteer activities are generally conducted alone and for 2 to 3 hours per week in the early morning hours. Proper clothing and attire are also required.
For the 2015-2016 year, a mandatory volunteer training will be held on Jan. 26, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
An application is required to be accepted into the training program. For more information and to receive an application, go to www.ircgov.com/conservation or email Beth Powell, Conservation Lands Manager, at bpowell@ircgov.com or call (772) 589-9223. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2015.