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Qualified Rooftop Monitors

Qualified Rooftop Monitors are authorized to conduct surveys to determine whether a permit is needed during rooftop activities that could affect protected rooftop bird species. They also provide guidance during permitted rooftop activities to avoid direct impacts to nests, eggs, young and adults.

FWC surveyer looking over concrete rooftop
Bird with two chicks on rooftop

Qualified Rooftop Monitors and IBNB Permitted Monitors differ in authorizations and purpose.  

Qualified Rooftop Monitors complete online training through the FWC and obtain a Rooftop Monitor Certificate. Their role is to conduct surveys to determine whether an Incidental Take Permit is needed during rooftop activities that could affect Active Nests and to provide guidance during permitted rooftop activities to avoid direct impacts to nests, eggs, young and adults. Qualified Rooftop Monitor certificates are renewed annually. 

IBNB Permitted Monitors are experienced individuals with proven shorebird and seabird identification and survey experience and have been issued a FWC IBNB Permitted Monitor permit. The primary purpose of the IBNB Permitted Monitor is to help the FWC Incidental Take Permittee avoid direct injury or mortality to birds or eggs during beach activities. IBNB Permitted Monitor permits are valid for 2 years.  

To become a Qualified Rooftop Monitor, visit the FWC’s eLearning site and complete the Qualified Rooftop Monitor training and pass the quiz. You will then receive a completion certificate.  

To become a Qualified Rooftop Monitor, you must earn the FWC Qualified Rooftop Monitor Certificate. We recommend that Qualified Rooftop Monitors have previous field experience in rooftop shorebird or seabird monitoring, but this is not required.

Bird on rooftop structure with chicks next to it

Qualified Rooftop Monitors: 

  • Determine if avoidance of birds is possible during rooftop activities.
  • Gather information needed for the Incidental Take Permit application including:
    • The species and location of rooftop birds;
    • The estimated number of adult IBNBs; and
    • Information on nests with eggs or young that would be directly impacted by the proposed work. 
  • Provide technical assistance during permitted rooftop activities to minimize impacts on nesting birds and their young.  
  • Retrieve any chicks that fall from the building due to authorized activities and place the chicks back on the roof.  

More information on the full roles and responsibilities of Qualified Rooftop Monitors is available in Appendix E of the IBNB Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines.  

Yes, certificates expire on December 31 of each year. You’ll need to obtain a new certificate after January 1. In other words, you must re-take the Qualified Rooftop Monitor training and pass the quiz to obtain the certificate before each nesting season. 

Bird standing in front of protective fencing on top of roof

If a rooftop activity cannot wait until after the breeding season when no birds are present on the rooftop, then an Incidental Take Permit is required. Once the guidelines take effect in October 2024, a named Qualified Rooftop Monitor will be required to apply for the permit. Until then, it is recommended that permittees applying for an Incidental Take Permit identify a Qualified Rooftop Bird Monitor and upload the monitor’s certificate with their permit application.  

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