Apalachicola Shorebird Biologist

Audubon Florida seeks a Biologist, Apalachicola Shorebird with shorebird identification, boat handling, and other specialized skills in the field of coastal bird biology to lead nesting season and nonbreeding season shore and seabird conservation work in the Eastern Florida Panhandle. They will work remotely in the Apalachicola region of southern Franklin County and travel to complete most of the work on and around beaches and islands including Little St. George Island, Dog Island, multiple Critical Wildlife Areas, and other sites as assigned. These represent the breeding areas for 10+ species of beach nesting birds and are an important wintering and stopover area to migratory shorebirds. Field work will be primarily conducted on barrier islands and the biologist will work independently, exercising discretion and sound judgement to complete surveys safely in variety of weather and water conditions. From February to August, or later if nesting activity continues (breeding season), this position will be responsible for organizing and leading-nesting bird monitoring and protection. From mid-August through mid-February (“non-breeding season”) this position will be responsible for completing biweekly winter coastal bird surveys and banded bird resighting focusing on Red Knot, Piping Plover, and Snowy Plover.

Compensation:

$44,812.80 – $47,611.20 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Monitor nesting birds, conduct counts of shorebirds and seabirds during the nesting season.
• Conduct surveys for and resight banded shorebirds and seabirds during non-nesting season.
• Post and adjust symbolic fencing at the beginning of breeding season and when new nest sites are located. Remove symbolic fencing at the end of breeding or as needed to avoid damage from storms.
• Manage data, including contributing to the Florida Shorebird Database, other state databases, and interpret data for grant reports and other technical reports and presentations.
• Interpret data and exercise sound judgement to make predation management recommendation and minimize disturbance to birds.
• Safely operate and oversee maintenance of field equipment, including vehicles, boats, and trailers.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with communities and partner agencies
• Train volunteers and manage volunteer participation in coastal bird stewardship.
• Train new team members in bird identification, nest searching, and equipment use and safety.
• Provide required certification training for permitted Bird Monitors.
• Participate in partner meetings and working groups including delivering technical presentations.
• Contribute photographs and short stories for use on the Audubon website and in social media.
• Give presentations about monitoring and stewardship activities and lead bird outings or boat tours.
• Lead outreach at community events to engage the public about shore and seabirds.
• Independently complete specialized field tasks, while maintaining regular communication with supervisor, teammates, supporting partner organization, and administrative staff.
• Collaborate with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife ecology or related field required.
• 3 years/seasons demonstrated advanced specialized skill in bird identification and performing demographic bird surveys using rigorous protocols is required. At least 2 years of experience with shorebird or seabird identification and rigorous surveys required.
• Specialized skill and experience operating and maintaining boats with trailer launch in challenging nearshore marine conditions or equivalent experience in freshwater environments required.
• Advanced skill in collecting and interpreting data and data entry using Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Demonstrated experience problem-solving, interpreting data to make decisions, and exercising independent judgement while managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and operating independently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills and great attention to detail required.
• Kayak paddling experience in nearshore marine or open-water conditions is a plus.
• Superior communication skills and demonstrated ability to work independently and with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Team-focused attitude and the ability to work well independently as well as with others required.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to work long days, weekends, and holidays as needed, in hot humid field conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Grades 4-6

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org . This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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