Wading Bird Research Specialist at National Audubon Society in Tavernier, Florida
Posted in Other 10 days ago.
Job Description:
Tavernier, FL
Full time
Posted Yesterday
JR323
Position Summary
The Wading Bird Research Specialist will work closely with the State Director of Research at the Everglades Science Center. Their primary responsibilities will be a combination of fieldwork and office projects. This is a full-time position where the Specialist will manage multiple field projects including, but not exclusive to, the capturing, banding, and tracking of Roseate spoonbills, organizing, and leading physical surveys of nesting colonies to quantify roseate spoonbill nesting success and gather nesting numbers of all waterbird species in those colonies. Furthermore, the Specialist will develop the best techniques and equipment needed to assess the efficacy of using nest cameras as a substitute for physical surveys of colonies thereby achieving contractual targets. This is a hybrid role consisting of fieldwork and work done in the office at the Everglades Science Center. The standard work week is 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, with occasional work on the weekend.
The Specialist will also manage the collection and entering of biological data from Florida Bay and the Everglades. The Specialist will need to train seasonal technicians (usually two direct reports) and coach them as to where and how best to assist in accomplishing these tasks to reach operational targets. This role will have a permanent direct report. The overall operation at ESC is accomplished through an integrated network of several data collection teams (hydrology, vegetation, prey fish and wading bird teams with the Specialist acting as lead on the wading bird team). Collecting the data will rely on a great deal of teamwork on the part of the Specialists’ ability to integrate with these other tasks by being flexible with not only their own time but that the seasonal employees’ time as well. Working with the Center Director to complete reports as required. Wading bird nesting colonies are monitored at scheduled times from as early as October to as late as June. The Specialist will be asked to assist with other projects associated with wading bird ecology in Florida Bay. Colonies will be accessed using powerboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks and on foot (wading).
Compensation:
$54,000-$64,000 / year
Essential Functions
Capture birds from mangrove habitats to place leg bands and tracking devices on the birds.
Develop best techniques and practices of using trail cameras to replace physical surveys of spoonbill nesting colonies.
Collect data autonomously; identify, preserve, and catalog data in a database to be statistically analyzed for use in producing Center products such as contract deliverables, reports, and scientific publications.
Prepare and maintain detailed records, log, and summarize reports of all procedures and results including graphs, scientific calculations, and statistical analysis charting.
Responsible for the creation, updating, and maintaining of procedures for various tasks such as, quality control/quality assurance and storage protocol.
Supervise, train, and coach seasonal technicians and a direct report to achieve our operational goals by planning their individual skill set.
Lead and co-lead on the development of hypotheses based on the data collected that will be statistically tested, leading to scientific publications that the specialist will either author or co-author with other team members.
Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (hydrology, vegetation, and fish) of biologists and research associates to meet operational targets of the organization by developing and accessing Everglades restoration projects.
Participate in group projects to protect and maintain the base facility and improve operations (e.g. lead evacuation team when under threat of hurricane)
Responsible for the repair, maintenance and replacement of all field gear assigned to the bird team.
Give educational presentations to educate the community and stakeholders.
Participate in grant writing to help expand the program and research.
Other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field (or equivalent in field experience) required; understanding and respect of the scientific method is paramount.
Minimum 5 years’ experience working in marine, estuarine, or wetlands ecology environments, or working with collecting ornithological data.
Computer experience and familiarity with spreadsheet, statistical analyses and database management programs are required.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus. Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience in scientific writing and communications.
Strong organization skills and flexibility in planning to meet the demands of the birds’ schedule (i.e., the birds determine the schedule not preplanned calendar appointments)
Experience in Florida’s estuaries, mangrove forests, and/or coastal wetlands is a plus.
Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well autonomously in the field.
Physical requirements include the ability to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments with or without accommodation, exposed to the harsh South Florida environment (extreme heat, biting insects, wading in water or mud), sometimes alone and without a communications signal while adhering to safety techniques detailed in the Audubon Safety Manual.
Ability and willingness to work in murky waters that serve as the home for potentially dangerous wildlife such as alligators and venomous snakes.
Some projects may involve travel in helicopters and small, fixed-wing aircraft.
Must have operating experience with small boats and other vehicles.
Ability to troubleshoot mechanical equipment such as trucks and boats (e.g. jump start a vehicle or change a flat tire).
Willingness to occasionally work on weekends.
Valid driver’s license required.
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
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.
Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action.
Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization.
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