Position Summary

Audubon Florida seeks a Shorebird Biologist to support beach-nesting season bird conservation work in the Florida Panhandle. The Shorebird Biologist will work remotely in the Panama City region of Bay and Gulf counties and travel to complete the majority of work on and around beaches and islands including Tyndall Critical Wildlife Area, islands and beaches and adjacent to or within Tyndall Air Force Base and Eglin Cape San Blas.

This is a full-time seasonal position working 40 hours a week between February and August 2023 including some weekend days and holidays, such as Memorial Day and Independence Day. The Shorebird Biologist will be responsible for performing beach-nesting bird monitoring and protection work primarily in Bay and Gulf counties, Florida. Responsibilities include the following, in addition to other as-needed duties:

• Breeding surveys and nest searching for imperiled bird species including Snowy Plovers, Wilson’s Plovers, Black Skimmers, Least Terns, and American Oystercatchers.
• Nonbreeding surveys for Piping Plovers, Red Knots, and other coastal bird species.
• Posting symbolic fencing around beach-nesting bird sites and maintaining said posting.
• Monitoring nest sites weekly, at minimum, for evidence of disturbance or predation.
• Performing weekly bird surveys to collect demographic data according to specified protocol, and banded bird resightings as directed.
• Protecting sites from disturbance through predation management and game camera monitoring in cooperation with site managers and partner agencies, educating beachgoers about coastal bird species while encouraging compliance with posted areas, and engaging in outreach to user groups.

Compensation: $19.00 per hour

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist to ensure all survey, monitoring, and posting is completed at sites.
• Post nesting sites with symbolic fencing as required or immediately when new nest sites are located.
• Monitor weekly, at a minimum, for nesting progress, predation, and disturbance according to the terms of Audubon’s contractual requirements.
• Survey weekly, at minimum, to collect avian demographic data and enter data into the Florida Shorebird Database or other database as required.
• Assist with other shorebird conservation and survey efforts.
• Communicate management needs to supervisor with regard to disturbance minimization through predation management, data collection using game cameras or other technology, alteration of posted nest-site boundaries, removal of posting materials and field equipment in advance of severe storm warnings, management and reporting on bird mortalities, and implementation of disturbance minimization at nesting sites or migratory bird congregation sites.
• Contribute to report writing as needed and submitting content for program related publications in a variety of media.
• Contribute photographs and short stories about birds and bird stewardship for use on Audubon website and in social media.
• Responsible for periodic cleaning and maintenance of program vehicles, trailers, and UTVs as needed.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife ecology or related field preferred.
• 1-2 years/seasons demonstrated expertise in bird identification and performing demographic bird surveys using rigorous protocols is required. At least two years/seasons of experience in shorebird or seabird identification and rigorous surveys is required. Snowy Plover experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience pulling trailers.
• Kayak paddling experience in nearshore marine or open-water conditions is required.
• Demonstrated success with accurate recording of field-collected data and data entry using MS Excel, MS Access, or online web portal data entry is required.
• Superior communication skills and demonstrated ability to work independently and with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, and decision-making skills, one who possesses a high degree of integrity.
• Demonstrated experience working with external partners and volunteers.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to pass background check to access Air force base facilities.
• Must be able to lift up to 35lbs, and be able to traverse long distances miles on beach carrying spotting scope, binoculars, and daypack without accommodation.
• Demonstrated experience with performing fieldwork in challenging coastal conditions especially in hot conditions.
• Must be able to work long days, weekends, and holidays as needed, in Florida summer field conditions.
• A genuine passion for conservation and for the mission of the National Audubon Society.

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.

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COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.