Apply online at:
https://audubon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Audubon/job/Tavernier-FL/Wading-Bird-Research-Specialist_JR699

Position Summary

The Wading Bird Research 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. Colonies are accessed using powerboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks and on foot (wading). The Specialist will also manage the collection and entering biological data from Florida Bay and the Everglades. This role consists 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 has a supervisory role and will 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. 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 the seasonal employees’ time as well. The Specialist will be asked to assist with other projects associated with wading bird ecology in Florida Bay.

Compensation:

$57,000 / 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 creating, updating, and maintaining 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.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
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.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
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.