Seasonal Bird Stewardship Coordinator - Audubon (Sarasota, FL)

Sarasota Seasonal Bird Stewardship Coordinator

Audubon Florida

Sarasota, FL

APPLY ONLINE AT: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5564/sarasota-seasonal-bird-stewardship-coordinator/job

Position Summary

Audubon Florida seeks a seasonal Bird Stewardship Coordinator to support beach-nesting bird conservation work in Sarasota County. The Coordinator will work on beaches throughout Sarasota County, a shoreline distance of about 37 miles, but predominantly in the central and northern portions of the county where shorebirds and seabirds have nested historically, on Lido Key, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key. Nesting species surveyed include Black Skimmers, Least Terns, and Snowy Plovers.

During the breeding season from March through August, the Coordinator will be responsible for independently performing bird monitoring and stewardship work for beach-nesting birds with responsibilities that include:

• Posting and maintaining symbolic fencing and signage around beach-nesting bird sites.

• Monitoring nest sites at least twice weekly for evidence of disturbance or predation.

• Performing weekly or more bird surveys to include the number of adult pairs of nesting species, the number of nests, the number of downy and feathered chicks, and the number of fledged young.

• Protecting sites from disturbance through stewardship activities that will include coordination with municipal and county staff or landowners to minimize disturbance.

• Recruitment and training of new volunteers; advising and partnering with volunteers to chaperone beach-nesting bird sites during busy weekends.

• Educating beachgoers about these species and encouraging compliance with posted areas; engaging in outreach to user groups through presentations at organizational meetings.

This is a seasonal, full-time, grant-funded position from approximately April 1, 2024 through mid-August. Funding for this seasonal position is provided by the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund through December 31, 2032. Additional funding may be available beyond December 2032. The Stewardship Coordinator will work remotely out of their home in the Sarasota County area.

Compensation:

$18.00 / hour

Essential Functions

By closely collaborating with Audubon’s Shorebird Project Manager, the Sarasota Seasonal Bird Stewardship Coordinator will:

• Monitor all active nesting sites and perform weekly or more surveys and steward sites as appropriate (to be determined in consultation with the Project Manager).

• Ensure all Sarasota County beaches are effectively surveyed during the monthly Florida Shorebird Alliance beach-nesting bird survey windows.

• Ensure all bird survey data is entered weekly into the Florida Shorebird Database.

• Collect accurate data as assigned and submit associated activity logs on a scheduled timeline.

• Summarize survey and stewardship data required for grant report submissions.

• Contribute photographs and short stories about birds and bird stewardship for use on Audubon website and in social media.

• Train, mentor, and manage volunteers engaged in monitoring and stewardship activities.

• Educate and engage the public around coastal bird conservation through outreach at nesting sites.

• Cooperate with Audubon partners, including but not limited to: Sarasota Audubon Society leaders and volunteers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists and law enforcement officers, Sarasota County staff, and municipal staff as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife ecology or related field required.

• 1-2 years' demonstrated experience performing bird surveys required; experience in shorebird and seabird identification strongly preferred.

• Strong verbal communication and problem-solving skills; excellent judgment and decision-making skills, possessing a high degree of integrity in all deliverables.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to maintain accountability for work products.

• Demonstrated experience working with external partners and volunteers.

• Ability to move 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.

• Ability to carry field equipment in Florida summer field conditions while traversing up to 5 miles on sandy beaches, with or without accommodation.

• Must be able to work long days, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Bilingual preferred, but not required.

• Familiarity with Sarasota County beaches and coastal conservation lands of a plus.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks.

• Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.

South Pinellas County Anchor Steward - Audubon (Pinellas County, FL)

South Pinellas County Anchor Steward

Audubon Florida

Pinellas County, FL

APPLY ONLINE AT: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5565/south-pinellas-county-anchor-steward/job

Position Summary

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations along the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding, and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. In order to more effectively monitor and protect nesting shorebirds, Audubon is hiring a seasonal Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites located in the southern portion of Pinellas County, Florida. Sites requiring stewardship and monitoring will include Fort De Soto County Park and Shell Key Preserve. Nesting species may include American Oystercatcher, Wilson’s Plover, Snowy Plover, Least Tern, and Black Skimmer. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize and train volunteers to minimize disturbance by conducting public outreach near shore/seabird nesting areas and to help monitor nesting.

This is a seasonal position working 40 hours per week to include weekend days and the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists until the latter holiday. The position start date is anticipated to begin on March 18, 2024 and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into late August but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

This position is based on-site within the southern portion of Pinellas County, Florida.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

Under the direction of Audubon’s Shorebird Project Manager, the South Pinellas County Anchor Steward will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species; report data in the Florida Shorebird Database and Excel spreadsheets as directed by the supervisor.

• Assist site managers and partners with installing symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.

• Conduct public outreach at beach-nesting sites on weekends and holidays, to target maximum number of beachgoers and prevent nest disturbance. Hours may run longer or change as needed, and overtime is anticipated on holiday weekends.

• Assist with recruitment of volunteers; train and schedule volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and to conduct public outreach at nesting sites on weekends and holidays.

• Work closely and communicate with site managers and other Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong data collection and organizational skills.

• Ability to recruit, train, support, and schedule volunteers.

• Works well independently and with other staff, partners, and volunteers.

• Capability of carrying field equipment in Florida summer field conditions while traversing up to 5 miles on sandy beaches, with or without accommodation.

• Ability to move 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to complete assigned tasks.

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.

• Familiarity with Pinellas County beaches preferred.

• Previous experience with shorebird and seabird monitoring and stewardship is helpful, but not required.

• Must have a positive and diplomatic attitude.

• Must have an interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society.

Shorebird Monitoring & Stewardship Coordinator - Audubon (Pinellas County, FL)

Three Rooker Island Shorebird Monitoring & Stewardship Coordinator

Audubon Florida

Pinellas County, FL

APPLY ONLINE AT: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5566/three-rooker-island-shorebird-monitoring-%26-stewardship-coordinator/job

Position Summary

From April through September, the Three Rooker Island Shorebird Monitoring and Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for assisting Florida Park Service staff with beach-nesting bird monitoring and stewardship work at primarily off-shore sites in Pinellas County, Florida. Nesting species surveyed include but are not limited to Black Skimmers, Royal Terns, Laughing Gull, Snowy Plovers, and American Oystercatchers. Stewardship activities will be conducted on Three Rooker Islands, located within Anclote Key Preserve State Park. Surveys and monitoring will be conducted on all islands within Anclote Key Preserve State Park (Three Rooker Islands, Anclote Key), Honeymoon Island State Park, and Caladesi Island State Park. At these sites, the coordinator is responsible for assisting Park staff with:

• Posting and maintaining symbolic fencing and signage around beach-nesting bird sites, as needed;

• Monitoring and surveying nest sites weekly for evidence of disturbance or predation;

• Performing nesting bird surveys weekly, including during five formal, one-week windows (including color band resighting);

• Non-breeding shorebird surveys and band resightings, especially focused on state and federally listed species;

• Data entry, recordkeeping, and reporting as directed by supervisor and by Park staff;

• Helping protect sites from disturbance through stewardship activities requiring motorboat transportation to and from Three Rooker Islands; recruiting, organizing, and working closely with volunteers to chaperone beach-nesting bird colonies during weekends and major holidays; educating beachgoers about these species; encouraging compliance with posted areas; and engaging in outreach to user groups as directed by supervisor.

This is a full-time seasonal position with a start date of April 15, 2024 and ending in September, determined in consultation with supervisor and Park staff. Funding for this seasonal position is provided by the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund through December 31, 2032. Additional funding may go beyond December 2032.

The Stewardship Coordinator will be based out of their home in the Tampa Bay area. This is an exciting seasonal position for a professional biologist with experience of shorebird/seabird surveys and experience of operating small vessels in nearshore marine waters.

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Essential Functions

With direction from the Shorebird Project Manager and designated Florida Park staff, the Coordinator will ensure:

• All sites are posted with symbolic fencing and signage by posting deadlines.

• All sites are surveyed weekly, including during the monthly Florida Shorebird Alliance beach-nesting bird survey windows.

• All sites are monitored weekly for signs of disturbance and changes in nesting status.

• All sites are stewarded to the terms of Audubon’s contract.

• Survey data and band resights are entered into the Florida Shorebird Database and Access or Excel databases as directed by the supervisor or Park staff within one week following the survey date.

• Summaries of survey and stewardship data required for grant report submissions.

• Contribution of photographs and short stories about birds and bird stewardship for use on Audubon website and in social media.

• Periodic cleaning and maintenance of program vehicles, trailers, and boats as needed.

• Training, mentorship, and management of volunteers engaged in monitoring and stewardship activities.

• Engagement of the public around coastal bird conservation through outreach at beach sites and through presentations to user groups.

• Work independently and with other staff as part of a team of bird stewards including on weekends and holidays.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife ecology or related field required.

• 1-2 years' demonstrated experience performing bird surveys required; experience in shorebird and seabird identification and performing waterbird surveys strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in solo operation of a motorboat in nearshore marine waters with wet landings is required; operating and maintaining equipment including boats, trucks, and trailers a must.

• Demonstrated experience performing fieldwork in challenging coastal marine conditions required including operating small vessels in tides, strong currents and inclement weather

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to maintain accountability for work products.

• Demonstrated experience working with partners and volunteers in a professional manner.

• Strong verbal communication and problem-solving skills; excellent judgment and decision-making skills.

• Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks.

• Ability to move 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.

• Ability to carry field equipment in Florida summer field conditions while traversing up to 5 miles on sandy beaches, with or without accommodation.

• Bilingual preferred, but not required.

• Familiarity with coastal conservation lands of the Pinellas County Gulf coast a plus.

• Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.

Anchor Steward - Audubon (Lee County, FL)

Lee County Anchor Steward

Audubon Florida

Lee County, FL

APPLY ONLINE AT: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5554/lee-county-anchor-steward/job

Position Summary

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations on the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better monitor and protect the nesting shorebirds along beaches and other nest sites, Audubon is hiring a seasonal Bird Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites within Lee County, Florida. The sites may include, but not limited to Lover’s Key State Park, Bunche Beach, and Fort Myers Beach, with assisting stewarding of barrier islands of North Captiva and Cayo Costa when transportation is available. These sites are important to the nesting of all five focal shorebirds, Black Skimmers, Least Terns, Wilson’s Plovers, Snowy Plovers, and American Oystercatchers. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize and train volunteers to help monitor nesting birds and to conduct public outreach around the sea/shorebird nesting areas.

This is a part-time, 20-hour per week, seasonal position focused on weekends and holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists through the latter. The position is expected to begin April 29th, 2024 and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into late-August to mid-September but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

This role is on-site based out of multiple locations in Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species, and enter/report data to the supervisor.

• Assist site managers and Audubon staff with installing symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.

• Conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays generally between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hours may run longer per day or change as needed, and this is anticipated on holiday weekends.

• Assist with recruiting volunteers; train and schedule volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays.

• Work closely with site managers and Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.

• Coordinate with external partners, including State Parks staff and SCCF, for boating transportation to barrier islands for stewarding.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience and ability with verbal communication, including a willingness to engage with a large variety of the public.

• Experience and ability with record-keeping and summarizing data for grant-required reports.

• Ability to recruit, train, support, and schedule volunteers.

• Work well independently and with other staff and volunteers.

• A positive and diplomatic attitude.

• Demonstrated capability of physically active work on sandy beaches carrying field equipment during Florida summer field conditions and move 30 lbs. with or without accommodation.

• Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks.

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

• Previous experience with monitoring and stewardship for one sea/shorebird nesting season preferred, but similar experience will be considered.

• Must be comfortable with boating and working on the water. Experience using a motorboat is preferred, but not necessary.

• Ability to adapt and problem solve in an ever-changing situation.

• Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.

Anchor Steward - Audubon (Collier County, FL)

Collier County Anchor Steward

Audubon Florida

Collier County, FL

APPLY ONLINE AT: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5555/collier-county-anchor-steward/job

Position Summary

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds at many locations on the Gulf Coast and Northeast Atlantic Coast of Florida by surveying, posting, stewarding and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better monitor and protect the nesting shorebirds along beaches and other nest sites Audubon is hiring a seasonal Beach Anchor Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites within Collier County, Florida. The site most likely requiring stewardship is Big Marco Pass CWA, which is reached by boating. Nesting species may include Wilson’s Plover, Least Tern, and Black Skimmer. The primary responsibility of the Anchor Steward is to organize and train volunteers in order to help monitor nesting birds and to conduct public outreach around the shore/seabird nesting areas. Additional responsibilities include aiding with additional sea/shorebird surveys with the supervisor, assisting external partners with research and management, and data management at the discretion of the supervisor.

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, seasonal position focused on weekend days and holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists until the latter holiday. The position is expected to begin on April 15th, 2024 and continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into August or early September but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

This role is on-site based out of multiple locations in Naples, Collier County, Florida.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Monitor nesting birds and conduct minimum weekly counts of nests, chicks, and fledged young of each nesting species, and enter/report data to the supervisor.

• Assist site managers and Audubon staff with installing symbolic fencing around new nest areas as needed.

• Conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays generally between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hours may run longer or change as needed, and longer hours are anticipated on holiday weekends.

• Assist with recruiting volunteers; train, schedule, and transport volunteers to chaperone nesting birds and to conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays.

• Work closely with site managers and Audubon staff, external partners, and volunteers in a positive and professional manner at all times.

• Assist with additional surveys and research with Audubon Florida staff and external partners.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience and ability with verbal communication, including a willingness to engage with a large variety of public.

• Experience and ability with record-keeping and summarizing data for grant-required reports.

• Ability to recruit, train, support, and schedule volunteers.

• Work well independently and with other staff and volunteers.

• A positive and diplomatic attitude.

• Demonstrated capability of physically active work walking on sandy beaches carrying field equipment during Florida summer field conditions and move 30 lbs. with or without accommodation.

• Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle suited for transportation to complete assigned tasks.

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

• Must be comfortable with boating and working on the water. Experience using a motorboat is preferred.
  Previous experience with monitoring and stewardship for one shore/seabird nesting season strongly preferred, but similar experience will be considered.

• Interest in conservation and passion for the mission of the National Audubon Society a must.

Wildlife Technician (3 positions) - USDA (Hernando/Pasco, Collier/Lee, Hillsborough/Manatee)

OPEN DATE: December 11th, 2023

CLOSING DATE: December 22nd, 2023

POSITION TITLE: Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) – 1 Position

TYPE OF POSITION: Term Appointment with possibility for Benefits, Excepted Service. Not to Exceed 13 months (may be extended up to 4 years)

WORK SCHEDULE: Fulltime – 40 hours per week

ANNOUNCEMENT #: WSER-10-25-2023-FL

SERIES/GRADE: GS-0404-5/6

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: GS-0404-06

LOCATIONS: Duty stations Counties of Hernando, Pasco, Collier, Lee, Hillsborough and Manatee. This is a 100% remote position that must be located within the cities and/or counties listed in the vacancy announcement.

1 Vacancy will cover Hernando and Pasco counties, 1 Vacancy will cover Collier and Lee counties, 1 Vacancy will cover Hillsborough and Manatee counties

When applying please list the announcement number (WSER-10-25-FL) and which counties you are applying to, by number (below) you may apply to more than one.

1- Collier/Lee

2- Hillsborough/Manatee

3- Hernando/Pasco

The duty station for a remote designation is the selectee’s home and must be established within the defined geographic options prior to start date.

The selectee is not required to regularly work from a government facility however, the option may be available.

SALARY: $37,696 – $54,625 per year (depending on GS level qualified for and relocation costs will not be paid for this position)

WHO MAY APPLY:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Must be 18 years old

• If you are a male born after December 31, 1959 and are at least 18 years of age, civil service

employment law (5 U.S.C. 3328) requires that you must be registered with the Selective Service

System, unless you meet certain exemptions (proof of registration and/or exemption required).

Website: http://www.sss.gov.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Resume (include days/months/years worked, work schedule, and grade level if federal)

• 1) Personal information such as name, address, contact information

• 2) Education

• 3) Detailed work experience related to this position as described in the announcement including

  ▪ Work schedule,

  ▪ Hours worked per week,

  ▪ Dates of employment.

  ▪ Title, series, grade (if applicable)

• 4) All supervisors' phone numbers and if they may be contacted

• 5) Other qualifications, such as transcripts (if qualifying on education)

  Transcripts (if qualifying on education)

  DD-214 (Member 4 copy), if applicable for Veteran’s Preference

  VA letter required if claiming disabled Veteran’s Preference

  Current active-duty members must submit a certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.

HOW TO APPLY: Additional materials not listed above (i.e. position descriptions, training certificates, etc.) may not be considered. Applicants who do not submit the required items listed above may not be considered. Applications with all supporting documents must be submitted to the contact office and must be RECEIVED by the CLOSING DATE of this announcement.

Interested individuals should send a resume, transcripts, veteran documentation (if applicable) to the contact office in each state where the position is located:

CONTACT OFFICE FOR FLORIDA:

Angelo Tisone

Assistant District Supervisor

Florida South District

1843 S. Tamiami Trail

Osprey, FL 34229

Angelo.Tisone@usda.gov

(267) 549-1448

Please click HERE for a copy of the position announcement with full details.

Biological Scientist III - FWC (Christmas, FL)

Position Title: FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO SCIENTIST III

Location: William Beardall Tosohatchee WMA in Christmas, FL

Salary: $45,000 per year plus benefits and on-site housing

Job Description:

The FWC’s Northeast Region is seeking a highly motivated candidate for an exciting and challenging opportunity to lead a team of biologists and fish and wildlife technicians managing the William Beardall Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Orange County Florida. This position serves as the Lead Area Biologist responsible for managing over 30,000 acres of natural communities including floodplain marsh, hydric hammock, and wet and mesic flatwoods to benefit game, non-game, and imperiled wildlife and plant species. The Lead Area Biologist is responsible for coordinating and implementing habitat management and restoration activities including the application of prescribed fire on approximately 5,000 acres per year as well as conducting various mechanical and chemical treatments, and invasive species management. The incumbent will lead a team of 4 full-time employees and several seasonal positions to maintain, restore, and enhance habitats for the benefit of a variety of species and for the enjoyment of Florida residents and visitors.

This position is responsible for all aspects of running the WMA including project, infrastructure, and public hunt management; reporting, purchasing and budget management; GIS; and data entry. The incumbent will interact professionally with the public and partners, including other state and federal agencies as well as non-governmental organizations to provide information concerning wildlife, area management, and rules and regulations. The successful candidate will oversee the operation of hunter check stations to collect biological data of hunter harvested game. Occasionally the incumbent will be required to attend regional and divisional meetings as well as various trainings as needed.

Additionally, the incumbent will have responsibilities at the Seminole Ranch WMA to include, but not limited to interacting with the lead agency staff, supervising managed hunts, conducting habitat management activities, project implementation, and conducting surveys such as deer spotlight counts and invasive/exotic plant surveys.

Qualifications:

Incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and leadership skills, be able to work well with team members and interact positively with stakeholders and cooperators. 

Other knowledge, skills and abilities include: 

• Knowledge of principles of ecology and wildlife management

• Knowledge of the common and imperiled species of Florida

• Knowledge of the principles of fire ecology and experience with the application of prescribed fire

• Knowledge of wildlife and land management practices including mechanical and chemical vegetation control

• Knowledge and experience in supervising multiple team members

• Knowledge of outdoor recreational activities including hunting and fishing

• Ability to work as part of a team and independently

• Experience conducting wildlife surveys and summarizing biological data

• Knowledge of and experience in ArcGIS and GPS and its application to land management and surveys

• Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office applications

• Ability to identify common and imperiled wildlife species

• Ability to operate outdoors under harsh weather conditions

• Ability to write technical reports

• Ability to plan and prioritize work assignments and multi-task

• Ability to operate vehicles, ATVs, trailers and boats, including airboats

Application Deadline: 01/03/2024

How to apply: For more information and application instructions, please visit the website

https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/CHRISTMAS-FISHERIES-&-WILDLIFE-BIO-SCIENTIST-III-77001089-FL-32709/1081116800/