Rooftop Seabird Field Technician - Audubon (Pensacola, FL)

Apply online at: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5586/rooftop-seabird-field-technician/job?

Position Summary

Audubon Florida seeks a Seasonal Rooftop Seabird Field Technician to support nesting season seabird conservation on rooftops throughout the Florida Panhandle. Rooftop nesting seabirds are primarily Least Terns but may also include Black Skimmers, and Gull-billed Terns. The Rooftop Seabird Field Technician will work in a five-county region of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay.

The Field Technician will help with rooftop colony conservation including fencing rooftops, finding and monitoring roof colonies, conducting emergency chick retrieval and assisting with volunteer coordination. This is a part-time seasonal position, scheduled for 25 hours a week (including some holidays and weekends), with an expected start date of April 22, 2024, tentative end date of August 18, 2024, and will be based out of the Santa Rosa County area.

Compensation:

$15.00-$19.00 / hour based on experience

Essential Functions

Under the guidance of the Panhandle Stewardship Coordinator, Field Technician will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Survey the Panhandle’s historic rooftop nesting sites to determine whether they are active during the nesting season.

• Engage with and support the owners of buildings with rooftop colonies.

• Work with property managers to “chick proof” rooftops prior to the nesting season.

• Organize volunteers to do routine building site visits of rooftop colonies to provide updates, as well as collect fallen chicks and return them to rooftops.

• Respond to or coordinate volunteer response to time-sensitive calls regarding fallen chicks at rooftop colonies.

• Responsible for timely data entry and reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

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

• Demonstrated experience with field work, as well as familiarity with the Florida Panhandle region.

• Knowledge of and experience identifying various seabird species.

• Must be comfortable working on rooftops at various building heights.

• Ability to safely drive long distances in assigned work vehicle.

• Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate clearly to various audiences.

• A detailed approach to work, one who possesses good judgment and strong integrity with work products.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite required.

• Experience with or leading volunteer groups strongly preferred.

• A flexible approach to work; must have a valid driver's license and be willing to work some weekends and holidays.

• Comfort working in outside, variable conditions, such as rooftops.

• Must be able to move 30 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Seabird Steward - Audubon (Pensacola, FL)

APPLY ONLINE AT: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5584/pensacola-beach-seabird-steward/job

Position Summary

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds through much of the Florida Panhandle by posting, stewarding, and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better monitor and protect the nesting seabirds and shorebirds along beaches and other nest sites, Audubon is hiring a seasonal Seabird Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites within the Pensacola Beach area. The primary responsibility of the Pensacola Beach Seabird Steward is to survey nesting beaches, organize volunteers to conduct public outreach at seabird nesting sites, and posting protective perimeters around nest sites along Pensacola Beach. Nesting species of importance include Least Tern, Black Skimmer, Snowy Plover, and Wilson’s Plover. Additional responsibilities include assisting external partners with research and management, and data management at the discretion of the supervisor.

This is a full-time seasonal position working 40 hours a week with a focus on weekend days and holidays, including Memorial Day and Independence Day. 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 late August or early September.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

With the help of the Panhandle Stewardship Coordinator, the Pensacola Beach Seabird 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.

• Conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays, to target maximum number of beachgoers and prevent nest disturbance.

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

• Install symbolic fencing and posting around new nest areas as needed.

• Report and enter data in a timely manner as instructed by supervisor.

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

• Communicate any disturbance, changes, or issues at seabird nesting sites.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must have strong communication skills with a willingness to engage with the public.

• Ability to organize, recruit, and schedule volunteers.

• Attention to detail and keen behavioral observation skills.

• Work well independently and as a team.

• Must be able to work in Florida summer field conditions, walk long stretches in sand, and the ability to move 30 lbs with or without accommodation.

• A flexible approach to work and be willing to work weekends and holidays.

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

• Familiarity with Santa Rosa and Escambia County beaches preferred.

• Previous experience with monitoring nesting shore/seabirds strongly preferred, but similar experience will be considered.

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

Seabird Steward - Audubon (Navarre, FL)

APPLY ONLINE AT: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5585/navarre-beach-seabird-steward/job

Position Summary

Audubon Florida supports management of beach-nesting birds through much of the Florida Panhandle by posting, stewarding, and protecting nesting areas from disturbance. To better monitor and protect the nesting seabirds and shorebirds along beaches and other nest sites, Audubon is hiring a seasonal Seabird Steward to work at beach-nesting bird sites within the Navarre Beach area. The primary responsibility of the Navarre Beach Seabird Steward is to survey nest sites of Santa Rosa County including Navarre Causeway, Navarre Beach Marine Park, and sites along Highway 399, as well as organize volunteers to conduct public outreach at seabird nesting sites. Nesting species of importance include Least Tern, Black Skimmer, Snowy Plover, and Wilson’s Plover. Additional responsibilities include assisting external partners with research and management, and data management at the discretion of the supervisor.

This is a full-time seasonal position working 40 hours a week with a focus on weekend days and holidays, including Memorial Day and Independence Day. 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 late August or early September.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

With the help of the Panhandle Stewardship Coordinator, the Navarre Beach 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.

• Conduct public outreach at nesting beaches on weekends and holidays, to target maximum number of beachgoers and prevent nest disturbance.

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

• Install symbolic fencing and posting around new nest areas as needed.

• Report and enter data in a timely manner as instructed by supervisor.

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

• Communicate any disturbance, changes, or issues at seabird nesting sites.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must have strong communication skills with a willingness to engage with the public.

• Ability to organize, recruit, and schedule volunteers.

• Attention to detail and keen behavioral observation skills.

• Work well independently and as a team.

• Must be able to work in Florida summer field conditions, walk long stretches in sand, and the ability to move 30 lbs with or without accommodation.

• A flexible approach to work and be willing to work weekends and holidays.

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

• Familiarity with Santa Rosa beaches preferred.

• Previous experience with monitoring nesting shore/seabirds strongly preferred, but similar experience will be considered.

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

Biological Science Technician - USDA (Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto)

OPEN DATE: Jan. 3, 2024

CLOSING DATE: Jan. 17, 2024

POSITION TITLE: Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

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-10-16-2023-DEPFL

SERIES/GRADE: GS-0404-5/6

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: GS-0404-06

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1

LOCATIONS: Counties of Sarasota, Charlotte, Desoto.

This is a 100% remote position that must be located within the cities and/or counties listed in the vacancy announcement.

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: $39,576 – $57,354 per year (depending on GS level qualified for and relocation costs will not be paid for this position)

Click HERE for the full announcement and instructions on how to apply

Biological Science Technician - USDA (Lakeland)

OPEN DATE: Jan. 3, 2024

CLOSING DATE: Jan. 17, 2024

POSITION TITLE: Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

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-1113-2023-FL

SERIES/GRADE: GS-0404-5/6

FULL PERFORMANCE

LEVEL: GS-0404-06

NUMBER OF

POSITIONS: 1

LOCATIONS: Lakeland, FL

SALARY: $39,576 – $57,354 per year (depending on GS level qualified for and relocation costs will not be paid for this position)

Click HERE for the full announcement and instructions on how to apply

Gopher Tortoise Monitoring Coordinator - FWC (Tallahassee, FL)

Gopher Tortoise Monitoring Coordinator

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Tallahassee, FL
Salary: $23.44 an hour; 1920 hours a fiscal year
Deadline to apply: Jan 16, 2024

Level of Education:  

Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience (preferred); Master of Science degree in one of the biological sciences or two years of professional experience in conservation programs may be given preference.

Description of Position:

This OPS position serves as the Gopher Tortoise Monitoring Coordinator for FWC’s Program Planning and Monitoring group within the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. The individual in this position works as part of a team responsible for tracking the implementation and effectiveness of conservation plans, with an emphasis on the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan and its alignment with other significant FWC planning documents and efforts. This position will coordinate with other sections and divisions of the FWC and external partners to improve monitoring of species, habitats, conservation threats and actions. The incumbent will also maintain datasets including conservation action tracking data, spatial data, and community science data.

Description of Duties:

• Coordinate implementation and effectiveness tracking of conservation actions within the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan and other FWC conservation plans such as the Imperiled Species Management Plan and State Wildlife Action Plan.

• Develop, populate, and maintain gopher tortoise geodatabases and other datasets.

• Analyze and compile scientific and GIS data into technical reports, publications, and presentations.

• Maintain the community science-based Florida Gopher Tortoise application; perform QA/QC, analyze, and generate reports to inform conservation efforts.

• Assist with coordination of gopher tortoise and commensal research activities across the agency, provide biological opinions on agency research permit applications as requested, and coordinate with external partners and stakeholders.

• Leverage technologies to analyze, improve, and implement new tools to collect and manage species and habitat data.

• Speak publicly to further Florida’s conservation mission. This may include presenting at internal FWC meetings, external working groups, stakeholder meetings, and outreach events. 

• Assist with project management including grant writing, contract management, budget management and reporting.

• Assist with the student intern program.

• Although this is not a field position, opportunities may arise to assist with wildlife surveys and other field-based work; may include overnight travel (<10% of time). 

Other duties include staying informed of current and relevant science regarding gopher tortoises and burrow commensal species; participating in team meetings, seminars and workshops relating to wildlife resource management; and partaking in career development training opportunities within and outside FWC. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, and able to set priorities and complete tasks on schedule. 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Strong data management skills including experience with ArcGIS and other data management tools. Familiarity with GPS units, smartphone applications, and statistical software programs, preferred.

• Able to apply technical and scientific knowledge to develop and implement projects; analyze, interpret, and explain complex technical issues regarding wildlife conservation activities.

• Strong written and oral communication skills to work with internal and external customers.  

• Ability to work 40 hours a week with occasional overnight travel for conferences, meetings, trainings, and other relevant activities.

• Preference for familiarity with standardized surveys for gopher tortoises and other wildlife.  

• Preference for an understanding of gopher tortoise natural history and biology, as well as the flora and fauna of southeastern ecosystems. 

Application linked at the top!

Shorebird Biologist - Audubon (Carrabelle, FL)

Carrabelle Shorebird Biologist

Audubon Florida

Carrabelle, FL

APPLY ONLINE AT: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/5581/biologist%2c-carrabelle-shorebird/job

Position Summary

Audubon Florida seeks a Biologist, Carrabelle Shorebird with boat handling experience to support beach-nesting season and nonbreeding season bird conservation work in the Eastern Florida Panhandle. This role is a fully remote position based out of the Southern Franklin County region and you must live in and/or be able drive to the Southern Franklin County, Florida region. The Biologist will complete the majority of work on and around beaches and islands including Little St. George Island, Dog Island, Flag Island Critical Wildlife Area, St. George Island Causeway Critical Wildlife Area, Lanark Critical Wildlife Area, Alligator Pt Critical Wildlife Area and other sites as assigned. This is a 40-hour, full-time position.

From February to August, or later if nesting activity continues (breeding season), the Biologist will be responsible for performing beach-nesting bird monitoring and protection work with Apalachicola partner primarily in Franklin County, Florida. Responsibilities include the following, in addition to other as-needed duties:

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

• Monitoring nest sites on a regular basis for evidence of disturbance or predation.

• Documenting nonbreeding Piping, Snowy, Wilson’s plovers, and Red Knots, and other focal species.

• Performing bird surveys to collect demographic data according to specified protocol, and banded bird resighting as directed; and

• 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 through presentations at organizational meetings.

From mid-August through mid-February (“non-breeding season”), they will be responsible for completing bimonthly winter coastal bird surveys and banded bird resighting focusing on Red Knot, Piping Plover, and Snowy Plover, primarily in Franklin County, Florida, and elsewhere in the Florida Panhandle as needed; assisting with volunteer recruitment, management, and training; carrying out equipment maintenance; and giving public presentations and beach walks as outreach to key user groups that may impact conservation of coastal birds in the Florida Panhandle.

Compensation:

$43,000-$48,000 / year

Essential Functions

• In communication with the Panhandle Shorebird Project Manager and close collaboration with Apalachicola Shorebird Biologist, complete all site surveys.

• Post symbolic fencing as required or immediately when new nest sites are located. Adjust posted nest-site boundaries as necessary throughout the season and remove posting materials and field equipment at the end of the season or in advance of severe storm warnings.

• Conduct regular monitoring for nesting progress, predation, and disturbance according to the terms of Audubon’s contractual requirements.

• Implement rigorous data collection protocols to ensure accuracy and reliability of data.

• Plan and conduct surveys for shorebirds and seabirds at remote, island sites under often challenging weather conditions.

• Survey assigned sites on a regular basis to collect avian demographic data and enter data into the Florida Shorebird Database or other database as required and in a timely manner.

• Plan and conduct community outreach efforts such as public presentations, tabling events, and beach walks while educating and engaging the public about Florida’s focal shore/seabird species.

• Actively participate in regional working groups and partner workshops including delivering technical presentations.

• Assist with other shorebird conservation and survey efforts.

• Regularly provide real-time data to partners conducting predation management in or near bird nesting sites.

• Use game cameras or other technology to collect data.

• Report on bird mortalities and implement disturbance minimization methods at nesting sites or migratory bird congregation sites.

• Regularly contribute to technical reports, annual progress reports media articles or other publications.

• Operate 4WD vehicles, UTVs, boats, and trailers.

• Oversee the maintenance needs of assigned program vehicles, trailers, boats and UTVs.

• Mentor and manage volunteers in monitoring, surveying, and stewardship activities.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

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

• 3 years’ demonstrated expertise in bird identification and performing demographic bird surveys using rigorous protocols is required.

• Demonstrate experience trailering, launching and operating motorboats in marine conditions or equivalent experience in freshwater environments is required.

• Kayaking experience in nearshore marine or open-water conditions is a plus. Experience with setting up and operating cameras, including mobile (GoPro type), game cameras and remote detection technologies is a plus.

• 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.

• 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.

• Must have strong organizational and analytical skills and great attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Must have experience working with partners and other interested parties to complete projects.

• Must have experience presenting to groups and working with volunteers.

• Excellent judgment, problem-solving skills, and decision-making skills, with a high degree of integrity in all deliverables.

• Ability to think strategically and creatively while managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs., and able to traverse up to 5 miles on the beach carrying spotting scope, binoculars, and daypack with or without accommodation.

• Demonstrated experience with performing field work in challenging coastal conditions year-round.

• Must be able to work long days, weekends, and holidays as needed, in Florida summer field conditions.

• Ability to effectively manage time and complete tasks independently with minimal oversight.

• Familiarity with Florida coastal bird management and coastal conservation lands of the Florida Panhandle a plus.

• Valid driver's license required.

• A genuine passion for conservation and for the mission of the National Audubon Society is a must.