Government Operations Consultant - FWC (Tallahassee)

OPS -Government Operations Consultant II - 77909029

Date:  Feb 14, 2026

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Requisition No: 865124 

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Working Title: OPS -Government Operations Consultant II - 77909029

Position Number: 77909029 

Salary:  $22.95 an hour 

Posting Closing Date: 03/02/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Position Number:   77909029

Position Title:   OPS Government Operations Consultant II

OPS Hourly Rate:   $22.95/hourly, 1,920 hours/annually

Supervisor: Dean Cox

Supervisor contact information for inquiries:   850-487-9573

Broadband Code:   13-1111-04

Position location:   2002 Old St. Augustine Rd., Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Region:   Northwest

County:   Leon

Working hours:   Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm

List of any subordinates supervised:   None

Residency Requirement:   Yes

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Agency information

Our organization: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy.

Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself.  The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment.

The Division of Habitat & Species Conservation is comprised of six Sections and two offices. This position works within the Land Conservation and Planning (LCP) program of the Wildlife Habitat Management Section of the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.

Minimum qualifications:

• A high school diploma and five years of work experience that included administrative duties. An associate’s degree can substitute for two of the five years’ experience and a bachelor’s degree can substitute for four of the five years’ experience.

• An associate’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred, along with three years of professional experience in planning, evaluation, research analysis, business, government, social services, health or rehabilitative services, or fiscal work OR a bachelor’s degree in one of the biological sciences, urban planning, or a related field, along with one year of professional experience in planning, evaluation, research analysis, business, government, social services, health or rehabilitative services, or fiscal work.

Answers to qualifying questions must be validated in application, resume, and cover letter.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License (required).

• Training and background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with the ability to integrate GIS layers into maps and conduct GIS analyses for commission-managed lands, Florida Forever projects, and potential conservation land acquisitions.

• ESRI/GIS certification (preferred, not required).

• Familiarity with My Florida Marketplace (preferred, not required).

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, agency partners, and stakeholders.

• Ability to travel occasionally throughout Florida to assist acquisition agents and planners with meetings and site visits.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate acquisition-related documents, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and maintain accurate records.

Position Description

The LCP program provides a unique opportunity to combine conservation, planning, and real estate in a statewide role. The program is responsible for conservation land acquisition and land management planning across Florida, overseeing matters affecting more than six million acres within the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) system and facilitating the land conservation goals of the agency through programs such as Florida Forever.

This position plays a critical role in supporting:

• The Acquisition and Restoration Council

• FWC’s Land Management Planning Program

• The FWC Florida Forever Additions and Inholdings Land Acquisition Program

• Intra-agency and inter-agency coordination

• Stakeholder engagement and public meetings

The OPS Government Operations Consultant will perform GIS analysis, review real estate due diligence, assist with easement reviews, support conservation acquisition and land management planning initiatives, and provide office and operational support for the LCP program.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the development of acquisition project proposals, prospectuses, and related documents.

• Perform GIS tasks, including maintaining acquisition geodatabases and conducting spatial analyses for Florida Forever projects, acquisition proposals, and FWC-managed lands.

• Maintain spreadsheets, logs, files, databases, and other program records to improve workflow and functionality.

• Support property and lease inventory tracking and related administrative duties.

• Monitor operational activities to ensure alignment with statewide goals.

• Investigate, analyze, and make recommendations to resolve programmatic, administrative, and operational issues.

• Consult with supervisors and staff to develop and implement solutions for acquisition and planning challenges.

• Coordinate and facilitate inter- and intra-agency meetings; prepare public communication materials regarding FWC-managed areas and acquisition projects.

• Attend and support meetings related to land acquisition projects and management plan development.

• Travel as needed to assist planners and acquisition agents with site visits and stakeholder meetings.

• Assist with travel arrangements and reimbursements for program staff.

• Handle all office purchasing, including land acquisition documentation and procurement paperwork.

• Perform other related duties as assigned, and complete training as required to support professional development.

• How to Apply:

Application packets must be submitted through the State of Florida’s official employment site (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/) and must include a cover letter and resume in addition to the state application.  Application packets without a cover letter, resume and state application will not be considered for this position.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. 

Location: 

TALLAHASSEE, FL, US, 32301

Vice President of Conservation Policy - Florida Wildlife Federation (Tallahassee, FL)

Click here for full description and application instructions.

Position Summary

The Federation is seeking an experienced, strategic leader to serve as Vice President of Conservation Policy. The role is responsible for developing and executing the Federation's policy agenda and leading advocacy efforts to advance land conservation, wildlife protection, and healthy waterways. The VP will drive legislative and regulatory success through strategic coalition building, stakeholder engagement, and relationship development at the local, state, and federal levels.

The VP will build and manage a team of policy staff, ensuring that the Federation’s advocacy efforts are grounded in science, aligned with organizational values, and positioned to achieve measurable conservation outcomes. The ideal candidate is a seasoned government relations professional with a track record of legislative and regulatory success who thrives at the intersection of policy, strategy, and coalition building.

The Vice President of Conservation Policy will collaborate across departments and with external partners, coalitions, and stakeholders to advance integrated conservation strategies. This role reports directly to the President & CEO.

Salary: Starting at $95,000, negotiable based on experience and qualifications

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks

Strategic Leadership & Policy Development

• Develop and lead statewide policy strategy on conservation land protection, wildlife management, water quality, and habitat conservation

• Represent the Federation as a subject matter expert in conservation, enhancing our presence in policy discussions, media, and stakeholder engagement

• Conduct legislative tracking, policy research, and regulatory analysis across multifaceted conservation issues

Advocacy and External Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, and conservation partners statewide

• Prepare policy briefs, testimony, and position papers on critical conservation issues

• Lead strategic advocacy campaigns, balancing grassroots organizing with strategic relationship building

Organizational Leadership

• Develop and manage a team of conservation professionals

• Support internal coordination to ensure unified messaging and timely response on priority issues

• Guide messaging strategy for policy priorities, working closely with the Communications team

• Coordinate with the Development team to secure funding through grants, donations, and partnerships

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Florida conservation policy, government relations, advocacy, or related fields

• Deep understanding of Florida’s legislative & regulatory processes and regional dynamics

• Demonstrated experience influencing policy outcomes or leading advocacy campaigns

• Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse set of stakeholders and decision-makers

• Exceptional analytical, writing, and communications skills, ability to simplify complex issues

• Experience building and managing teams

• Commitment to science-based decision-making and long-term conservation of Florida’s natural resources

Director and Principal Scientist - Audubon Florida (Audubon Everglades Research Station (AERS), FL)

To view job posting and apply, click here!

Position Summary:

The Audubon Everglades Research Station (AERS) is Audubon’s premier community ecology field station operating since the 1930s in Tavernier, Florida. The center’s efforts focus on the birds and ecosystems of Florida Bay and the Everglades and contribute to the design and operation of Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects. The Director and Principal Scientist, AERS will be the next scientist to lead this important long-term ecological monitoring and research unit while also identifying new opportunities for the research to inform Audubon conservation and policy recommendations for the greater Everglades ecosystem. This is essential work in Audubon’s Flight Plan vision to recover the hemisphere’s birds and at the same time, preserve the natural resources that support us all.

The Director and Principal Scientist is expected to represent Audubon Florida and contribute our unique historical perspective and current data to Everglades ecosystem science and restoration efforts in the broader community, with state and federal agencies, and other partners.  The Director must be highly collaborative, able to connect with and communicate their work to multiple stakeholders, value the importance of long-term ecological monitoring, and be experienced in directing ecological research.

The Director and Principal Scientist will oversee an annual research budget of approximately $1.2M with expectations of obtaining significant external funding to support this important work through a combination of grants and other external funding in collaboration with Audubon’s fundraising team.  The Director oversees one direct report (Senior Biologist) with a full team of 9 full-time and 1-2 seasonal staff. The position is full-time (40 hours per week) on-site at the Audubon Everglades Research Station in Tavernier, FL. 

Only applications submitted with a cover letter will be considered.

Compensation: $103,094 - $115,981 / year

Additional Job Description:

Essential Functions

• Act as primary investigator on applied research projects related to the Everglades watershed including currently funded Florida Bay projects monitoring prey base fish populations, submerged aquatic vegetation, hydrology, Roseate Spoonbills, and other important wading bird species. 

• Drive the vision of the AERS in partnership with Audubon Florida leadership to ensure that the work is focused on the most impactful science to inform Everglades restoration and the conservation of Florida Bay.

• Lead current contract and grant-funded efforts and continue to advance a robust portfolio of external funding for AERS including identifying new funding opportunities, writing proposals, tracking and fulfilling grant deliverables, participating in grant obligations such as quarterly meetings, and timely compliance with reporting requirements.

• Provide strategic and operational oversight of Center activities, delegating day-to-day execution to technical staff while maintaining ultimate responsibility for personnel decisions and the maintenance and operation of all AERS facilities, vehicles, vessels, and technical equipment. Participate as a scientific expert representing Audubon in the evaluation of restoration project design and operation recommendations on advisory bodies such as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Project Delivery Teams, species working groups, and other relevant groups.

• Cultivate strong relationships with relevant federal, state and academic partners involved in Everglades restoration research.  Coordinate activities with other government, university, and nonprofit entities conducting field research in southern Florida.

• Coordinate with state and national communications and policy teams to assist in developing communications materials, lead press tours of Florida Bay, and represent Audubon Florida in media interviews.

• Meet with funders and support the Development Team as needed. This may include attending occasional Board meetings, events, or facilitating boat tours of Florida Bay.

• Maintain and foster culture of safety.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Ph.D. in biological sciences, environmental sciences, or a related discipline preferred, and an exceptional candidate with a M.S.  and significant experience may also be considered.

• At least 10 years of field research experience in coastal and marine habitats, south Florida preferred.

• A demonstrable understanding of conservation issues facing the state of Florida.

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus.  Expert in scientific writing, grant writing, and communicating their science to a variety of audiences.

• Experience doing statistical analysis and working in R and ArcGIS is highly desirable. 

• Physical requirements include the demonstrated ability to occasionally work long hours in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments with or without accommodation, exposed to the challenging South Florida environment (extreme heat, biting insects, wading in water or mud, with presence of snakes, crocodiles and other wildlife), with limited connectivity while complying with the standards of Audubon’s Safety Manual.

• Must have operating experience with small boats and other vehicles, including boat trailering.

• Willingness to occasionally work on evenings and/or weekends.

• Valid driver’s license required. Ability to acquire a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card, Everglades National Park Boating Certificate, and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary voluntary boating certificate upon hire.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Three Rooker Island Shorebird Monitoring and Stewardship Coordinator - Audubon Florida (Tampa, FL)

To view more information and apply, click here!

Compensation: $20.00 / hour

Position Summary:

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 primary 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 by helping to monitor and 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 seasonal, full-time, grant-funded 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 April 8, 2026 and continue through the end of nesting season, determined in consultation with supervisor and Park staff. Nesting may persist into late August but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

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.

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions:

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

• Ensure all sites are monitored and surveyed weekly for signs of disturbance and changes in nesting status; including during the monthly Florida Shorebird Alliance beach-nesting bird survey windows.

• Post and maintain symbolic fencing and signage around nesting sites by set deadlines.

• Input survey data and band resights 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.

• Contribute photos and submit content for program-related publications in a variety of media.

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

• Train, mentor, and manage 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.

• Conduct public outreach at beach-nesting sites on weekends and holidays independently and with other staff as part of a team of bird stewards, 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.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

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

• 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.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing inclusion, and belonging.

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

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

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

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings, often in hot and humid Florida Summer field conditions.

• Spanish fluency 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.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Bird Stewardship Coordinator - Audubon Florida (Sarasota County, FL)

Click here to view details and apply!

Compensation: $20.00 / hour

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 April 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 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 30, 2026 continue through the end of nesting season, to be determined in consultation with supervisor. Nesting may persist into mid to late August but can end early in the event of a catastrophic event or other total loss of nesting activity.

The Stewardship Coordinator will work remotely out of their home in the Sarasota County area. 

Additional Job Description

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 and submit content for program-related publications in a variety of 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Communicate management needs to supervisor.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

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

• 1-2 years' demonstrated experience performing bird surveys preferred; 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.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing inclusion, and belonging.

• 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 willing to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings, often in hot and humid Florida Summer field conditions.

• Spanish fluency preferred, but not required.

• Familiarity with Sarasota County beaches and coastal conservation preferred

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

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued

Tyndall Shorebird Biologist - Audubon Florida (Panama City, FL)

To view more information and apply, click here!

Compensation: $20.00 / hour

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 16th and August 16th, 2026 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

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Breeding and nonbreeding shorebird surveys including nest searching for imperiled bird species including Snowy Plovers, Wilson’s Plovers, Black Skimmers, Least Terns, and American Oystercatchers.

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

• Monitoring nest sites weekly, at minimum, for evidence of disturbance or predation

• 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.

• Collaborate with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) 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.

• Survey sites weekly, conduct banded bird resighting, and enter data into the Florida Shorebird Database and other database as required. 

• Assist with other shorebird conservation and survey efforts.

• Communicate management needs to supervisor.

• 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.

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

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

• 1 year/season 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.

• Comfort in pulling operating vehicles while towing a small trailer.

• Comfort boating/kayaking in 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, including miles across a beach carrying spotting scope, binoculars, and daypack with or 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.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Mid Pinellas County Anchor Steward - Audubon Florida (Pinellas County, FL)

To view full posting and apply, click here!

Compensation: $19.00 / hour

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 within Pinellas County, Florida. Sites requiring stewardship may include Redington Shores, St. Pete Beach, and Clearwater Beach. Nesting species may include Black Skimmer, Least Tern, and American Oystercatcher. 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 20 hours per week to include weekends and the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, if nesting persists until the latter holiday. The position is anticipated to begin April 22, 2026 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 classified as on-site based at within Pinellas County, Florida.

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions:

Under the direction of the Shorebird Program Manager, the Mid 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

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

• Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Enrolled in a degree program in natural resources or a similar field.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong data collection and organizational skills.

• Experience recruiting, training, supporting, and scheduling volunteers preferred.

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

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

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings, often in hot and humid Florida summer field conditions.

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

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

• Familiarity with Pinellas County beaches preferred.

• Previous experience with shorebird and seabird monitoring and stewardship is a plus.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing inclusion, and belonging.

• Must have a positive and diplomatic attitude.

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

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.