Carrabelle Shorebird Biologist

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.