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

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based community-driven impact dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planets health acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative bipartisan approach across habitats borders and the political spectrum Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at and on Facebook Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Audubon Everglades Research Station (AERS) is Audubons premier community ecology field station operating since the 1930s in Tavernier Florida. The centers 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 Audubons Flight Plan vision to recover the hemispheres 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 Audubons 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:

$103094 - $115981 / year

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 Audubons 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 drivers 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 Audubons organizational values of care collaboration change integrity impact and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be expected to apply and develop the following competencies.

Building Trust: Take actions that give others confidence in your intentions and see you as a truthful and reliable person who follows through on promises and commitments.

Coaching: Guide and develop individuals within the organization nurturing their professional growth and enhancing performance for the future.

Decision Making: Make decisions based on comparative data and input from various sources incorporating diverse viewpoints and insights for a holistic understanding.

Leading and Facilitating Change: Be effective in guiding managing and supporting organizational or systemic transformations including considering diverse needs and perspectives.

Strategic Leadership: Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and articulate strategic vision to help team members and the organization achieve long-term goals.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race color religion sex national origin age disability veteran status or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal state or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

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