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 10 and August 10, 2025 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.

Compensation:

$17.00-$19.00 / hour

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.
• Work alongside Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

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