Associate, Bird Research (Seasonal)

National Audubon Society • Tavernier, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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 planet’s 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 www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary
The seasonal Associate, Bird Research will be responsible for assisting the Wading Bird Research Specialist in the field and office activities associated with the current projects being carried out at the Everglades Science Center in Tavernier, Florida. This is a full-time, 40 hours a week seasonal position monitoring primarily roseate spoonbill nesting and other wading bird nesting populations in Florida Bay, the Everglades National Park, and the Florida Keys. Scientific responsibilities will primarily consist of the monitoring of roseate spoonbill and other wading bird nesting, trail camera deployment, trapping, and banding wading birds. The seasonal associate will be required to assist in other projects as directed. Additionally, the research associate will also need to work with and maintain physical data. Field data will be collected from powerboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and on foot (wading).
This is a six-month seasonal position that will start the first week of November 2026, and will end the last week of April 2027; with potentially flexible start/end dates.
Compensation:
$20.00 / hour

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field is required.
• Field experience of a minimum of 1 year working in marine, estuarine, or wetlands ecology environments.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, database management, and other web-based applications.
• Understanding of the scientific method, strong organization skills, and flexibility in planning is critical.
• Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well independently in the field.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and a can-do attitude are essential.
• Ability to traverse in and under water and maneuver with items weighing at least 40lbs with or without accommodation.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain with or without accommodation.
• Ability to travel 3–8 miles per day across varying terrain and to maneuver or balance on natural surfaces (e.g., small trees, branches, or roots), with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments, exposed to the harsh South Florida environment (sun, heat, biting insects, wading in water or mud), sometimes alone. Environment also includes navigating murky waters that serve as the home for potentially dangerous wildlife such as alligators, crocodiles, sharks and venomous snakes.
• Some projects may involve travel in helicopters and small, wing aircraft.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Ability to operate, maintain and repair mechanical equipment such as trucks and boats.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Florida’s estuaries, mangrove forests and/or coastal wetlands, surveying and identification of birds is desirable.
• Experience operating small boats, and terrain vehicles is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collect data on nesting wading birds, especially roseate spoonbills and cataloging data in a database to be statistically analyzed.
• Prepare and maintain detailed records, logs, and summary reports of all procedures and results.
• Participate in group projects to maintain the base facility and improve operations.
• Supports the maintenance of vehicles and all assigned field gear.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (hydrology, wading birds, and fish) of biologists and research associates to meet the operational targets of the organization by developing and accessing Everglades restoration projects.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Partner with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
• Seasonal research associates are required to assist with other projects as directed.

Benefits

• 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.
• The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level