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

National Audubon Society•Tavernier, FL

15d•$103,094 - $115,981•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.