Avian Biologist, Coastal

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Reporting to Audubon Mid-Atlantic’s (AMA) Coastal Program Manager, the Avian Biologist, Coastal, is a new position in Audubon Mid-Atlantic’s growing coastal conservation team and plays a core role in implementing Audubon’s conservation goals across Maryland’s eastern shore. The Avian Biologist’s main responsibility will be to provide essential field and data support to restoration and resilience projects, by monitoring and assessing bird populations and their habitats in coastal environments. The monitoring program will allow us to assess the effectiveness of innovative restoration techniques, and to track bird populations and habitat condition at reference sites, mostly in salt marshes, but also in other coastal habitats. The Avian Biologist will also manage biological and spatial data and communicate about restoration project impacts and trends in bird populations and their habitats, to internal and external audiences. Because of the focus on bird species that breed in the Mid-Atlantic coastal zone, this position will be mostly field-based during the spring and summer months, and office-based at other times of year. They will work closely and build partnerships with internal conservation staff and with external partners including federal, state, local and private landowners, land managers, scientists and others.

Candidates should include a cover letter when applying to this position.

Compensation:

$45,000 / year

• Conduct audio-visual surveys of salt marsh birds, and other target bird species, using established protocols such as the SHARP (Saltmarsh Habitat and Avian Research Program) protocol and the deployment of Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs).
• Conduct vegetation surveys and other field techniques to monitor and assess the condition of salt marsh and other coastal habitats.
• Conduct field research on the ecology of salt marsh birds, and other target bird species, as necessary.
• Manage and analyze data, including spatial data, on birds and bird habitats. Support spatial analyses, using GIS, as part of conservation planning processes.
• Create data summaries and written reports on the results of restoration projects and bird and habitat surveys.
• Build and maintain partnerships between Audubon and Federal, State, and Local government agencies, environmental organizations and other entities.
• Assist with preparing written comments and testimony as needed; create and deliver effective presentations; interpret scientific research for non-technical audiences; and, help develop press releases, articles, outreach materials, and content for social media.
• Represent Audubon and give presentations at conferences, regional councils, and working groups meetings.
• Work regularly and closely with other Audubon staff in Maryland and Pennsylvania, especially policy and conservation staff, as well as Audubon Chapter leaders and National Audubon Society staff to support policy, communications, and network priorities related to coastal resilience.
• Partner with Audubon staff to incorporate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into our coastal work. Participate fully and productively in staff meetings, planning efforts, and other shared staff duties.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology, wildlife, or natural resources field. Master’s Degree a plus. Equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• 3+ years demonstrated experience conducting bird surveys and experience conducting independent data collection in the field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of bird monitoring protocols and methods for recording, assessment, and reporting of monitoring data, including the use of electronic reporting portals (eBird).
• Familiarity with identification and ecology of coastal birds and habitats in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Experience working on field research or monitoring projects; ability to identify coastal birds. Experience surveying marsh birds and vegetation highly preferred.
• 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.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS, comfort using a GPS unit and a mapping system through ArcGIS Collector on an iPad preferred. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and a high degree of integrity in all deliverables are required.
• Experience with motorboat operation and trailering, and willingness to pursue training for certification to operate state and federal moterboats.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, while managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines and operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work long and flexible hours and multiple consecutive days in the field, which may require staying away from home, especially during the spring/summer field season.
• A willingness to travel in-state, occasionally out-of-state, and be comfortable with working occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to traverse far distances on uneven terrain while carrying a heavy daypack and equipment with or without accommodation.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

This position is a union eligible position and is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.