Description
Location: Audubon Florida - Remote
Full time
Requisition ID: JR908
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 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:
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 16th and August 16th, 2026 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:
$20.00 / hour
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.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
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 operating vehicles while towing a small trailer.
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.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
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
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 Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon's state programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization.
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