Hydrology Senior Research Associate

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.

The Hydrology Senior Research Associate is a full-time position and is responsible for coordination and collection of hydrological data and all hydrology equipment within the mangroves of the Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and other areas. The Senior Research Associate leads hydrological purchases and primarily works independently on repairing, maintaining, and occasionally assembling hydrological stations to ensure all equipment is functioning and actively collecting data. The Senior Research Associate is responsible for downloading, quality assuring, and maintaining critical long-term hydrological datasets. This includes downloading data twice per week, submitting regular data submissions, and working with the Senior Biologist to complete reports or publications in a timely manner. Sites will be accessed using helicopters, powerboats, canoes, kayaks, and by foot (wading) while transporting high-value equipment through challenging mangrove environments.

The overall operation at the Audubon Everglades Research Station (AERS) is accomplished through an integrated network of several data collection teams (hydrology, submerged aquatic vegetation, prey fish and wading birds); with the Hydrology Senior Research Associate leading the hydrology project. In addition to the hydrology project, the Senior Research Associate will provide support to the fish team by collecting prey fish once or twice per month. This role is on-site at Audubon Everglades Research Station in Tavernier, FL.

Compensation: $26.62 – $28.75 / hour

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required.

3-5 years’ experience working in marine, estuarine, or wetlands environments. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

Ability to obtain and maintain a Helicopter Crew Member Certificate (S-271) by the Office of Aviation Services U.S. Department of the Interior is required for this position. It is mandatory that the Senior Research Associate keep all certificates up to date to be authorized to fly with the National Park Service.

Ability to obtain and maintain an NPS Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card; this includes completing a federal background check.

Computer experience with spreadsheets, statistical analyses and database management programs is required.

SDI-12 coding and previous experience working with dataloggers are highly preferred.

Willingness and ability to work long hours (sometimes on weekends or holidays) in the field in subtropical wetland environments, exposed to the harsh South Florida environment (sun, heat, biting insects, wading in water or mud with potentially dangerous wildlife) often alone.

Ability to traverse 3-8 miles a day through varying terrain, ability to maneuver up small trees and balance on branches and roots with or without accommodation.

Ability to swim and lift 60+lbs with or without accommodation.

Comfortable as a crew member on small aircraft, projects will involve travel in helicopters.

Experience driving and towing small boats.

Valid Driver’s License required.

Ability to troubleshoot mechanical equipment such as trucks and boats (e.g. jump start a vehicle or change a flat tire).

Strong organization skills and flexibility in planning.

Excellent communication skills within and outside their own specific department. Ability to explain and clarify information regarding matters specific to their own area of work.

Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well independently in the field.

Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Tagged as: Science/Engineering