Manager, Research

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (including the Blair Audubon Center) is one of the National Audubon Society’s premiere centers. Operating as part of the state program in Florida, the Sanctuary unites visitor and education experiences with science-based conservation to understand, protect and restore habitats on its 13,000 acres and its regional and connected watershed and public lands corridors.

The Research Manager will report to the Director of Conservation and lead research and ecological monitoring activities associated with the sanctuary’s Western Everglades Research Center. This will involve working with the Director of Conservation to identify and prioritize projects that fill data gaps and support science-based land stewardship and conservation activities, collecting and analyzing data, translating research findings for a variety of technical and non-technical audiences, coordinating an active visiting research program, and collaborating with conservation professionals across the region to advance science and inform conservation and restoration initiatives. This full-time 40-hour per week position is classified as on-site based at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, FL.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required (M.S. preferred) and at least 5 years relevant experience.
• Expertise in fish and wildlife monitoring techniques is required. Knowledge of South Florida ecosystems is preferred.
• Strong quantitative and research skills (specific disciplines could include wetland ecology, fish ecology, aquatic invertebrate ecology, wading bird ecology, or restoration ecology) and a demonstrated ability to follow a research project through from design to data collection to publication, are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, GoogleEarth, and ArcGIS is required. Proficiency in GIS applications (e.g., Field Maps, Survey123) and/or R is highly desired.
• A record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, a demonstrated ability to translate research findings into management recommendations, and expertise communicating those findings coherently to a broad set of partners and constituencies is required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to supervise, mentor and motivate staff in a remote field station setting is required. Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Demonstrated history of and/or potential for attracting grant or private funding and experience managing budgets, facilities, and personnel is highly desired.
• Must have (or be able to obtain within stated timeframe after hire) certifications:
• First Aid and CPR certification (within 3 months)
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130 (Firefighter Training) and S190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (obtain within 6 months)
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (within 1 year)
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Must have a vehicle for transportation to/from the job site and a cell phone that works well on the Sanctuary and across Collier & Lee Counties to communicate with other staff during working hours.
• Must demonstrate scheduling flexibility and a willingness to work non-traditional hours when needed (early mornings, evenings), including long hours outdoors in remote sub-tropical South Florida wetland environments, and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods, with or without accommodation.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Compensation: $62,026 – $65,000 / year

Tagged as: Science/Engineering