Associate, Bird Research (Seasonal)

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.

About the role

The seasonal Associate, Bird Research will assist the Wading Bird Research Specialist in field and office activities for projects at the Everglades Science Center in Tavernier, Florida. This full-time, 40-hour-per-week seasonal position focuses on monitoring roseate spoonbill nesting and other wading bird populations in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, and the Florida Keys. Responsibilities include scientific monitoring of nesting, trail camera deployment, trapping, and banding wading birds, as well as maintaining physical data. Fieldwork involves powerboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and wading on foot. The position runs for six months, starting the first week of November 2026 and ending the last week of April 2027, with potentially flexible start/end dates.

Responsibilities

• Collect data on nesting wading birds, especially roseate spoonbills, and catalog data in a database for statistical analysis.
• Prepare and maintain detailed records, logs, and summary reports of all procedures and results.
• Participate in group projects to maintain the base facility and improve operations.
• Support the maintenance of vehicles and all assigned field gear.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (hydrology, wading birds, and fish) of biologists and research associates to meet organizational targets for Everglades restoration projects.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
• Partner with Audubon staff to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles are incorporated into all aspects of the work.
• Assist with other projects as directed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 1 year of field experience in marine, estuarine, or wetlands ecology environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, database management, and other web-based applications.
• Understanding of the scientific method, strong organizational skills, and flexibility in planning.
• Excellent work ethic, team-focused attitude, and ability to work independently in the field.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and a can-do attitude.
• Ability to traverse in and under water and maneuver items weighing at least 40 lbs, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion outdoors in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to travel 3–8 miles per day across varying terrain and maneuver on natural surfaces (e.g., small trees, branches, or roots), with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours in sub-tropical wetland environments, exposed to sun, heat, biting insects, and wading in water or mud, sometimes alone. Fieldwork may involve navigating murky waters with potentially dangerous wildlife such as alligators, crocodiles, sharks, and venomous snakes.
• Some projects may involve travel in helicopters and small aircraft.
• Valid Driver’s License required. Experience operating small boats and terrain vehicles is strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment such as trucks and boats.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Pay

$20.00 per hour.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week. Six-month seasonal position starting the first week of November 2026 and ending the last week of April 2027, with potentially flexible start/end dates.