Seasonal Conservation Assistant

About the role

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the Blair Audubon Center is one of the National Audubon Society's premiere centers. Operating as part of the Audubon Florida state program, 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.

Responsibilities

• Aid in the collection of field data, including downloading water level data, collecting aquatic fauna (fish, macroinvertebrates, amphibians, reptiles), conducting wading bird surveys (using UAV and manned fixed-wing aircraft), completing herpetofauna surveys, vegetation surveys, and maintaining camera traps.
• Precisely follow data collection protocols.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and organized field records and assist with data entry and data management.
• Identify, preserve, and catalogue aquatic fauna and identify mammals in camera trap images.
• Assist with prescribed fire under the supervision of experienced Prescribed Fire Team members.
• Ensure basic preventative maintenance and safe operation of off-road vehicles and equipment.
• Foster a culture of safety within the Sanctuary’s Conservation Team.
• Maintain consistently clear and professional communication with Sanctuary staff, visitors, donors, visiting colleagues, and others.
• Communicate conservation science to technical and lay audiences, which may include assistance with preparation of technical publications, public presentations, generating social media posts, and interacting with volunteers, members and donors.

Requirements

• Pursuing or have recently completed a degree in biology or a related field.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to learn species-level identification of plants and animals is required.
• Knowledge of South Florida ecosystems is preferred.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate an ability to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances and work conditions, and an ability to improvise and problem-solve in the field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; a can-do attitude is essential.
• Solid judgement and the ability to identify and act quickly in emergencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety through strict adherence to health and safety requirements.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to work non-traditional hours when needed (early mornings, evenings), including long hours outdoors in remote sub-tropical South Florida wetland environments.
• Ability to transport field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods, with or without accommodation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Excellent navigational and geolocation skills, and experience with Microsoft Office and ArcGIS are required.
• Experience with Survey123 and use of artificial intelligence for camera trap image processing is a plus.

Qualifications and Experience

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.