Director and Principal Scientist, Everglades Science Center (ESC)

Position Summary

The Director and Principal Scientist, Everglades Science Center (ESC) will be the next scientist to lead this important long-term ecological monitoring and research field station while also identifying new opportunities for the research to inform Audubon conservation and policy recommendations for the greater Everglades ecosystem. This is essential work in Audubon’s Flight Plan vision to recover the hemisphere’s birds and at the same time, preserve the natural resources that support us all.

The Director and Principal Scientist is expected to represent Audubon Florida and contribute our unique historical perspective and current data to Everglades ecosystem science and restoration efforts in the broader community, with state and federal agencies, and other partners. The Director must be highly collaborative, able to connect with and communicate their work to multiple stakeholders, value the importance of long-term ecological monitoring, and be experienced in directing ecological research.

The Director and Principal Scientist will oversee an annual research budget of approximately $1.2M with expectations of obtaining significant external funding to support this important work through a combination of grants and other external funding in collaboration with Audubon’s fundraising team. The Director will oversee the Everglades Science Center’s staff of 8 full-time, and 3 seasonal staff.

Compensation

$103,094 - $115,981 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Act as primary investigator on applied research projects related to the Everglades watershed including currently funded Florida Bay projects monitoring prey base fish populations, submerged aquatic vegetation, hydrology, Roseate Spoonbills, and other important wading bird species.
• Drive the vision of the ESC in partnership with Audubon Florida leadership to ensure that the work is focused on the most impactful science to inform Everglades restoration and the conservation of Florida Bay.
• Lead current grant funded efforts and continue to advance a robust grant portfolio for ESC including identifying new funding opportunities, writing proposals, tracking and fulfilling grant deliverables, participating in grant obligations such as quarterly meetings, and timely compliance with reporting requirements.
• Oversee daily Center operations, including hiring all technical staff, accountability for the maintenance and operation of ESC’s buildings, vehicles, boats, trucks and technical equipment.
• Collaborate with Audubon policy and conservation staff to identify research priorities and ensure the best available science informs Audubon Florida advocacy and conservation delivery.
• Participate as a scientific expert in the evaluation of restoration project design and operation recommendations on advisory bodies such as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Project Delivery Teams, species working groups, and other relevant groups.
• Cultivate strong relationships with relevant federal, state and academic partners involved in Everglades restoration research. Coordinate activities with other government, university, and nonprofit entities conducting field research in southern Florida.
• Coordinate with state and national communications and policy teams to assist in developing communications materials, lead press tours of Florida Bay, and represent Audubon Florida in media interviews.
• Meet with funders and support the Development Team as needed. This may include attending occasional Board meetings, events, or facilitating boat tours of Florida Bay.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

• A Ph.D. in biological sciences or a related discipline preferred, and an exceptional candidate with a M.S. and significant experience may also be considered.
• At least 10 years of field research experience in south Florida habitats.
• A demonstrable understanding of conservation issues facing the state of Florida.
• Possession of a USGS bird banding permit or the ability to acquire a banding permit within 1 year of hire.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus. Expert in scientific writing, grant writing, and communicating their science to a variety of audiences.
• Experience doing statistical analysis and working in R and ArcGIS is highly desirable.
• Physical requirements include the demonstrated ability to occasionally work long hours in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments with or without accommodation, exposed to the challenging South Florida environment (extreme heat, biting insects, wading in water or mud, with presence of snakes, crocodiles and other wildlife), sometimes solo and with limited connectivity while complying with the standards of Audubon’s Safety Manual.
• Must have operating experience with small boats and other vehicles, including boat trailering.
• Willingness to occasionally work on evenings and/or weekends.
• Valid driver’s license required. Ability to acquire a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card, Everglades National Park Boating Certificate, and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary voluntary boating certificate upon hire.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
  
  

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be expected to apply and develop the following competencies.

Building Trust: Take actions that give others confidence in your intentions and see you as a truthful and reliable person who follows through on promises and commitments.

Coaching: Guide and develop individuals within the organization, nurturing their professional growth and enhancing performance for the future.

Decision Making: Make decisions based on comparative data and input from various sources, incorporating diverse viewpoints and insights for a holistic understanding.

Leading and Facilitating Change: Be effective in guiding, managing, and supporting organizational or systemic transformations, including considering diverse needs and perspectives.

Strategic Leadership: Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and articulate strategic vision to help team members and the organization achieve long-term goals.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

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