Audubon

Position Summary:

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. The Senior Associate, Stewardship will report to the Manager, Land Stewardship and will help execute the Sanctuary’s science-based land stewardship plan, including working closely with partner organizations, adjacent landowners, and local, state, and national regulatory agencies. This will involve fieldwork treating invasive exotic plants, managing nuisance native species, planning and executing prescribed burns, and helping coordinate contractors to assist with these primary tasks.

This full-time 40-hours per week position is based out of Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples, FL).

Compensation:

$44,813 - $50,414 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Assist the Manager, Land Stewardship in executing the Sanctuary prescribed fire program, including coordinating and conducting fires, site prep, preparing prescriptions, scheduling crews, obtaining permits, conducting mop-up, and any necessary overnight monitoring.
• Remove invasive and native nuisance plants within the Sanctuary using boom sprayers, backpack sprayers, ATV sprayers, machetes, chainsaws, and other equipment, as needed.
• Maintain habitat and trails using mechanical means such as tractors, discs, mowers, and other tractor implements, chainsaws, weed eaters, and other power equipment.
• Ensure basic preventative maintenance (cleaning, function testing) and safe operation of multiple off-road vehicles (4WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, swamp buggies, and airboats) and equipment.
• Lead ecological monitoring pre- and post-prescribed fire and ensure accurate, detailed records of land stewardship activities are entered into the Sanctuary’s environmental database.
• Coordinate, oversee, and manage records of contractors that support land stewardship activities.
• Responsible for helping develop SOPs and leading a culture of safety for the land stewardship team, including periodic participation on the Sanctuary Safety Committee; works to foster culture of safety
• Work closely with research staff to support invasive animal monitoring, reporting, and removal, as needed (may include snails, insects, fish, lizards, snakes, etc.)
• Oversee herbicide management, storage and inventory for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
• Communicate clearly and collaborate frequently with the research team, supporting mapping, surveys, visiting researchers, and other fieldwork or projects as needed.
• Train and supervise seasonal Conservation Assistant and volunteers to support land stewardship activities.
• Communicate with partner organizations and adjacent landowners to provide guidance or technical assistance for execution of best management practices.
• Maintain consistently clear and professional communication with staff, Sanctuary visitors, donors, visiting colleagues, and others.
• Provide written and verbal progress reports.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required and 3-5 years relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Ability to learn and train others in species-level identification of plants and animals is required. Minimum 2 years of experience with herbicide application and knowledge of South Florida ecosystems is strongly preferred.
• Must have (or be able to obtain within stated timeframe after hire) certifications:
  • National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130 (Firefighter Training) and S190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
  • Florida Forest Service Prescribed Burn Manager Certification
  • First Aid and CPR Training (obtain within 3 months)
  • Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Pesticide Applicator License (must have ample experience; obtain certification within 9 months)
• Must demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to work non-traditional hours when needed (early mornings, evenings, overnights and weekends), including long hour outdoors in remote sub-tropical South Florida wetland environments, and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods, with or without accommodation.
• Experience safely operating and maintaining tools, power equipment, agricultural equipment, land management equipment and operating off-road vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, airboat, swamp buggy, tractor) is preferred.
• Solid judgement and the ability to solve problems and identify and act quickly in emergencies. Demonstrated commitment to safety through strict adherence to health and safety requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required; experience managing staff and leading field crews (including volunteers) is desired.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, basic computer skills (saving/renaming/organizing files, uploading/downloading files to the cloud, etc.), and demonstrated expertise with handheld GPS and Google Earth; experience with ArcGIS is a plus. Must also be able to learn and quickly become proficient with data management software and apps.
• 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 smartphone that can be used across Collier & Lee Counties to communicate with other staff during working hours.
• Demonstrated interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society, including commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

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

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.