National Audubon Society · 1 day ago
Director and Principal Scientist, Audubon Everglades Research Station (AERS)
Tavernier, FL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$103K/yr - $116K/yr
10+ years expThe National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting birds and their habitats. The Director and Principal Scientist at the Audubon Everglades Research Station will lead ecological monitoring and research efforts, focusing on the Everglades ecosystem and driving conservation initiatives while overseeing a significant research budget and team.
PublishingNon ProfitEducationPetWildlife Conservation
Responsibilities
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 AERS 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 contract and grant-funded efforts and continue to advance a robust portfolio of external funding for AERS 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
Provide strategic and operational oversight of Center activities, delegating day-to-day execution to technical staff while maintaining ultimate responsibility for personnel decisions and the maintenance and operation of all AERS facilities, vehicles, vessels, and technical equipment. Participate as a scientific expert representing Audubon 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
Maintain and foster culture of safety
Other job-related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
A Ph.D. in biological sciences, environmental 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 coastal and marine habitats, south Florida preferred
A demonstrable understanding of conservation issues facing the state of Florida
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), 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
Preferred
Experience doing statistical analysis and working in R and ArcGIS is highly desirable
Company
National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.23MKey Investors
Bezos Earth FundNFWF
2025-10-23Grant
2025-05-21Grant· $0.05M
2022-04-12Grant· $0.18M
Leadership Team
Elizabeth Gray, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Marco Carbone
Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
2025-09-23
Maryland Daily Record
2025-04-28
Company data provided by crunchbase