Apologies for duplicate postings. Please note: To apply send via e-mail a cover letter stating interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to:
Greg Butcher, Director of Bird Conservation National Audubon Society [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 202-861-2242, x. 3034 NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY POSITION OPENING Available Position: Conservation Biologist Location: To Be Determined Purpose of the Position: The Conservation Biologist for the Gulf Coast will summarize the most pertinent information on the status and trends of Waterbirds and priority species of the Gulf of Mexico coast and will design protocols to collect additional information on these species for analysis. The biologist will help prioritize which species are in most need of conservation actions and which actions are likely to be most effective for conservation. Initial focus will be on the 20 priority species, 10 breeders and 10 non-breeders, identified in the conservation plan. Additional species will become important in the overall conservation strategy as time and opportunities develop. S/he will work as part of a team to determine the impacts of oil on bird populations in order to inform the prioritization of mitigation measures and to develop and implement conservation plans to help these species. In addition, s/he will work with a team to prioritize conservation actions in areas in the Gulf that have not been oiled, both to help populations of species impacted by the oil spill and to promote long-term recovery of bird populations and habitats along the Gulf Coast. The biologist will work with state-based staff, chapters, and volunteers to develop and implement citizen science and other monitoring activities for Gulf Coast waterbirds. This position will play a critical role in our overall conservation strategy by insuring the credible and up to date information on focal species is incorporated into our advocacy, policy and communication actions. This position will work closely with the Director of Bird Conservation to keep information on species needs and status flowing throughout the conservation actions of Audubon. Essential Functions: Specifically, the person in this position will: * Assess status and trends of populations of focal species and waterbirds across the Gulf of Mexico (primarily U.S. portion) * Work with Cornell biologists to analyze eBird data for the Gulf of Mexico to assess impacts of hurricanes and the oil spill on waterbird populations * Work with state and other waterbird biologists and GIS specialists to map breeding colony locations for major breeding waterbird species of the Gulf of Mexico * Assess population status and dynamics of breeding waterbirds along the Gulf Coast * Work with Audubon's senior scientist to analyze Christmas Bird Count data from the Gulf Coast to assess the effects of hurricanes and the oil spill on bird populations * Work with Audubon's IBA team to be sure that we have a representative set of Important Bird Areas for the Waterbirds of the Gulf Coast; help collect and provide data to Audubon's IBA database; help determine proper IBA boundaries; contribute species information to IBA assessments, threat assessments, and conservation plans * Work with Audubon's Science team to design and improve bird monitoring protocols for waterbirds, including colony-nesting waterbirds, beach-nesting birds, secretive marsh birds, migratory shorebirds, and other nonbreeding Waterbirds; ensure that bird monitoring protocols will help measure the success of conservation measures enacted at IBAs, on the Mississippi River, and along the Gulf Coast * Help train citizen scientists on waterbird monitoring protocols * Update write-ups on the status and trends of Gulf Coast Waterbirds for Audubon's web site, communication and education efforts. * Publish scientific papers on Gulf Coast Waterbirds * Give popular and scientific presentations on Gulf Coast Waterbirds * Work with Audubon's Mississippi River initiative on the status and trends of Waterbirds shared between the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast * Help with Audubon outreach to other science and conservation initiatives that affect Waterbirds of the Gulf Coast, including Mexican initiatives * Work with Audubon Communications staff to publicize the major threats and recommended conservation actions for the Waterbirds of the Gulf Coast * Work with Audubon Policy staff to determine legislative or administrative actions that would benefit Waterbirds of the Gulf Coast * Work with Audubon Education staff on educational programs for Waterbirds of the Gulf Coast Additional Functions: Participate as a member of Audubon's national science staff and the Gulf Coast Conservation Initiative. Work closely with the Gulf of Mexico conservation initiative to ensure that credible and up to date scientific information is incorporated into the campaign and used effectively to move conservation. Measurement of Performance: Annual Performance Management Plan (PMP) developed collaboratively with National Director of Bird Conservation and Vice President of Gulf Coast. Relationships: Internal: Director of Bird Conservation as immediate supervisor and dotted line to Gulf of Mexico Regional Vice President. Strong interrelationships with national and state-level science, education, policy and field staff. Especially strong relationships with Audubon staff in Gulf Coast and Mississippi River states. External: Extensive contact with Audubon program partners this includes: Audubon chapter members, state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, donors, media, and volunteers. Equipment: Standard office equipment (i.e., phone, fax, copier, MS Windows operating system computer, etc.). Familiarity if not expertise with Microsoft Excel, Power Point Word and other desktop applications. Ability to use statistical software to analyze bird population dynamics. Ability to use ArcView GIS software for map presentation and basic data analysis. Qualifications: Masters Degree or higher (Ph.D. preferred) in conservation biology, wildlife management, ornithology, natural resources, or equivalent and either Ph.D. or at least three years work experience in the conservation profession or related field. Candidate should have a keen interest in and familiarity if not expertise with waterbirds, bird conservation, avian monitoring, and analysis of bird population data. The candidate should have exceptional public speaking, public presentation, and writing skills. Additionally, an understanding and appreciation for working for a decentralized organization where excellent communication skills are essential. Ability to organize and coordinate large projects and attention to details are essential. Willingness to travel and work weekends and nights as required. Fundraising/grant-writing experience is beneficial. Contact: To apply send via e-mail a cover letter stating interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to: Greg Butcher, Director of Bird Conservation, National Audubon Society [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 202-861-2242, x. 3034
