Research Manager

position Summary:

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (including the Blair Audubon Center) is one of the National Audubon Society’s premiere centers. Operating as part of the state program in Florida, 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 Research Manager will report to the Director of jobshiringnearme.org and lead research and ecological monitoring activities associated with the sanctuary’s Western Everglades Research Center. This will involve working with the Director of jobshiringnearme.org to identify and prioritize projects that fill data gaps and support science-based land stewardship and conservation activities, collecting and analyzing data, translating research findings for a variety of technical and non-technical audiences, coordinating an active visiting research program, and collaborating with conservation professionals across the region to advance science and inform conservation and restoration initiatives. This full-time 40-hour per week position is classified as on-site based at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, FL.

Compensation:

$62,026 – $65,000 / year

Additional Job description

Essential Functions:

• Manage, schedule, and participate in ecological monitoring activities (hydrology, aquatic fauna, vegetation, wading birds, herpetofauna, mammals), leading the team with a focus on fostering creativity and innovation, demonstrating a team-focused attitude and care for each other, and facilitating a safe workplace.
• Supervise research staff, including setting annual objectives and priorities, conducting performance evaluations, and providing leadership and mentorship. Hire and supervise seasonal staff as needed.
• Ensure the quality of field and laboratory data, complete data analyses using current statistical techniques, and disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations to a wide audience, including at scientific and professional meetings.
• Responsible for developing protocols and SOPs and leading a culture of safety for the research team, including ensuring active participation by the team on the Sanctuary Safety Committee.
• Communicate and collaborate daily with land stewardship staff and support prescribed fire as a member of the Sanctuary burn team.
• Support collaboration with Audubon’s policy team to assist with policy recommendations based on sound science.
• Support a culture of philanthropy and increase the capacity of the Western Everglades Research Center by assisting with pursuit of funding (e.g., grants, foundations) and supporting fundraising programs and activities.
• Cultivate and facilitate partnership by coordinating visiting researchers, executing the annual Corkscrew Watershed Science Forum, and collaborating with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Maintain consistently clear and professional communication with staff, Sanctuary visitors, donors, visiting colleagues, and others.
• Safely operate multiple off-road vehicles (4WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, swamp buggies, and airboats) and maintain field equipment.
• Work closely with facilities staff to ensure proper training, daily preventative maintenance (cleaning, function testing), and safe operation of vehicles and equipment. Perform and train staff on basic maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Participate in and assist with Sanctuary events and other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required (M.S. preferred) and at least 5 years relevant experience.
• Expertise in fish and wildlife monitoring techniques is required. Knowledge of South Florida ecosystems is preferred.
• Strong quantitative and research skills (specific disciplines could include wetland ecology, fish ecology, aquatic invertebrate ecology, wading bird ecology, or restoration ecology) and a demonstrated ability to follow a research project through from design to data collection to publication, are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, GoogleEarth, and ArcGIS is required. Proficiency in GIS applications (e.g., Field Maps, Survey123) and/or R is highly desired.
• A record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, a demonstrated ability to translate research findings into management recommendations, and expertise communicating those findings coherently to a broad set of partners and constituencies is required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to supervise, mentor and motivate staff in a remote field station setting is required. Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Demonstrated history of and/or potential for attracting grant or private funding and experience managing budgets, facilities, and personnel is highly desired.
• Must have (or be able to obtain within stated timeframe after hire) certifications:

  • First Aid and CPR certification (within 3 months)

  • National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130 (Firefighter Training) and S190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (obtain within 6 months)

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (within 1 year)

• 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 cell phone that works well on the Sanctuary and across Collier & Lee Counties to communicate with other staff during working hours.
• Must demonstrate scheduling flexibility and a willingness to work non-traditional hours when needed (early mornings, evenings), including long hours outdoors in remote sub-tropical South Florida wetland environments, and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods, with or without accommodation.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.