-
Northwest Florida, with its long stretch of coastal habitats that are essential to a variety of shorebirds, is in need of a coordinated shorebird conservation strategy. Threats from predators, beach driving, human and canine disturbance, beach armoring and management and erosion all contribute to loss of viable habitat for breeding, visiting and wintering populations of shorebirds. Efforts to ensure quality habitat for the survival of many species is made more important because of impacts resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster.
-
Founded in 1905, The National Audubon Society “Audubon” is a national nonprofit conservation organization with 400,000 members and close to 500 local chapters throughout the Americas. Our mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. Focusing on birds as an indicator of overall environmental quality, Audubon employs a range of integrated strategies to engage people in conservation through its national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, Important Bird Areas, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy activities. What has traditionally set Audubon apart from other conservation organizations is its focus on people’s actions as the solution to the environmental challenges we face today. Audubon believes that individuals can make a difference in protecting our environment and develops programs that strive to inspire and empower individuals to help reach its ambitious goals. Audubon continues to reach and engage new audiences through a variety of strategies. Audubon’s headquarters are in New York, supporting more than 700 staff in over 80 locations, nationwide. It has a national budget of $81 million.
-
1. Identify threats to and conservation strategies for shorebirds and shorebird habitat in Northwest Florida, with an emphasis on public lands and IBAs (Important Bird Areas).
2. Engage public land managers to evaluate and improve land management plans to strengthen protection of shorebirds and create opportunities for increased volunteer shorebird stewardship.
3. Create shorebird stewardship programs in coordination with Audubon chapters, people who volunteered during the oil spill, and other organizations.
4. Educate the public, decision-makers, land managers and others about threats to shorebirds and habitat and about conservation strategies.
5. Recruit, train and retain volunteers, as well as volunteer coordinators to move local volunteer teams towards self-sufficiency.
6. Improve coastal bird monitoring in the region through the Mid-winter Shorebird Survey, Audubon’s Coastal Bird Survey, and Audubon’s National Wildlife Refuge Waterbird Watch.
7. Improve and standardize survey and monitoring methods.
-
1. Coordinate regional shorebird partnership.
2. Assess effectiveness of volunteer activities and recommend and implement improvements.
3. Assist with grant management and subsequent proposals.
4. Work with FWC Shorebird Partnership Coordinator to contribute data to statewide database.
5. Report on conditions and progress on a regular basis through a variety of communications and reporting tools.
-
Director of Wildlife Conservation, Executive Director, other Florida coastal program staff, conservation campaign coordinator, Director of Grants, policy team. NY grants administration staff, Gulf of Mexico program staff, Important Bird Area program staff, and four regional Audubon chapters.
-
Federal, state and local government land managers, state wildlife agency personnel, volunteers, news media, grant administrator, other NGOs.
-
Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science or related science. Strong Florida bird identification skills, particularly shorebirds and seabirds. Familiarity with boat operation a plus. Experience recruiting, training and retaining volunteers preferred. Driver’s license.
-
Laptop, cell phone, GPS unit, binoculars, spotting scope, digital camera.
-
Ability to work in full sun on Florida beaches. 50-60% overnight travel.
This position is grant-funded, term-limited for one year.
-
Please submit cover letter and resume to Julie Wraithmell.