Manager, EagleWatch Program

Position Summary

The Audubon EagleWatch Program is one of Audubon Florida’s most successful conservation programs; it has been instrumental in protecting thousands of bald eagles and their nests and has contributed significantly to the recovery of the species. Reporting to the Center for the Birds of Prey Director, the EagleWatch Program Manager will be responsible for liaising with over 650+ community scientists who monitor nests, collect scientific data, and protect eagles and their nest sites from potential harm. With guidance from the Center Director and other science and policy staff in Audubon Florida, they will oversee the recruitment, training and supervision of community scientists who monitor bald eagle nests and train volunteers to engage in advocacy on behalf of eagles and eagle habitat throughout the state. 

The Manager collaborates with the Audubon Florida communications, science, and policy teams to produce reports and further develop the Center’s eagle conservation work by connecting it with the Center for Birds of Prey rehabilitation work. With over 30 years of community science data, this individual will create annual summaries that reflect the results and interpretation of data from the field, as well as provide guidance on management and communicate with state and federal agencies to conserve Bald Eagles in Florida. The Program Manager will support operations and programs at the Center for the Birds of Prey This position is a full-time, 40 hours a week role on site at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.

Compensation:

$62,026 – $63,500 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Manage and communicate with a team of over 650+ volunteers to reach program objectives and outcomes including recruitment, training and data collection.
• Manage statewide Bald Eagle nest monitoring data, QA/QC, and reporting.
• Maintain Statewide Bald Eagle nest map including updates to EagleWatch GIS layers, maps, and spatial data. Create quality GIS products (maps, shapefiles, layer packages) for use in grant reporting and other purposes.
• Coordinate with the National Audubon Society Science and GIS teams on data products, mapping needs, and integration of technology for improved monitoring.
• Oversee auxiliary banding data tracking, mapping, and reporting.
• Work closely with the Center Director and Audubon Florida wildlife policy team to effectively align the EagleWatch program with National Audubon strategic plan and initiatives.
• Coordinate and correspond with state and federal agency personnel to protect Bald Eagles, promote best management practices and help ensure compliance with state and federal permits regarding eagle management in Florida.
• Work with Audubon Florida policy staff regarding eagle issues focusing on development threats and the protection of eagles, their nests and habitats.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, media, partner organizations and other stakeholders regarding eagle behavior, nest issues and program initiatives.
• Provide educational and operational support for Audubon Center for Birds of Prey programs including but not limited to delivering science-based presentations, coordinating eagle rescues/releases, participating in grant writing, and engaging donors.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, geographic information systems, or related required, as well as 5 years’ experience working on science initiatives or programs.  An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Intermediate skill level of GIS, including creation, editing, and management of spatial data required; at least 2+ years direct work experience with GIS programs (ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, Survey123) and experience with statistical analysis commonly used in biological sciences (ANOVA, regression, ANCOVA etc.) is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; must be comfortable with public speaking and giving presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Experience writing reports, grants, and research papers.
• Ability to review, interpret, and present scientific data as related to Bald Eagles and other raptors to the scientific community, other professional and conservation organizations, corporate and foundation entities, and to state and federal agencies.
• General knowledge of conservation, preservation, and management guidelines related to Bald eagles in Florida.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office applications, data management systems, and social media platforms.
• A self-starter, one who is team-oriented, flexible, and can work with time constraints and limited budget.
• Willingness to travel for work (minimal) and comfort working an unconventional schedule as needed to conduct educational programs and trainings, bird releases, and site visits.
• Holds a valid driver’s license.
• Interest in and commitment to conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.