Senior Associate, Research (Hydrology)

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

The Hydrology Senior Research Associate is a full-time position and is responsible for coordination and collection of hydrological data and all hydrology equipment within the mangroves of the Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and other areas. The Senior Research Associate leads hydrological purchases and primarily works independently on repairing, maintaining, and occasionally assembling hydrological stations to ensure all equipment is functioning and actively collecting data. The Senior Research Associate is responsible for downloading, quality assuring, and maintaining critical long-term hydrological datasets. This includes downloading data twice per week, submitting regular data submissions, and working with the Senior Biologist to complete reports or publications in a timely manner. Sites will be accessed using helicopters, powerboats, canoes, kayaks, and by foot (wading) while transporting high-value equipment through challenging mangrove environments.

The overall operation at the Audubon Everglades Research Station (AERS) is accomplished through an integrated network of several data collection teams (hydrology, submerged aquatic vegetation, prey fish and wading birds); with the Hydrology Senior Research Associate leading the hydrology project. In addition to the hydrology project, the Senior Research Associate will provide support to the fish team by collecting prey fish once or twice per month. This role is on-site at Audubon Everglades Research Station in Tavernier, FL.

Compensation:

$26.62 – $28.75 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Maintain all 23 AERS hydrological monitoring stations and handheld hydrological monitoring devices.
• Troubleshoot problems using advanced knowledge, including researching, repairing, and maintaining hydrological equipment, including, but not limited to dataloggers, probes, solar panels, and batteries.
• Ensure hydrological data is being properly logged/collected including checking there is no missing data from any location for more than three weeks.
• Collect and maintain hydrological data in a long-term dataset to be included in contract deliverables, reports, and scientific publications.
• Prepare and maintain detailed records, logs, and summary reports of all procedures and results including graphs, scientific calculations, and statistical analysis charting.
• Prepare and submit data for weekly submissions.
• Maintain positive relationships with partners and coordinate boat and helicopter operations for hydrological repairs and maintenance work.
• Deliver hydrological data in a timely fashion to the Senior Biologist for reports and deliverables.
• Collaborate with other teammates that require hydrologic monitoring.
• Assist the fish team by completing prey base fish samples and data collection and preservation monthly.
• Participate in group projects to protect and maintain the base facility and improve operations.
• Mentor and train entry level teammates to achieve our operational goals by developing their individual skill sets.
• Maintain and foster culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required.
• 3-5 years’ experience working in marine, estuarine, or wetlands environments. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Helicopter Crew Member Certificate (S-271) by the Office of Aviation Services U.S. Department of the Interior is required for this position. It is mandatory that the Senior Research Associate keep all certificates up to date to be authorized to fly with the National Park Service.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an NPS Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card; this includes completing a federal background check.
• Computer experience with spreadsheets, statistical analyses and database management programs is required.
• SDI-12 coding and previous experience working with dataloggers are highly preferred.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours (sometimes on weekends or holidays) in the field in subtropical wetland environments, exposed to the harsh South Florida environment (sun, heat, biting insects, wading in water or mud with potentially dangerous wildlife) often alone.
• Ability to traverse 3-8 miles a day through varying terrain, ability to maneuver up small trees and balance on branches and roots with or without accommodation.
• Ability to swim and lift 60+lbs with or without accommodation.
• Comfortable as a crew member on small aircraft, projects will involve travel in helicopters.
• Experience driving and towing small boats.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical equipment such as trucks and boats (e.g. jump start a vehicle or change a flat tire).
• Strong organization skills and flexibility in planning.
• Excellent communication skills within and outside their own specific department. Ability to explain and clarify information regarding matters specific to their own area of work.
• Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well independently in the field.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.