Shorebird Predation Management Biologist

Description of Duties  This is a 40 hour/week OPS (Other Personnel Services) position. Overtime is also available. The Predation Management Biologist will work closely with shorebird program staff to conduct shorebird predation management activities at multiple sites within the western Florida panhandle (Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties). The biologist will work collaboratively with a regional team and often independently in the field to achieve conservation and management goals.

• Work with shorebird biologists to identify sources of shorebird and seabird nest loss and use tracks and other sign to identify the predator responsible when nests are lost to predation.
• Use tracking surveys to identify and evaluate the presence and spatial use patterns of potential predators in the beach/dune habitat and surrounding natural areas.
• Conduct tracking and population assessments for common nest predators using sand transects, scent stations, bait stations, and game cameras.
• Use a variety of non-lethal predator aversion techniques and investigate opportunities to develop and test novel techniques.
• Conduct lethal removal of avian and mammalian predators when necessary.
• Document all predation management activities, record GPS points and create maps of all work areas using ArcGIS or Google Earth.
• Assist with report writing, data analysis, and distributing findings.

The Predation Management Biologist will be responsible for communicating with private landowners, local land managers, partnering agencies and the public about predation management in beach dune habitat. This position will attend public meetings and educational events and participate in shorebird working groups as a spokesperson for predation management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Experience communicating with stakeholders and ability to coordinate resources between agencies and among sites. Strong customer service skills are an asset.
• Experience recording data and writing reports.
• Experience with a handheld GPS unit. and mapping software such as GIS or Google Earth.
• Experience trailering, loading, and driving a UTV in remote locations and difficult terrain.
• Flexible work schedule that may including long days in the field and working up to 10 consecutive days in the field.
• Ability to work effectively with little direct supervision, in remote locations, and under hot and humid weather conditions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Excellent critical thinking skills for addressing complex challenges in the field.
• Training will be provided on specific management techniques.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates that have experience with mammalian and avian predation management. Experience with shorebird ID and nest searching/monitoring is preferred. Proficiency with firearms, pneumatics, and the use of a variety of traps is highly preferred.  Experience with public speaking experience is also preferred.