Manager, Research, National Audubon Society

Position Overview

Salary: $62,026 to $65,000 annually

Education Required: Bachelor degree in biology or related field (Master degree preferred)

Experience Required: At least 5 years relevant experience

Description

The National Audubon Society is hiring a Research Manager at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Florida, a full-time on-site position with annual salary of $62,026 to $65,000.

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. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters across the Western Hemisphere, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, including the Blair Audubon Center, is one of Audubon premiere centers. Operating as part of the Florida program, the Sanctuary unites visitor experiences with science-based conservation across 13,000 acres and a regional watershed. The Research Manager reports to the Director of Conservation and leads research and ecological monitoring activities at the Western Everglades Research Center.

Responsibilities

• Manage, schedule, and participate in ecological monitoring activities including hydrology, aquatic fauna, vegetation, wading birds, herpetofauna, and mammals.
• Supervise research staff: set annual objectives and priorities, conduct performance evaluations, and provide leadership and mentorship; hire and supervise seasonal staff as needed.
• Ensure quality of field and laboratory data; complete data analyses using current statistical techniques.
• Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations at scientific and professional meetings.
• Develop protocols and SOPs and lead a culture of safety on the research team, including active participation 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 policy team to inform policy recommendations grounded in sound science.
• Increase the capacity of the Western Everglades Research Center by pursuing grants, foundation funding, and supporting fundraising programs.
• Coordinate visiting researchers, execute the annual Corkscrew Watershed Science Forum, and collaborate with colleagues across the Americas.
• Maintain consistently clear and professional communication with staff, Sanctuary visitors, donors, and visiting colleagues.
• Safely operate 4WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, swamp buggies, and airboats; maintain field equipment.
• Work closely with facilities staff on training, daily preventative maintenance, and safe operation of vehicles and equipment.
• Participate in Sanctuary events and other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in biology or related field (Master degree preferred) and at least 5 years relevant experience.
• Expertise in fish and wildlife monitoring techniques.
• Strong quantitative and research skills (wetland ecology, fish ecology, aquatic invertebrate ecology, wading bird ecology, or restoration ecology) and demonstrated ability to follow a research project from design through publication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Earth, and ArcGIS.
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and demonstrated ability to translate research findings into management recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to supervise, mentor, and motivate staff in a remote field station setting.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 3 months; NWCG S130 and S190 within 6 months; FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate within 1 year.
• Valid driver license with a clean driving record; vehicle for transportation to and from the job site; cell phone with reliable coverage on the Sanctuary and across Collier and Lee Counties.
• Ability to work flexible, non-traditional hours including early mornings and evenings; long hours outdoors in remote sub-tropical wetland environments; carry field gear up to 40 lbs for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of South Florida ecosystems.
• Proficiency in GIS applications such as Field Maps, Survey123, and R.
• Demonstrated history of, or potential for, attracting grant or private funding.
• Experience managing budgets, facilities, and personnel.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments.

Additional Notes

• Full-time, 40 hours per week, classified as on-site at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Florida.
• Commitment to Audubon organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• The National Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply

Apply through the National Audubon Society Workday portal.

Application materials should clearly describe how you meet the qualifications and reflect your relevant skills and experience. For accessibility requests, contact Audubon at the accommodations email listed on their careers site.