Job Opening: Avian Biologist, Audubon Louisiana

Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 22 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 46 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Position Summary:

The Avian Biologist will be responsible for assisting Audubon Louisiana’s Director of Bird Conservation and other staff in field and office activities associated with conservation, research, and education programs.

This is a full-time position providing field and analytic support for the Coastal Bird Stewardship Program and other monitoring and research initiatives principally in Louisiana.

• Collect and analyze data on birds to support research projects through a variety of techniques including point and transect counts, nest searching, mist-netting, and radio telemetry and input bird data into databases.
• In collaboration with the Director of Conservation and others, lead and assist in the writing of technical reports and scientific manuscripts.
• Develop and lead educational programs, aimed at increasing awareness of the threats birds face, for a variety of audiences. Engage volunteers and community leaders to participate in conservation efforts.
• Cultivate and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including other Audubon offices and chapters, state and federal agencies, other non-governmental organizations, and community and government leaders.
• Maintain vehicles and all assigned field gear.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ornithology, ecology, or a related field required.
• 2+ years of applied field experience is required; understanding and respect of the scientific method is paramount.
• Knowledge in the identification and ecology of a variety of waterbirds, shorebirds, songbirds, and marshbirds, as well as proven experience using statistical techniques for analyzing bird data (e.g., distance sampling, capture-mark-recapture, other demographic modeling approaches, spatial and movement analyses, etc.).
• Experience and working knowledge of Louisiana’s diversity of habitats, especially coastal wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and/or estuaries is a plus.
• At least one year experience developing and providing environmental education programs to a variety of audiences and/or working with volunteers is strongly preferred.
• Excellent work ethic, a team-focused attitude, and the ability to work well independently in the field.
• Ability to maintain and repair mechanical equipment such as trucks and boats desirable.
• Willingness to work long hours in sub-tropical wetland, coastal, and forest environments exposed to harsh Louisiana field conditions (sun, heat, biting insects, alligators, venomous snakes, wading in water or mud), sometimes alone.
• Ability to walk long distances (at least two miles) while carrying field equipment (e.g., tripod and spotting scope) and/or other materials. Ability to lift and carry over short distances at least 40 pounds, with or without accomodation.
• Regularly travel within the state of the Louisiana to field sites, often for several days at a time. Some work on weekends is necessary.
• Valid driver’s license required, experience with small boats, and operating ATVs strongly preferred.

To apply, please visit: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/2293/avian-biologist/job.