Senior Associate – Stewardship

Senior Associate – Stewardship

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required and 3-5 years relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Ability to learn and train others in species-level identification of plants and animals is required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with herbicide application and knowledge of South Florida ecosystems is strongly preferred.
• Must have (or be able to obtain within stated timeframe after hire) certifications: National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130 (Firefighter Training) and S190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior), Florida Forest Service Prescribed Burn Manager Certification, First Aid and CPR Training (obtain within 3 months), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Pesticide Applicator License (must have ample experience; obtain certification within 9 months).
• Must demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to work non-traditional hours when needed (early mornings, evenings, overnights and weekends), including long hour outdoors in remote sub-tropical South Florida wetland environments, and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods, with or without accommodation.
• Experience safely operating and maintaining tools, power equipment, agricultural equipment, land management equipment and operating off-road vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, airboat, swamp buggy, tractor) is preferred.
• Solid judgement and the ability to solve problems and identify and act quickly in emergencies. Demonstrated commitment to safety through strict adherence to health and safety requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required; experience managing staff and leading field crews (including volunteers) is desired.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, basic computer skills (saving/renaming/organizing files, uploading/downloading files to the cloud, etc.), and demonstrated expertise with handheld GPS and Google Earth; experience with ArcGIS is a plus. Must also be able to learn and quickly become proficient with data management software and apps.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Must have a vehicle for transportation to/from the job site and a smartphone that can be used across Collier & Lee Counties to communicate with other staff during working hours.
• Demonstrated interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society, including commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Manager, Land Stewardship in executing the Sanctuary prescribed fire program, including coordinating and conducting fires, site prep, preparing prescriptions, scheduling crews, obtaining permits, conducting mop-up, and any necessary overnight monitoring.
• Remove invasive and native nuisance plants within the Sanctuary using boom sprayers, backpack sprayers, ATV sprayers, machetes, chainsaws, and other equipment, as needed.
• Maintain habitat and trails using mechanical means such as tractors, discs, mowers, and other tractor implements, chainsaws, weed eaters, and other power equipment.
• Ensure basic preventative maintenance (cleaning, function testing) and safe operation of multiple off-road vehicles (4WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, swamp buggies, and airboats) and equipment.
• Lead ecological monitoring pre- and post-prescribed fire and ensure accurate, detailed records of land stewardship activities are entered into the Sanctuary’s environmental database.
• Coordinate, oversee, and manage records of contractors that support land stewardship activities.
• Responsible for helping develop SOPs and leading a culture of safety for the land stewardship team, including periodic participation on the Sanctuary Safety Committee; works to foster culture of safety.
• Work closely with research staff to support invasive animal monitoring, reporting, and removal, as needed (may include snails, insects, fish, lizards, snakes, etc.).
• Oversee herbicide management, storage and inventory for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
• Communicate clearly and collaborate frequently with the research team, supporting mapping, surveys, visiting researchers, and other fieldwork or projects as needed.
• Train and supervise seasonal Conservation Assistant and volunteers to support land stewardship activities.
• Communicate with partner organizations and adjacent landowners to provide guidance or technical assistance for execution of best management practices.
• Maintain consistently clear and professional communication with staff, Sanctuary visitors, donors, visiting colleagues, and others.
• Provide written and verbal progress reports.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience with herbicide application and knowledge of South Florida ecosystems is strongly preferred.
• Experience safely operating and maintaining tools, power equipment, agricultural equipment, land management equipment and operating off-road vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, airboat, swamp buggy, tractor) is preferred.
• Experience managing staff and leading field crews (including volunteers) is desired.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.