Nokuse Land Conservancy · Florida · posted today
Nokuse Land Conservancy is seeking an Avian Conservation Biologist to lead and continue development of its bird monitoring, research, and conservation across the property. Nokuse is a 56,000-acre ecological restoration project encompassing longleaf pine savanna, wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, waterways, and other habitats important to southeastern wildlife. This position combines field biology, applied research, data analysis, and conservation planning. The Avian Conservation Biologist will maintain established long-term monitoring efforts while also developing new projects that address questions relevant to bird conservation and habitat restoration at Nokuse. We are looking for someone who is comfortable working independently and taking ownership of a growing program. The successful candidate should be able to move a project from an initial ecological question through study design, field implementation, analysis, and communication of results. There is considerable opportunity to develop new research, build collaborations, and use findings to directly inform management on the property. The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension for a candidate who is a good long-term fit for Nokuse. Primary Responsibilities: Avian Monitoring and Research Lead and further develop Nokuse’s Long-term avian monitoring program using a combination pf passive acoustic monitoring and traditional field methods. Current work includes a fixed network of autonomous recording units (ARUs), point counts, transects, behavioral monitoring, and targeted surveys across a variety of habitats. Responsibilities will include: · Deploying and maintaining ARUs and managing and analyzing acoustic data. · Continuing long-term monitoring of Nokuse bird community and seasonal studies, including ongoing work examining bird use across pine stands that differ in management condition. i.e. Overwintering habitat use. · Conducting standardized point counts, transects, and targeted surveys for focal species and habitats. · Expanding monitoring in wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, pine savannas, creeks, and other aquatic systems. Some fieldwork will involve kayaking and boats to access remote areas. · Expanding avian monitoring on a recently acquired island property and using those data to help establish management priorities. · Maintaining organized long-term datasets and refining existing methods as monitoring objectives evolve. · Developing new studies when ecological or management questions arise. Red-cockaded Woodpecker Reintroduction Nokuse has completed substantial habitat and logistical preparation for the establishment of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RCWs), with translocation anticipated in 2027. The Avian Conservation Biologist will take a lead role in monitoring and developing this program following release: · Monitoring translocated birds to document retention, survival, group composition, territory establishment, and reproductive success. · Coordinating individual identification and banding efforts. · Monitoring artificial cavities and coordinating installation of additional cavities as the population expands. · Maintaining spatial and demographic records for the population. · Evaluating habitat conditions within existing and potential RCW territories and working with land management staff to identify future expansion areas. · Coordinating with state and federal agencies and completing required monitoring and reporting. · Maintaining relationships with regional RCW biologists and partners, including participation in the annual Southeastern Regional Translocation Cooperative (SRTC) meeting. · Communicating Nokuse’s progress and assisting with efforts to receive additional translocated birds as the population develops. Applied Bird Conservation and Habitat Management A major goal of Nokuse’s bird program is to use monitoring data to evaluate restoration outcomes and improve habitat management. The Avian Conservation Biologist will work with Nokuse’s land management staff to assess bird community responses to prescribed fire, forest and hydrological restoration, and other management activities. The biologist will be expected to interpret monitoring results in an applied conservation context and make habitat management recommendations when supported by the data. Attention will be given to species associated with healthy southeastern ecosystems and species of conservation concern, including Bachman’s Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, Red-headed Woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Kite, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, among others. The biologist will also maintain spatial records of rare or listed bird observations and identify emerging monitoring, research, or management needs. Research Partnerships and Special Projects Nokuse collaborates with universities, agencies, nonprofit organizations, and independent researchers. Current avian partnerships include work with the Stoddard Bird Lab at Tall Timbers Research Station and the Sam Shine Foundation on Bachman’s Sparrows, Henslow’s Sparrows, and other southeastern bird species. The Avian Conservation Biologist will serve as the primary on-site contact for avian research projects and may assist with field logistics, bird capture and banding, telemetry, etc. This position also includes four weeks of fieldwork in Indiana each year with the Sam Shine Foundation. Work may include Prairie Warbler mist-netting, banding, tagging, Motus and telemetry work, Cerulean Warbler BirdScape projects, and other bird related work. It is encouraged that the biologist will continue to develop independent and collaborative research questions using Nokuse’s monitoring programs and restoration landscape, with the goal of producing meaningful conservation results and, where appropriate, presentations or peer-reviewed publications. Data, GIS, and Telemetry This position includes use of ArcGIS Pro and R as regular components of study design, spatial analysis, data management, statistical analysis, visualization, and communication of results. The biologist will also be responsible for maintaining Nokuse’s Motus Wildlife Tracking System, including routine station checks, troubleshooting power systems, receivers and sensor stations, and assisting with expansion of the network where appropriate. Program Leadership and Communication This position requires a high degree of independence and initiative. Nokuse staff and research partners will provide support, but the Avian Conservation Biologist should be comfortable identifying needs, developing projects, seeking appropriate expertise or partnerships, and carrying work through to completion. Additional responsibilities may include: · Training or supervising seasonal technicians and other field personnel involved in avian projects. · Preparing quarterly, annual, and project specific summaries and reports. · Completing state and federal reporting associated with permitted or protected species work. · Presenting results to conservation organizations, research partners, professional groups, and scientific conferences. · Communicating monitoring results and management recommendations to Nokuse staff. · Supporting occasional outreach and social media content related to Nokuse’s bird conservation work. · Maintaining productive relationships with agency biologists, researchers, nonprofit partners, and other collaborators. Qualifications Required · Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or a related field. · At least two field seasons or equivalent professional experience conducting avian fieldwork. · Strong ability to identify birds by sight and sound. Familiarity with southeastern U.S. bird communities is strongly preferred. · Experience managing biological data and maintaining accurate field records. · Working knowledge of GIS and quantitative analysis, with the ability and willingness to develop greater proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and R. · Ability to work independently, organize multiple projects, and adapt field and research plans as conditions change. · Valid driver’s license. Preferred · Master’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or a related field. · Autonomous recording units and analysis of passive acoustic data. · Bird capture, mist-netting, handling, and banding. · Red-cockaded Woodpecker monitoring and management. · Ecological understanding of / experience working embedded in the longleaf pine ecosystem. · Habitat assessment, prescribed fire ecology, or restoration ecology. · Radio telemetry, Motus, or other automated wildlife tracking systems. · Ecological study design and analysis of long-term monitoring data. · ArcGIS Pro, spatial analysis, and field data collection applications. · Statistical analysis and visualization in R. · Scientific writing, technical reporting, and professional presentations. · Coordination with universities, state or federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, or other research partners. Compensation · Hourly salary will be $20.00-$22.00/hour [MW1] depending on experience. · A vehicle will be provided for field work. · Housing on or near the property is also provided as part of this position. Successful Applicants will be interviewed in November, expected start date in January. To apply please send a CV, cover letters, and at least two references. Submit materials to charli@nokuse.org
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