Science Specialist

About Audubon

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, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Science Specialist serves as Audubon’s lead scientific advisor on Lake Okeechobee and related restoration, water management, habitat, and wildlife conservation issues primarily in the Northern Everglades. Aligned with Audubon’s overall conservation goals and strategies and in coordination with the Senior Manager of Everglades Policy, this individual will provide scientific and technical expertise to support Audubon’s work in Florida's conservation, policy, and advocacy priorities that result in the organization’s increased capacity to protect priority birds and their habitats.

This position will be remote in the Southern Orlando or West Palm Beach area and must live or be willing to relocate to Osceola, Highlands, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Hendry, and Glades counties (i.e. all of the counties surrounding Lake Okeechobee). Remote work within the United States may be considered only for employees not within commuting distance (40 miles or less) of an Audubon office, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employees’ choosing.

Compensation:

$63,886.37 - $85,000 / year

Essential Functions

• Evaluate scientific and technical information to:

  Assess the ecological conditions of Lake Okeechobee and the Northern Everglades;

  Predict future needs of Lake Okeechobee and the Northern Everglades;

  Inform Audubon policy proposals for restoration project designs and operations;

  Evaluate effectiveness of existing restoration projects, regulatory initiatives and their operations;

  Evaluate various proposed alternatives for restoration projects to inform Audubon policy positions;

  Identify opportunities to improve ecological outcomes through restoration, water management and conservation investments.

• Identify opportunities to improve ecological outcomes through restoration, water management, and conservation investments.

• Represent Audubon’s Florida program in technical working groups, advisory committees, stakeholder forums, and agency processes.

• Build and maintain relationships with agency staff, researchers, conservation partners, landowners, and other stakeholders.

• Review and provide input on plans, policies, reports, and proposals relevant to Audubon's priorities.

• Translate complex scientific and technical information into clear, actionable recommendations for decision-makers, partners, media, and the public.

• Prepare technical comments, briefing materials, fact sheets, reports, presentations, and educational resources.

• Support outreach efforts through occasional presentations, workshops, field tours, and stakeholder engagement.

• Provide scientific expertise and strategic guidance across Audubon’s Florida programs.

• Mentor staff and contribute to organizational planning, project development, and conservation initiatives.

• Stay informed on emerging science, policy developments, and management issues affecting Lake Okeechobee and the Greater Everglades ecosystem.

• Maintain and foster culture of safety.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred) in ecology, hydrology, environmental science, fisheries, wildlife biology, natural resource management, or a related science field preferred and at least 5 years of work experience. An equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered.

• Strong knowledge of Lake Okeechobee ecology, Everglades restoration, South Florida water management, and Florida environmental policy preferred.

• Experience interpreting scientific data, ecological monitoring results, hydrologic information, and restoration planning documents.

• Experience working with agencies such as the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. Must be comfortable representing Audubon’s interests with a variety of stakeholders, including decision-makers at multiple agencies, NGO partners, and lay audiences.

• Self-starter and purposeful with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in coordination with multiple team players.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is required.

• Able to travel and attend occasional external functions occurring on weekends and evenings.

• A valid driver’s license.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies:

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.