Senior Sanctuary Manager

Position Summary

The Audubon Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries (FCIS) Senior Sanctuary Manager is responsible for overseeing the management and protection of colonial wading bird colonies along the central Gulf Coast of Florida. This includes direct management of over 28 island sites, monitoring nesting birds at over 80 locations, and leading efforts in data collection, analysis, and management. The Senior Sanctuary Manager leads a range of activities, including posting, patrol, erosion control projects, vegetation management, predation management, and outreach to agencies and the public for conservation awareness. The Senior Sanctuary Manager also serves as the face for Audubon in Tampa, regularly leading tours of the bay and interacting with the media and public figures.

In addition to colony management, the Senior Sanctuary Manager leads major grant-funded projects aimed at improving or creating habitats, such as removing non-native vegetation, restoring native habitats, and implementing erosion control measures like offshore breakwaters. This position collaborates with Port Tampa Bay and the Army Corps of Engineers to support dredge material beneficial use projects to enhance coastal bird habitat.

This is a full-time, 40 hours a week hybrid position based out of the FCIS office in Tampa, Florida. This position supervises the FCIS Coastal Biologist and seasonal staff, recruits and organizes volunteers, develops, and manages grants to fund colony management and habitat protection and enhancement projects and engages on policy issues relevant to coastal bird protection, media, and outreach, and fundraising in collaboration with Audubon Florida’s development staff.

Compensation:

$70,000-$80,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Successfully manage the completion of Audubon's GEBF-funded Breakwater construction projects.
• Manage, protect, and monitor coastal bird islands and rookery sites.
• Identify needs and opportunities for projects to restore and enhance coastal bird habitat.
• Secure funding for, plan and implement large- and small-scale habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
• Recruit, train, and support permanent and seasonal staff.
• Regularly assist the Coastal Biologist with field work including colony monitoring, shoreline cleanup, and engaging with the public.
• Support the Coastal Biologist with data collection, entry, management, and sharing.
• Work with the public, agency staff, Port of Tampa, Army Corps of Engineers, and others to improve conservation of birds, other wildlife, and habitats.
• Lead tours and field trips with public figures, media, and donors.
• Engage the boating public about the need for bird protection and conservation and trespass restrictions inside Critical Wildlife Areas.
• In coordination with the Director of Bird Conservation, develop and manage project budgets.
• Prepare grants proposals and reports.
• Oversee the deployment and maintenance needs of program vehicles, trailers, boats and UTVs.
• Coordinate with local and state law enforcement to provide training opportunities for officers and enlist officers’ support to reduce disturbance and respond to wildlife violations.
• Communicate Audubon's work to the public through traditional and new media.
• Train and manage volunteer participation through Project Colony Watch and other activities.
• Organize activities with Audubon's partners, including shoreline cleanups, habitat enhancement projects, and oyster restoration projects.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university wildlife biology or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 7 years' project management experience required, including developing, permitting, and implementing habitat conservation projects.
• Minimum one year of experience managing and mentoring staff and/or volunteers and fostering a supportive and effective team environment.
• Knowledge of coastal bird conservation issues and Tampa Bay strongly preferred.
• Must be self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Capable of balancing a fast-paced work environment and multiple deadlines.
• Have good attention to detail, with excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus, as well as excellent customer service skills.
• Strong public speaking skills including the ability to communicate enthusiasm for Audubon’s work in Tampa Bay and engage with an audience.
• Minimum one year of experience in planning, tracking, and managing budgets and revenue.
• Experience with fundraising and grant writing asset.
• Experience with boating, and trailering required.
• Must be able to move 30 lbs., and traverse long distances miles on beach in summer field conditions carrying spotting scope, binoculars, and daypack with or without accommodation.
• Proficiency in MS Office, comfortable in using other software applications and capacity to learn new software.
• Must be available for occasional weekend and evening work.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license for operating an Audubon vehicle.
• A genuine passion for conservation and for the mission of the National Audubon Society is required.