POSITION TITLE: Avian Conservation Biologist
Hiring Organization/Employer: Nokuse Land Conservancy
Application Deadline: 11/30/2026
Education Required: PhD
Location: Walton County, FL
Description:
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.
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.
Compensation & Benefits:
Hourly salary will be $20.00-$22.00/hour depending on experience.
Housing on or near the property is also provided as part of this position
Responsibilities:
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.
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.
Preferred 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.
How to Apply:
Matt Williams
574-453-7602
Matt@samshinefoundation.org