JOB DESCRIPTION:          

The Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (CBBEP) is seeking a passionate and dedicated Avian Conservation Ecologist to join our Coastal Bird Program. CBBEP is looking for a team member with a positive attitude, ability to handle multiple tasks, and excellent organizational skills. We are a small but experienced and dedicated team that seeks to leverage our skills and knowledge to improve population trends of coastal avifauna through conservation-focused research, implementation of effective management strategies, and community outreach and engagement.

This position works closely with the Coastal Bird Program Director and other staff with a great deal of latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The successful candidate will play a lead role in all shorebird-related projects, but will also be involved in assisting with other projects of the bird program on a broad range of taxa. 

Applicant must possess a valid Driver License and have reliable transportation.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for continuation of data collection and analyses associated with multiple shorebird-related projects.
• Develop and conduct shorebird research projects, such as tracking and demographic studies.
• Oversee seasonal technician assisting the implementation of shorebird focused projects.
• Assist and support with fieldwork (including habitat management) and outreach associated with other Coastal Bird Program initiatives.
• Work closely with state and federal agency partners, university researchers, NGOs, community groups and individuals to advance shorebird conservation and stewardship.
• Maintain databases for survey and capture/marking projects.
• Meet obligations for grant milestones and develop reporting associated with grants.
• Represent CBBEP at local meetings with partner groups.
• Work with advisory committees, working groups and other stakeholders to coordinate, improve and stimulate support for, and involvement in, shorebird conservation.
• Maintenance and inventory of field equipment and banding gear.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

REQUIRED:

• M.S. in wildlife-focused discipline with an emphasis on avian studies.
• Knowledge of migratory shorebird ecology.
• Understanding of common statistical procedures used in ecological studies, and familiarity with using R or other statistics software for analysis.
• Passion for environmental conservation and commitment to promoting stewardship among youth and communities.
• Highly motivated and effective/constructive team player.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Flexible and a self-starter; able to manage multiple concurrent projects while also being highly detail- and quality-oriented.

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated experience with telemetry/tracking studies and demographic analyses.
• Shorebird capture/handling/banding/tagging experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Basic project management experience (budgeting, contracting, reporting, invoicing, etc.).
• Experience with grant-writing and management.
• Database management and/or development.
• Experience working on private lands.
• Experience driving 4WD vehicles in soft sand, and trailering and boating in coastal waters.
• Familiarity with Texas shorebird habitats and recreational constituencies.

ABOUT CBBEP:

CBBEP is a local non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the bays and estuaries of the Texas Coastal Bend. Since 1999, CBBEP has been working to create a Texas Coastal Bend with cleaner water and sediment, healthier habitats, greater public access, and a more aware and engaged public. With the help of federal, state, and local partners, the CBBEP has restored thousands of acres of marsh habitat, funded dozens of projects designed to improve water quality, and installed infrastructure to enhance public access opportunities. In addition to implementing projects that address priority issues like water quality, habitat restoration, and nature tourism, CBBEP has created organizational programs to conserve coastal birds and their habitats, conduct environmental education programs, and acquire coastal habitats for the purposes of conservation. To learn more visit www.cbbep.org.

CBBEP supports a healthy work-life balance and recognizes that there are tangible benefits from supporting flexible working practices and assisting employees to achieve a balance in their work commitments and their life outside of work. Employees work a standard workweek but are occasionally required to work overtime, including some evenings and weekends.

CBBEP is an equal opportunity, drug-free employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability