Careers

Position Title: Senior Shorebird Scientist
Department: Science
Reports To:   Vice President of Science
FLSA Classification: Full-Time/Exempt
HR Job Category:   Senior Program Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Manomet Conservation Sciences is a mission-driven conservation NGO seeking a Senior Shorebird Scientist with a strong background in shorebird ecology to lead applied research and conservation efforts focused on shorebirds. This is a senior-level position for a scientist who combines deep ecological expertise with a passion for protecting migratory birds and their habitats.

The ideal candidate has a PhD. in conservation research and is a skilled field biologist, analytical thinker, and collaborative leader, with demonstrated success in shorebird research, conservation partnerships, and science communication. The Senior Shorebird Scientist manages a program of research related to the conservation of shorebirds throughout the Western Hemisphere, with a special focus on the flagship species identified in Manomet’s current Strategic Plan, and with a special focus on arctic breeding shorebirds and their habitats. The major focus of the research is to identify factors limiting populations of these species, so that conservation action can be targeted to reverse declines and recover populations.

ABOUT MANOMET

Manomet is a 501(c)(3) organization that empowers stakeholders through science and works with partners to make a world where ecosystems and human communities thrive. Since Manomet’s beginnings as a bird banding operation in 1969, its science and research have expanded to focus on ecosystem management and resilience, shorebird conservation, and educating tomorrow’s leaders about the importance of the natural world. Workplace diversity, science, and climate change are the fundamental principles driving Manomet’s work today.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Design and lead research and field studies on shorebirds, including demographic monitoring, migration ecology, habitat use, and climate-related impacts, and lead project planning, research design, project implementation, and data analysis and reporting.
• Oversee and conduct data collection and analysis using techniques such as nest monitoring, bird banding, remote sensing, and tracking technologies (e.g., GPS, geolocators, satellite tags).
• Maintain long-term datasets and publish high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Secure and manage funding through grant writing and reporting, donor proposals, and institutional partnerships.
• Lead project teams and partnerships, manage budgets, and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Mentor early-career scientists, technicians, and Indigenous youth interested in conservation science.
• Support staff across Manomet’s shorebird conservation programs with field research planning, research design, and data analysis and reporting.
• Work collaboratively with other scientists and conservation specialists across multiple projects.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proficiency with wildlife tracking technologies, remote sensing, or climate-related modeling preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Manage science and conservation grants for other flagship species.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Vice President of Science.

PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Ornithology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or a closely related field, with a strong publication record.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience, including Arctic fieldwork and shorebird research.
• Advanced knowledge of Arctic ecosystems and shorebird ecology.
• Proficiency in ecological data analysis (R, Python, or similar) and GIS tools.
• Experience with wildlife tracking technologies, remote sensing, or climate-related modeling preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Track record of publication in scientific journals related to bird conservation.
• Familiarity with demographic modeling and statistical analysis of field data.
• Successful history of raising grant funding to support research and conservation.
• Ability to effectively supervise other staff, and manage multiple grant projects simultaneously.
• Experience working respectfully with Indigenous communities and integrating Traditional Knowledge with Western science.
• Familiarity with North American Flyway conservation frameworks (e.g., Atlantic, Pacific, Mid-continent, East Asian–Australasian).
• Proven success in grant writing and managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Multilingual capability preferred, especially Spanish or French for migratory shorebird research partnerships.
• Must have reliable method of transportation, valid driver’s license and passport.
• Must successfully pass a background check.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Ability and willingness to travel to various locations in the US as necessary to complete job duties, such as travel to scientific meetings and conferences. Travel may also be international. Travel is reimbursed. (If applicable)
• Extensive field work required in many different environments, including arctic, temperate, and tropical field sites.
• Comfortable working in remote and challenging field conditions and working remotely in bear country.
• Ability to cover long distances on foot over difficult terrain in challenging weather conditions, and camp in wilderness settings for many weeks.
• Willingness to travel extensively for field work in remote locations, sometimes by small aircraft.
• Close work (paperwork, visual examination).
• Occasionally walking up and down stairs, standing, and bending.
• Fully remote/Hybrid remote work possible. Attendance at Manomet headquarters for meetings, special events, and staff retreats.

SALARY RANGE: $89,000 – $109,000

Compensation commensurate with experience. Manomet offers excellent benefits including health insurance, dental, 403b match, life insurance, and several other benefits.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email a resume and cover letter, to jobs@manomet.org by September 30^th, 2025. Please reference the job title in the subject line.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Manomet provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.