Spatial Analyst - Shorebird Tracking & Movement Ecology

Manomet

Manomet

IT
Remote
USD 72k-79k / year
Posted on Dec 26, 2025
Position Title: Spatial Analyst – Shorebird Tracking & Movement EcologyDepartment: ScienceReports To: Vice President of ScienceHR Job Category: Project ManagerPOSITION SUMMARYManomet Conservation Sciences, a mission-driven conservation NGO, is seeking a Spatial Analyst to lead the analysis, interpretation, and visualization of shorebird tracking data across the full annual cycle. This position offers a unique opportunity to advance migratory bird conservation through cutting-edge spatial analysis grounded in real-world telemetry data. The ideal candidate is an experienced spatial ecologist with deep expertise in movement ecology, habitat modeling, and conservation applications of tracking data. This position will work closely with field teams, biologists, Indigenous partners, and international collaborators to inform the conservation of critical sites and migratory pathways. The major focus of this research position is to lead cutting edge analyses of shorebird tracking data to help 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- Lead the processing and analysis of high-resolution tracking data (e.g., GPS, satellite, archival tags) to identify migratory pathways, stopover sites, and habitat use across the full life cycle of shorebird species, and in particular flagship species in Manomet’s strategic plan and with a special focus on Whimbrel ecology and conservation.- Develop spatial models to assess habitat selection, connectivity, exposure to threats (e.g., climate change, land use), and seasonal movement patterns.- Maintain and curate long-term spatial databases and ensure data quality and accessibility for internal and partner use.- Produce high-quality maps, visualizations, and interactive tools for internal use, reports and scientific publications, and public outreach.- Contribute to development of spatial decision-support tools that prioritize conservation actions at local, regional, and flyway scales.- Support the integration of Traditional Knowledge and community-based monitoring into spatial analysis frameworks.- Collaborate with field scientists, Indigenous communities, and conservation partners to ground-truth spatial analyses and co-design research questions.- Work across hemispheres with the Shorebird Science and Conservation Collective, NGOs, academic institutions, and government agencies to synthesize and share tracking data.- Provide spatial science support for conservation planning, policy engagement, and species recovery initiatives.- Help maintain long-term datasets and publish high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals.OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Support data training and technical capacity-building for junior staff, students, and Indigenous partners.- Co-author publications and contribute to science communication efforts to share research findings broadly.- Help secure and manage funding through grant writing and reporting, donor proposals, and institutional partnerships.- Work collaboratively with other scientists and conservation specialists across multiple projects- Potential to participate in field research projects if desired.PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES- D. in Spatial Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Quantitative Ecology, or a related field.- At least 4 years of experience working with animal movement data and geospatial datasets in a conservation context.- Advanced proficiency in analytical program languages such as R or Python for spatial analysis.- Strong GIS skills (ArcGIS, QGIS), including remote sensing, spatial statistics, and habitat modeling.- Strong background with shorebird ecology and migratory connectivity.- Familiarity with full life cycle demographic models and with incorporating spatial movement and connectivity data to guide conservation planning.- Demonstrated experience publishing peer-reviewed articles and producing applied conservation products.- Experience working with telemetry platforms (e.g., Motus, Lotek, CTT, ARGOS, GPS-UHF).- Experience integrating environmental covariates (e.g., land cover, climate, disturbance) into movement models.- Knowledge of conservation planning tools and site prioritization approaches.- Experience working on collaborative research and conservation, and participation in large scale conservation efforts.- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, interdisciplinary mindset.- Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.- Track record of publication in scientific journals related to bird conservation- Experience raising grant funding to support research and conservation preferred- Experience working respectfully with Indigenous communities and integrating Traditional Knowledge with Western science preferred.- Familiarity with North American Flyway conservation frameworks (e.g., Atlantic, Pacific, Mid-continent, East Asian–Australasian) preferred.- Must have reliable method of transportation, valid driver’s license and passport- Must successfully pass a background checkWORKING 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 occasionally be international. Travel is reimbursed (If applicable)- Close work (paperwork, computer work, visual examination).- Occasionally walking up and down stairs, standing, and bending.- Remote/Hybrid remote work possible. Attendance is expected occasionally at Manomet headquarters for meetings, special events, and staff retreats.SALARY RANGE: $72,000 – $79,000Compensation 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 January 9th, 2026. Please reference the job title Spatial Analyst in the subject line.Equal Opportunity Employer statements apply.