Position Summary:
The Senior Associate, Conservation will implement conservation efforts as part of Audubon’s Working Lands conservation strategy. The Senior Associate will provide technical expertise and conduct programs that target landowners and managers, both public and private, to promote sustainable management techniques within agricultural landscapes that create and improve habitat required by priority bird species. They will conduct field assessments, develop habitat management recommendations, and work landowners and land managers to implement habitat management activities. More specifically, this position will advance the goals of Audubon Vermont’s Bird and Bee Friendly Farming (BBFF) program which aims to improve the health, resilience, and bird habitat on farms in priority geographies. The long-term goal of Audubon’s BBFF Program is to slow or reverse the declines of priority birds and pollinators in agricultural landscapes by working with farmers to create and enhance habitats on farms targeting priority birds such as the Golden-winged Warbler, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow, Willow Flycatcher, American Kestrel, and American Woodcock, .and Yellow Warbler.
The Senior Associate will work with communications, policy, engagement and Center staff to create proactive communications, education, community engagement, and policy strategies to advance the program’s conservation and policy objectives and communicate the work of the Working Lands Initiative to target audiences. This position will also work with conservation staff in other Audubon state and regional programs. Additionally, this position will collaborate with external partners, organizations, and agencies to inform federal and state policies and state-wide and regional plans that advance Audubon’s conservation objectives.
This position can work remotely (e.g., home office) with the ability to travel to project sites, meetings and other in-person events in Vermont as frequently as needed. The Senior Associate is a full-time remote position, Monday – Friday. Occasional work on weekends and evenings is required.
Compensation:
$43,000 - $53,000 / year
Additional Job Description
Essential Functions
Support the efforts to protect and improve priority habitat in Vermont with an emphasis on habitats found in agricultural landscapes including grasslands and riparian habitats.
Conduct field site visits to assess habitat and review existing or develop new habitat management plans to provide management options to improve bird habitat.
Develop and deliver outreach programs and workshops for landowners and land managers, in collaboration with partners, to promote habitat management that helps create habitat required by priority bird species.
Serve as an expert on priority birds and habitat requirements and advise other Audubon staff members as well as partner organizations and agencies with a particular emphasis on grasslands and riparian areas.
Work with multiple partners, including land trusts, state and federal government agencies, and other conservation groups to achieve conservation results shared with Audubon’s priorities.
Work with Senior Conservation Biologist and Director of Conservation to develop and manage grant and project budgets, contracts, invoices, and financial reports in coordination with finance and administrative staff.
Give public presentations and bird walks as related to conservation programs to a variety of audiences.
Assist with other project-related and organizational activities as needed (e.g., strategic planning, staff meetings, all staff events).
Be an active thought partner to provide insights and ideas to help achieve and adapt as needed the goals and outcomes of the Bird and Bee Friendly Farming program to have the greatest impact, including setting personal annual goals and working with the Senior Conservation Biologist to meet the program goals and budget.
Work with the Senior Conservation Biologist to develop monitoring metrics that measure progress towards meeting National Audubon’ Flight Plan milestones.
Foster collaborations with other Audubon staff in surrounding states on habitat initiative projects.
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, conservation biology, natural resources or a closely related field and at least three years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Demonstrated understanding of habitat management techniques employed in eastern habitats, in particular shrublands, grasslands, and riparian areas, especially as they are applied to meet multiple landowner objectives.
Working knowledge of GIS and its application in the conservation field.
Knowledge of how conservation practices and habitat management techniques impact climate adaptation and mitigation preferred.
Project management experience, including managing project deliverables, reporting on progress, and writing grant proposals and fiscal management.
The ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize is essential.
Knowledge of northeast birds and their habitat requirements; comfortable identifying birds by both sight and sound or willingness to learn.
Familiarity with northeastern plants, shrubs and trees, or willingness to learn.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate with diverse audiences, including landowners and other professionals.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, public presentation, and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Must be results-oriented; success will be evaluated by the number of landowners and managers reached and ultimately, by acres of habitat properly managed.
Ability to work independently and part of a larger team in a dynamic fast-paced environment.
Flexibility to respond to unexpected requests that come up
A positive attitude and sense of humor is essential.
Willingness and ability to work outdoors, including in inclement weather and traversing across uneven and steep terrains with or without accommodation.
Must have a valid driver’s license. Position requires regular travel (often using personal vehicle
and occasionally rental vehicles).
Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings as the job demands.
Passion for and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society.
This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
EEO Statement
The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.
Accessibility Statement
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