Program Manager, Working Lands - New Mexico

Position Summary:

The Program Manager, Working Lands is part of Audubon’s Working Lands conservation program in Arizona and New Mexico, as a member of a team of biologists working to achieve project outcomes that enhance the habitat value of desert grasslands, shrublands, riparian corridors and other natural lands for people, birds and other wildlife. Audubon Southwest’s Working Lands program works throughout the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Grasslands of Southern New Mexico and Arizona with a particular focus on Grassland Priority Conservation Areas in this region to advance projects that improve grazing management for the benefit of grassland birds in decline, enhance managed wetlands, ensure adequate habitat for resident and migratory birds, and improve the climate resilience of wildlife in these southwestern desert grasslands.

The Program Manager will work with engaged landowners to develop habitat management plans that qualify operations for enrollment in programs such as Audubon Conservation Ranching (ACR), Natural Resource Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Fish and Wildlife Service Partners Program, and others.

The Program Manager reports to the Senior Program Manager for Working Lands.

This position is fully remote, and candidate needs to be located in Hidalgo, Grant, Luna, Sierra, Dona Anna, Otero, Lincoln, Chaves, Eddy or Lea County.

Compensation:

$57,000 - $64,500 / year

Essential Functions

• Identify, prioritize, and execute projects with land stewards to implement habitat enhancement efforts in grazed rangelands throughout identified Grassland Priority Conservation Areas in New Mexico and Arizona.

• Establish and continue relationships with multiple landowners and land managers across the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Desert Grassland region.

• Lead the identification of, develop and write grants to government agencies and foundations to fund projects. Manage project budgets, reporting requirements, and third-party contracts.

• Conduct bird and other habitat monitoring at research sites and communicate results to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

• Outreach to land stewards, agencies, and Audubon chapters to build partnerships for conservation, restoration and enhancement projects and advocacy for Grassland Priority Conservation Areas.

• Identify potential land manager partners, draft Habitat Management Plans, provide on-the-ground technical assistance to managers, and assist with enrollment in state and federal incentive programs.

• Advise project partners, such as Resource Conservation Districts and other NGOs, on restoration design and native plants to enhance bird habitat. Provide on-site assessments and guidance to implement successful conservation and restoration projects.

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, range ecology, natural resources management, or related field and a minimum of five years related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Knowledge and appreciation of the people, values, and current conservation issues of grazed rangelands in New Mexico and Arizona.

• Experience applying the best available science and other information to achieve conservation outcomes.

• Ability to manage complex projects with a variety of partners and to meet deadlines.  Previous experience with design and management of restoration projects preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to build consensus among a wide range of individuals (e.g. conservation partners, private landowners and farmers, volunteers, and local community members). 

• Demonstrated experience with grant writing, writing scientific reports or papers, and writing for a general, non-science audience.

• Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information for a non-technical audience, with effective communication skills reaching farmer, rancher and rural audiences desired.

• Strong project management skills, including but not limited to setting and implementing effective goals and objectives, problem-solving, time management, contract, and grant management, creating and maintaining collaborations with other organizations, developing public awareness activities, preparing reports, etc.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Comfort navigating contentious regulatory issues to seek common ground with diverse interests.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued

• Experience working on field research or monitoring projects; Prior work in an agricultural setting a plus.

• A working knowledge of ArcGIS, comfort using a GPS unit and ArcGIS programs on a tablet preferred. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.

• A flexible approach to work and willingness to take on new projects or tasks as needed.

• Ability to engage in strenuous outdoor activity, carry field equipment within varying terrain and weather, including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat, with or without accommodation

• A willingness to conduct in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel and be comfortable working evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.

• Valid driver's license required.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.