Overview
The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.
Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.
Position Summary
The Senior Associate, Forest Program will help implement forest conservation efforts as part of the Healthy Forests Initiative – a critical component of Audubon’s Working Lands conservation strategy. Specifically, this position will help deliver outcomes associated with grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the US Forest Service, as well as other related programmatic work. They will support the development of forest habitat management prescriptions/plans and implementation, and conduct outreach and educational programs for forest owners and managers, both public and private. These efforts will promote sustainable forest management techniques that create and improve habitat required by priority forest bird species (Prairie Warbler, Golden-winged warbler, American Woodcock, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, and Wood Thrush).
The Senior Associate, Forest Program will also assist with training foresters on bird-friendly management practices, oversee the Bird-friendly Maple program in NY, conduct field assessments, develop habitat management recommendations for forest owners, and work with foresters and other land managers to implement forest management. A key contributor to forest work within the Atlantic Flyway, the Senior Forest Program Associate will work closely with forest program staff in CT, NY, and other Audubon state and regional programs. Additionally, this position will collaborate with partners, organizations, and agencies that share Audubon’s forest conservation objectives.
This position is funded for two years, with an opportunity for renewal pending additional funding. This position will work remotely (e.g. home office); although preference may be given to candidates located in or near northern or southwestern New York, as travel to project sites within these geographies will be necessary.
Compensation:
$50,000-$60,000 / year
Essential Functions
- Conduct field site visits to assess forest habitat and review existing or develop new habitat management plans and/or stand-level silvicultural prescriptions to provide management options to improve bird habitat.
- Oversee implementation of on-the-ground forest conservation projects, including the management of contracts, the direction of contractors, staff, and volunteers, coordination and communication with key agencies and partners, and reporting.
- Assist in administering a training program for foresters to increase their understanding of integrating silviculture and forest management for birds.
- Oversee Audubon’s Bird-friendly Maple program in NY. Coordinate sugarbush inventories and habitat assessments with interested maple producers, order and distribute marketing materials to program participants.
- Develop and deliver outreach programs and workshops for landowners and land managers, in collaboration with partners, to promote sustainable forest management that also helps create habitat required by priority bird species.
- Serve as an expert on forest management and forest bird habitat requirements to advise other Audubon staff members as well as partner organizations and agencies.
- Collaborate with other Audubon staff in CT, NY, and surrounding states on Healthy Forests Initiative projects.
- Work with multiple partners, including state and federal government agencies, land trusts, and other conservation groups to achieve conservation results shared with Audubon’s forest program.
- Assist in developing and managing grant and project budgets, quarterly billings, and financial reports in close coordination with finance and administrative staff.
- Give public presentations and bird walks as related to the forest program.
- Assist with other project-related activities by Audubon CT&NY and/or our partners.
- Other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in forestry, wildlife management, conservation biology, natural resources, for a closely related field, Master’s degree preferred, and 3-5 years relevant professional experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
- Demonstrated understanding of forestry and forest management techniques employed in eastern forests, especially as they are applied to meet multiple landowner objectives, including habitat improvements for a full suite of forest birds, timber management, and climate mitigation and adaptation.
- Project management experience including fiscal management, managing project deliverables, reporting on progress, and writing grant proposals. The ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize is essential.
- Knowledge of forest birds of NY and their habitat requirements; comfortable identifying forest birds by both sight and sound or willingness to learn.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate with diverse audiences, including landowners and forestry professionals.
- Strong knowledge of GIS and its application in the conservation field.
- 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 forest owners and managers reached, number of foresters trained, and, ultimately, by acres of habitat properly managed.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team in a dynamic fast-paced environment. A positive attitude and friendly demeanor are 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 rental vehicles and with occasional use personal vehicle).
- 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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COVID Policy
All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.