Program Specialist, Landscape Conservation

The Program Specialist shall ensure that the conservation, restoration, and stewardship goals of the landscape also advance AMA and National Audubon Society’s Healthy Forest priorities. This role will coordinate with public and private landowners to protect or enhance migratory stopover sites and work with partners to reduce the habitat fragmentation effects of utility transmission lines across the Kittatinny Ridge. Therefore, experience developing habitat or forest management plans is preferred.

This role also involves coordination with additional members of Audubon Mid-Atlantic’s team, including conservation and policy staff. The Conservation Specialist is a full-time, remote position, working 35 hours/week, located in the Harrisburg, PA region.  Occasional work on weekends and evenings is required.

Compensation:

$61,000 – $71,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Working with DCNR KRCL Internal Lead, organize and facilitate regular meetings of the KRCL Steering Committee.
• Participate in monthly DCNR Conservation Landscape Program Cohort meetings and regularly share progress and metrics on meeting landscape goals and implementing plans and programs.
• Coordinate the design and implementation of habitat restoration projects along the Kittatinny Ridge. Contribute technical expertise to public conservation and habitat restoration projects.
• Work with the Audubon Mid-Atlantic Forest Program Manager, National Audubon Society conservation science team, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and key external partners to help advance the Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Plan.
• Coordinate with the Forest Program Manager and the Forest Program Associate to incorporate the Healthy Forest Program goals into strategies for engaging forest landowners along the Kittatinny Ridge.
• In collaboration with staff members and external partners, engage different audiences throughout the Kittatinny Ridge to support the protection of priority habitats, mitigate infrastructure-related fragmentation, and foster environmentally sound land use decisions and policies. Audiences include residents, local governments, community and environmental organizations, land trusts, and watershed associations.
• Develop metrics to monitor and evaluate progress toward program goals. Analyze data to contribute to annual reporting requirements.
• Forge new relationships to increase migratory stopover habitat and climate resilience along the Kittatinny Ridge.  Work with nonprofit, for-profit, government agencies, and community partners to achieve shared goals.
• Manage and effectively administer all aspects of Kittatinny grants, government contracts, and sub-contracts as required by law.
• Represent Audubon at partnership and coalition meetings.  Create opportunities to leverage relationships for conservation outcomes. Cultivate and maintain productive working relationships with partnering organizations, agencies, groups, and individuals.
• Create grant proposals and reports to support work along the Kittatinny Ridge, track program data, and interface with donors and foundation representatives.
• Participate in Audubon staff meetings, discussions, and trainings including those related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB).  Seek to implement EDIB best practices through internal and external work.
• Assist in the daily operating and maintenance activities; assist with writing content for the E-newsletter, social media, and other media.
• Update and maintain KittatinnyRidge.org website with assistance from creative consultant.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in land use planning, forestry, conservation biology, environmental science, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of program management experience, specifically overseeing or liaising with decentralized teams.
• Demonstrated experience working with public agencies (federal and state) or similar external partners.
• Experience with habitat restoration, design, monitoring, and data tracking and evaluation.
• Experience working with diverse constituencies, including bipartisan coalitions and communities of color, and leading them toward conservation action. Ability to develop positive partnerships with communities, politicians, organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Grant and report writing experience, including budget development, for conservation planning.
• Experience implementing and knowledge of conservation programs.
• Excellent communication and writing skills essential, as well as strong interpersonal skills, a must.
• Attention to detail, excellent time management and project management skills, sound judgment under pressure.
• A self-starter, who is motivated, able to work with minimal supervision, and juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications required; experience working with GIS a plus.
• Willingness to travel regularly around the state, as well as participate in internal and external training programs as necessary.
• Must be available for occasional weekend and evening work.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license for operating Audubon vehicle.

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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