Range Ecologist-Nebraska

Position Summary:

This Audubon Great Plains range ecologist will work closely with local landowners to implement working lands programs, such as Audubon Conservation Ranching (ACR) Program and the Great Plains Grassland Initiative. Working lands programs aim to improve private landowners’ ability to practice bird-friendly land management. Range ecologists are responsible for enrolling landowners into these working lands programs and assisting landowners in the implementation of innovative land management practices.

Integral conservation tools utilized through working lands programs are habitat management plans (HMPs) and habitat project contracts. These documents support practices such as adaptive grazing, prairie restoration, invasive species removal, and establishing rotational grazing infrastructure. HMPs rely on the designation of grassland bird species for each ranch or project site; therefore, the Range Ecologist needs to be familiar with grassland bird ranges and their habitat associations.

This position is grant funded, with grant funds available for a 2-year position. The Range Ecologist will work under the direction of Audubon Great Plains Working Lands Program Manager and the NGPC SW District Manager.

This position will be housed in North Platte, NE.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as an on-the-ground range ecologist for Audubon Great Plains and NGPC working lands programs to enhance grassland habitat for priority bird species. This will include:
  • Provide excellent technical service to agricultural producers participating in Audubon Great Plains and NGPC working lands conservation programs.

• • Facilitate demand for conservation programs through partnerships with local landowners, agencies, and organizations.
  • Establish and maintain professional relationships with ranchers and landowners.
  • Communicate program goals and work with rancher/landowner to develop plans for each project.
  • Execute agreements and plan projects for landowners participating in financial assistance conservation programs.
  • Connect with local conservation professionals and organizations to deliver programs and recruit new program participants.
  • Provide timely access to financial assistance programs for enrolled ranches, through Audubon, local, state, and federal financial assistance opportunities. Refer producers to partner conservation programs when applicable.

• Establish habitat management plans using SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time sensitive) goals on all ACR enrolled program ranches under the range ecologist’s supervision.
• Identify monitoring needs regarding avian and vegetation; develop and implement monitoring techniques to address land use, avian density and occupancy, and vegetation response to disturbance.
• Support grant writing and reporting related to Audubon Great Plains and NGPC Conservation work.
• Participate in local outreach events in the community to share expertise.
• Maintain excellent communication with supervisor and administrative staff.
• Attend training events held by local partners, such as NRCS, USFWS, and state grazing coalitions.
• Engage in professional development activities in line with a yearly growth and performance plan.
• Plan and participate in landowner workshops and other educational events.
• Represent Audubon Great Plains at events to promote and educate the public on Audubon’s working lands programs, partner programs, grassland bird conservation, and rangeland management practices.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in range management, ecology, natural resources management, wildlife management, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• At least three years’ experience with similar work in grasslands
• Experience working with local agencies and organizations to help ranchers secure cost-share and incentive program funding to implement improved rangeland management practices.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to work effectively with producers and partners.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS, GPS, and other GIS technology.
• Experience with Northern Great Plains grassland plant identification and management.
• Experience with Northern Great Plains avian identification and management.
• Familiarity with common grassland management activities and grazing systems in the Northern Great Plains.
• Must be able to do light lifting (up to 25 lbs.) and traverse uneven terrain outdoors, with or without accommodation.
• Must be comfortable with traveling overnight for work related events, have reliable transportation, and be able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

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.