Range Ecologist-South Dakota

Position Summary:

Audubon Great Plains range ecologists work closely with local landowners to implement working lands programs, including the Audubon Conservation Ranching (ACR) Program, the Conservation Forage Program, and the Prairie Management Toolbox. These working lands programs led by Audubon Great Plains 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 these programs are habitat management plans (HMPs), which are adaptive and annually referenced by the range ecologist and landowner to determine management goals and confirm program compliance. HMPs 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. The range ecologist conducts vegetation diversity and use monitoring to ensure landowners are compliant with program goals and are enhancing their grasslands to benefit grassland birds.

The range ecologist will work under the direction of Audubon Great Plains Working Lands Program Manager.

This position is Remote for South Dakata.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as an on-the-ground Range Ecologist for Audubon Great Plains 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 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 participating in Audubon’s Working Lands programs.
  • Communicate program goals and work with ranchers & landowners to develop site-specific farm habitat conservation plans for each assigned ranch.
  • 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 enrolled program ranches.
• Conduct essential avian and grassland monitoring on program lands.
• 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 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 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, 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.

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.