Range Ecologist

Position Summary:

Audubon is seeking a Range Ecologist who will focus on the delivery of the Audubon Conservation Ranching (ACR) initiative in Utah, Idaho and Nevada. Audubon is a leader and integral member of a community of conservation practice, founded in a 100-year legacy of stewardship while establishing innovative programs to protect, conserve, and enhance habitat for a wide variety of bird species throughout the west.

The Range Ecologist will work closely with local landowners to implement working lands conservation programs and certify ranches that fulfill our protocols. The Range Ecologist will work in partnership within a community of practice including Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), conservation organizations, and agencies to deliver robust private landowner programming, monitoring, and must have a working knowledge of Farm Bill and Farm Bill associated programs. Audubon’s Wings Over Working Lands programs aim to improve private landowners’ ability to practice bird-friendly land management. The Range Ecologist will be responsible for engaging, cultivating, and enrolling landowners into these programs and assisting them with implementation of innovative land management practices as well as working with NRCS partners to deliver information and technical expertise about associated programs.

Through the development of habitat management plans (HMPs), an integral ACR conservation tool, the Range Ecologist will partner with landowners to determine land management goals and ensure program compliance. These HMPs support sound conservation while outlining the adhesion to protocols. The Range Ecologist will also conduct vegetation diversity and use monitoring to ensure landowners are compliant with program goals and are enhancing their grasslands to benefit grassland birds.

This position will be located in UT or ID.  Preference for Salt Lake City.

Essential Functions

• Liaise with landowners providing excellent technical service to agricultural producers participating in Audubon’s working lands conservation programs. Specifically,
  • Establish and maintain professional relationships with ranchers and landowners participating in Audubon’s working lands programs.
  • Facilitate enrollment process in Audubon’s ACR program and enhance demand for Audubon conservation programs through partnerships with local agencies and organizations.
  • Communicate program goals and work with rancher/landowner to develop site-specific farm habitat conservation plans for each assigned ranch or 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 such as NRCS when applicable.
  • Work with our NRCS partners to identify and implement habitat enhancement projects.  Apply a new, decision-support tool to the to help ranchers and partners identify conservation priorities.
• Advocate for science-supported habitat management on partner lands.
• Establish habitat management plans using SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time sensitive) goals on all enrolled program ranch programs.
• Conduct and/or oversee essential avian and grassland monitoring on program lands.
• Identify monitoring needs regarding avian and vegetation communities; develop and implement monitoring techniques to address land use, avian density and occupancy, and vegetation response to disturbance.
• Support grant writing related to Audubon Conservation Ranching work.
• Maintain excellent communication with supervisor and administrative staff.
• Identify and participate in opportunities that allow for continued professional growth and aimed at improving skills related to grassland management and avian conservation.
• Attend training events held by local partners, such as NRCS, USFWS, etc.
• Plan and participate in landowner workshops and other educational events.
• Represent Audubon at events to promote and educate the public on Audubon’s working lands programs, grassland bird conservation, and grassland management practices.
• Collaborate with colleagues across National Audubon Society including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in range management, ecology, natural resources management, wildlife management, or related field, advance degree a plus. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Working knowledge of NRCS practices and Farm Bill implementation. Preference for TSP providers.
• Experience with project development/coordination, conservation planning or similar work.
• Knowledge of local agencies, organizations, and programs to help landowners, managers, and ranchers secure cost-share and incentive program funding to implement improved rangeland management practices.
• Experience coordinating/facilitating field days, workshops, webinars, and/or symposium.
• 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.
• 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.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Ability to build consensus among a wide range of individuals (e.g. conservation partners, private landowners and ranchers, volunteers, and local community members).
• Experience with grassland/vegetation plant, bird identification and management knowledge.
• Experience with sampling methods, wildlife surveys, and habitat management.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the ranching culture, range management issues, and sustainable ranching practices.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS, GPS and other GIS technologies including map making and data management/organization.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other key Microsoft Office and web-based products.
• Must be able to work autonomously and within a team.
• Possess a valid driver’s license for safe operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• Ability to traverse long distances on uneven terrain and comfortable driving on unpaved surfaces with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to transport items of up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.
• Must be comfortable and willing to work occasional weekends and evenings with extensive day travel and occasional overnight travel, as necessary.
• Familiarity with grassland bird ranges and their habitat associations.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking in Spanish is a plus.

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

Grades 4-6 

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.