Senior Coordinator – Habitat Management

Position Summary

Reporting to the Habitat and Private Lands Manager, the Senior Coordinator, Habitat Management will implement the Habitat Management Plan and execute habitat restoration and management activities on the 850 acres of Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center (SCPAC). SCPAC is in the tallgrass prairie region of southeast Nebraska. The Center’s 850 acres are managed for over 250 bird species and more than 350 native plant species and include tallgrass prairie, native oak woodland and stream fed riparian areas. SCPAC also has more than four miles of trails which welcome more than 12,000 visitors annually.

The Senior Coordinator will coordinate and execute all day-to-day onsite field operations and management with the maintenance of equipment, grounds, and buildings. The Senior Coordinator will use their ability to work independently, think critically, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of Nebraska’s native ecological communities to meet stewardship, management, and operational goals and priorities. This position is in-person at SCPAC, Monday through Friday. Core hours are 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, with seasonal or project-related variations as needed.

Compensation:

$45,000 – $55,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Maintain and assess the stewardship and habitat management goals for the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center (SCPAC).
• Create a management activity schedule for all areas in the Habitat Management Plan.
• Execute and coordinate the regular completion of management activities per the schedule.
• Collaborate with the Habitat and Private Lands Program Manager and scientists on the development and implementation of habitat management/conservation plans for each management unit of the sanctuary.
• Oversee restoration and habitat management planning and mapping projects.
• Conduct maintenance and restoration activities using appropriate equipment. Including, but not limited to maintaining trails, roads, and open space areas by mowing with a tractor, using a chainsaw, brush cutter, or other power equipment, or hand cutting.
• Control invasive and non-native plant species.
• Monitor all areas of the sanctuary for habitat quality, including the spread of invasive plants or negative human impact.
• Implement regenerative grazing and prescribed burning and haying to achieve habitat management goals.
• Lead prescribed burn crews at SCPAC.
• Post boundaries, build or repair kiosks, trail bridges, fences and other livestock infrastructure; construct trail boardwalks, maintain trails, clean up litter, and perform other custodial maintenance on sanctuaries as needed.
• In a limited capacity, develop a network of volunteers to assist with land stewardship activities and coordinate volunteer workdays.
• In a limited capacity, collaborate with Audubon educators and other program staff to connect habitat management and restoration with educational programs, youth training programs, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Cultivate relationships with partner organizations with similar prairie conservation missions.
• Be an ambassador for Audubon and the mission of Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center when interacting with visitors and volunteers.
• Other duties, including assisting on other projects, as needed and assigned by the Center Director.

Qualifications and Experience

• 3+ years related work experience in land stewardship, restoration ecology, or biological fieldwork .
• Bachelor’s degree in life science, forestry, environmental studies, or related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ecology, natural history, stewardship, and restoration (knowledge of Nebraska’s native ecological communities and their natural processes a plus).
• Ability to work cooperatively with a wide variety of people, follow assignments closely, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to keep organized and accurate records and work efficiently without direct supervision.
• A high degree of initiative and motivation, as well as innovative and creative problem-solving skills when working independently .
• Excellent communication skills; comfortable with diverse audiences, including board members, town officials, environmental regulators, volunteer fire departments, and volunteers.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, ecological land management, and natural resource preservation , including but not limited to prescribed burning, regenerative grazing, and woodland management.
• Knowledge of and experience with pesticide application and best practices. A Pesticide Applicator License is preferred but not required.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment with or without accommodation, including but not limited to 4-wheel drive vehicles, pulling trailers, ATVs, lawnmowers , tractors, other farm machinery, chainsaws, various hand tools, as well as experience in general maintenance of equipment.
• Basic knowledge of facility maintenance.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and other computer programs as needed.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, when needed.
• Willing and able to work outdoors in variable weather conditions on uneven terrain and under physically demanding circumstances with or without accommodation.
• Ability to perform hard physical work for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions and in all extremes of weather, with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds and be able to bend, twist, push, and pull for duties with or without accommodation.
• Ability to travel when required for research, attending meetings, and training.
• Commitment to Audubon ’s mission.

This position is represented by the Communication 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.