Senior Associate, Forest Conservation

Position Summary:

The Forest Conservation Senior Associate will implement forest conservation efforts as part of the Healthy Forests Initiative – a critical component to Audubon’s Working Lands conservation strategy. The position will advance the goals of the Healthy Forest Initiative to ensure forests remain healthy and resilient despite increasing threats and climate change for the benefit of birds and people. The Conservation Senior Associate will provide technical expertise and conduct programs that target forest owners and managers, both public and private, to promote sustainable forest management techniques that create and improve habitat required by priority forest bird species (Golden-winged warbler, American Woodcock, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Canada Warbler, and Wood Thrush). They will lead the implementation of the Bird Friendly Maple program in Vermont and conduct field assessments, develop habitat management recommendations for forest owners and managers, and work to implement forest management. A key contributor to forest work within the Atlantic Flyway, this position will work closely with forest program staff in CT, NY, and other Audubon state and regional programs. Additionally, this position will collaborate with external partners, organizations, and agencies to inform federal and state policies and state-wide and regional plans that advance Audubon’s forest conservation goals.

This position can work remotely (e.g., home office) with the ability and willingness to travel frequently and for extended periods to project sites, meetings, and other in-person events in Vermont as needed. The Conservation Senior Associate is a full-time remote position, working 35 hours/week Monday – Friday. Occasional work on weekends and evenings is required.

Compensation:

$58,700-$60,000 / year

Essential Functions:

• As part of Audubon’s Healthy Forest Initiative, lead the efforts to protect and improve forest health in Vermont.

• Implement Audubon’s Bird Friendly Maple program in Vermont which includes identifying potential producers to enroll in the program, outreach to engage producers, conducting habitat assessments and recommendations, and following up with enrolled producers.

• Conduct field site visits to assess forest habitat and review existing or develop new habitat management plans and/or stand-level silvicultural prescriptions to provide management options to improve bird habitat.

• Develop and deliver outreach programs and workshops for landowners and land managers, in collaboration with partners, to promote sustainable forest management that also helps create habitat required by priority bird species.

• Contribute to Audubon’s Youth Leadership programs, with a particular emphasis on providing young professionals with experiences in the conservation field.

• Serve as an expert on forest management and forest bird habitat requirements and advise other Audubon staff members as well as partner organizations and agencies.

• Foster collaborations with other Audubon staff in surrounding states on Healthy Forests Initiative projects, in particular the Bird Friendly Maple program.

• Work with multiple partners, including land trusts, state and federal government agencies, and other conservation groups to achieve conservation results shared with Audubon’s Flight Plan Habitat milestone.

• Work with Director of Conservation and Senior Manager, Forests to develop and manage grant and project budgets, contracts, invoices, and financial reports in coordination with finance and administrative staff.

• Give public presentations and bird walks as related to the forest program to a variety of audiences.

• Assist with other project-related and organization activities as needed (e.g., strategic planning, staff meetings, all staff events).

• Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, wildlife management, conservation biology, natural resources or a closely related field, Master’s degree preferred, and 3-5 years’ relevant professional experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Demonstrated understanding of forestry and forest management techniques employed in eastern forests, especially as they are applied to meet multiple landowner objectives, including habitat improvements for a full suite of forest birds. Strong knowledge of GIS and its application in the conservation field.

• Knowledge of how forest management techniques impact climate adaptation and mitigation preferred.

• Project management experience including fiscal management, managing project deliverables, reporting on progress, and writing grant proposals. The ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize is essential.

• Knowledge of forest birds of VT and their habitat requirements; comfortable identifying forest birds by both sight and sound or willingness to learn.

• Excellent interpersonal, with the ability to coordinate with diverse audiences, including landowners and forestry professionals.

• 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.

• Must be results-oriented; success will be evaluated by number of forest owners and managers reached, number of foresters trained, and, ultimately, by acres of habitat properly managed.

• Ability to work independently and part of a larger team in a dynamic fast-paced environment. A positive attitude and sense of humor is essential.

• Willingness and ability to work outdoors, including in inclement weather and traversing across uneven and steep terrains with or without accommodation.

• Must have a valid driver’s license. Position requires regular travel (often using personal vehicle

• and occasionally rental vehicles).

• Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings as the job demands.

• Licensed Vermont forester in good standing is a plus

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

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

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Salary : $58,700 - $60,000