Conservation Program Technician
Overview:
Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere. Position Summary:
Compensation
Essential Functions:
The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.
Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.
The Conservation Program Technician will primarily assist with land management activities at Rowe Sanctuary and help to provide a positive visitor center experience during the spring crane migration. This position is intended to provide applicants with experience in common land management techniques for prairies, riparian forest/woodlands, and large river systems. These techniques include prescribed fire, cattle grazing, native seed collection and processing, and invasive plant control. The technician will also assist with bird and plant surveys and data management.
This is a 6-month, full-time hourly position that requires occasional irregular hours and strenuous outdoor work. The successful applicant will be provided with the opportunity for housing on the sanctuary. Audubon Great Plains is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from people of color.
About Rowe Sanctuary:
Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary lies along the Platte River in south-central Nebraska, which is a critical staging area for the largest gathering of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes in the world. Rowe Sanctuary is a popular springtime tourism destination for visitors around the world and provides guided crane viewing experiences from March-April. Outside of the spring migration season, sanctuary staff manage 5 miles of river channel and 2,000 acres of woodlands and prairies.
This is a 6-month, full-time hourly position that requires occasional irregular hours and strenuous outdoor work. The successful applicant will be provided with the opportunity for housing on the sanctuary. Audubon Great Plains is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from people of color.
About Rowe Sanctuary:
Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary lies along the Platte River in south-central Nebraska, which is a critical staging area for the largest gathering of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes in the world. Rowe Sanctuary is a popular springtime tourism destination for visitors around the world and provides guided crane viewing experiences from March-April. Outside of the spring migration season, sanctuary staff manage 5 miles of river channel and 2,000 acres of woodlands and prairies.
Compensation
- $15.00-$19.00/hourly
Essential Functions:
- Assist with habitat management duties such as fence repair, conducting prescribed fire, and invasive and woody plant control (including chain-saw work and chemical application).
- Operate heavy machinery ranging from UTV’s, ATV’s, zero-turn lawn mower, tractor, and truck to conduct various land management activities.
- Work with volunteers to conduct land management activities.
- Assist with bird and vegetation surveys through fieldwork and data entry.
- Use ArcGIS & Field Maps to track land management activities and record survey data.
- Help with visitor center operations as well as public outreach and education programs.
- Assist with building and vehicle maintenance and repair, landscaping, walking trail maintenance, and other duties as assigned.
- Help communicate the importance of habitat work through writing and photography for social media posts, newsletters, etc.
- Applicants with some education in science-related field, and/or experience with land management techniques preferred.
- Knowledge of - or willingness to learn about - the flora and fauna of the Great Plains region is appreciated.
- Must have a positive, team-focused attitude, and the ability to professionally represent Audubon Great Plains and the network.
- Must be comfortable working independently and as part of a team. Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, with little supervision, and at irregular hours.
- Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.
- Must have current valid driver’s license with the ability to provide for their own transportation.
- Ability to operate – or willingness to learn to operate – various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, ATV).
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.
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