Senior Associate, Conservation Science

Please apply here: https://audubon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Audubon/job/Senior-Associate--Conservation-Science_JR301?locationRegionStateProvince=790e3c3ddfaa4123905237a05f1df9e9

Position Summary:

The Senior Associate, Conservation Science will assist in the development and implementation of conservation, research, and monitoring strategies for Audubon’s Upper Mississippi River (UMR) office and the Audubon Center at Riverlands (Riverlands). Reporting to the Conservation Science Manager for Audubon Upper Mississippi River, the Senior Associate will work in close collaboration with the Upper Mississippi River conservation team, Center Director of Riverlands, and Audubon’s national science team to coordinate the traditional and community science activities supporting Audubon’s local and regional conservation priorities throughout the Upper Mississippi River landscape.

The Senior Associate will coordinate monitoring and applied research supporting Audubon’s regional, Mississippi River and local on-the-ground conservation projects, working with external partners including non-governmental organizations, research and educational institutions, and local, state, and federal agencies. The role will play a key role in coordinating and communicating our work with over 40 Audubon chapters and engaging them in its execution.

Compensation:

$42,000-$52,000 / year based on experience

Essential Functions:

• Support the Conservation Science Manager in planning conservation projects, including coordinating with partners, collecting, and analyzing data, preparing meeting materials, and setting agendas.
• Support consensus building among UMR partners for conservation policies and actions that result in landscape scale conservation results for birds, other wildlife, and their habitats.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of science initiatives that support Audubon’s Mississippi River Initiative and other regional and local priorities. This includes the management of contracts, directing contractors, staff, and volunteers, coordination and communication with key agencies and partners, and reporting results to funders and partners.
• Supervise program interns, contractors, and volunteers contributing to conservation, monitoring, and community science programs.
• Design surveys, oversee data collection and maintenance, analyze data, and draft reports for priority initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise related to birds and habitat to internal and external audiences and partners.
• Actively represent UMR on key partnership committees related to bird conservation in the region, with an emphasis on urban conservation, the Upper Mississippi River, marshes, and grasslands.
• Assist UMR colleagues and others representing Audubon in articulating and presenting science-based policy positions related to key conservation challenges and goals within the Upper Mississippi region.
• Work with the UMR team to meet and discuss funding opportunities with potential donors, corporations and foundations, and state and federal grant programs that support conservation priorities.
• Partner with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, conservation biology, wildlife management, or related field required.
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Ability to identify regional birds by sight and sound and experience conducting avian field surveys.
• Experience with collection, management and analysis of wildlife population data, community science programs, and data driven conservation and habitat management.
• Experience in project management including managing timelines and deliverables, completing reports, and facilitating contracts.
• Knowledge of the current conservation and policy issues throughout the Upper Mississippi River region.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative ethos.
• Experience with public speaking, and formal writing and ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible, non-structured environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability and willingness to travel locally and out-of-state and be comfortable working evenings and weekends as job demands.
• Valid driver's license is necessary.
• Comfort being on the open water in different settings, as well as operating, or learning to operate, and maintain outboard motorboats and kayaks.
• Comfort working with and handling live or dead specimens (banding/tagging, specimen collection, etc.).
• Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions following proper safety measures.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds and traverse up to 5 miles on carrying terrain carrying field equipment such as (clipboard, data sheets, GPS, first aid kit, etc.) and complete manual labor tasks with or without accommodation.
• Willingness and able to travel, typically up to five times per year, throughout the region.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis software; experience in GIS is desirable.
• Understanding and committed approach to integrate Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging into work processes and products.

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.

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