Audubon of Kansas

Hutton Niobrara Ranch Manager

Location: Bassett, NE

Duties: The Hutton Niobrara Ranch Manager is responsible for implementing all habitat management and property maintenance at Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary near Bassett, NE, and along a portion of the National Wild and Scenic Niobrara River. Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary consists of nearly 5000 acres of pasture, riparian forest, and wetlands. This position is responsible for improving wildlife habitat through controlling woody encroachment and invasive species, while supporting ranching operations (through a lessee) and public outreach. Duties include implementing prescribed burns, invasive species removal, fence building, wildlife monitoring, property maintenance, and other duties as assigned. Additionally, the Manager oversees visitation to the ranch, including overnight visitors to the Hutton Ranch House, visiting researchers, and local outreach activities. The Manager works with AOK’s Executive Director to create a management plan annually. The Manager attends virtual meetings regularly with Executive Director, AOK board meetings (1 virtual + 2 in person per year in Kansas), and Protected Areas Committee meetings (virtual, as needed). Affordable onsite housing available; residing within 40 minutes of the Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary near Bassett, Nebraska, required.

Required qualifications:

• Dedication to AOK’s mission
• High School diploma
• Valid driver’s license
• Dedication to a safe working environment
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently
• Optimistic and problem-solving attitude
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland, and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat

Preferred qualifications:

• College degree in wildlife management or related field OR 4 years experience in wildlife or ranch management
• Experience with safe operation of tractors, mowers, chainsaws, skid steer, and towing
• Experience with prescribed burning and invasive tree management
• Experience with farming and ranching management
• Experience with monitoring plant or animal populations
• Experience with safe herbicide application
• Experience with environmental education or landowner outreach

Specific Duties:

Habitat Management (50%)

• Prepares fire breaks and implements prescribed fire through working with prescribed burn associations and local fire departments
• Maintains fence through repair and tree removal
• Maintains equipment and facilities
• Monitors habitat and wildlife to evaluate the effectiveness of habitat management
• Arranges volunteer opportunities to support habitat management including supervising volunteers in the field and coordinating logistics
• Oversees contract implementation for improvements and repairs, Conservation Reserve Program, and other grant opportunities

Outreach (25%)

• Helps support outreach opportunities, such as leading sharp-tailed grouse tours, hosting environmental education events for the public, and organizing open houses. Such duties may include recruiting speakers, arranging advertising, providing logistical support during the event (preparing or supervising lodging preparations for guest stays, providing a tour of facilities, and event logistics), and cleaning up after the event.

Operations and Planning (15%)

• Participates in meetings with the Executive Director, Board, and Protected Areas Committee
• Advises the Executive Director of habitat management opportunities and infrastructure needs
• Works collaboratively with Executive Director to prepare quality grant requests
• Prepares Protected Areas Management Plan with Executive Director annually

Other Duties as assigned (10%)

• Other duties as assigned based on the individual’s interests and skills and AOK’s needs

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work on a computer and to complete general office tasks
• Strength to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds
• Must be able to climb stairs, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Must be able to complete habitat management tasks which may include carrying equipment to restoration site and participate in restoration projects, including cutting small cedar trees, clipping and pulling invasive plants, carrying spray canisters to kill invasive plants, and moving soil or rocks.
• Must be able to physically operate machinery, such as tractors, skid steers, and lawn mowers. Training provided if needed.

Benefits:

• Salary $33,000-$43,000 based on experience
• Paid vacation with flexible work hours
• 4% retirement match
• Health care stipend
• Cell phone allowance
• Ongoing training opportunities
• Use of AOK vehicle to travel on site and to Kansas
• Affordable onsite housing available; housing within 40 minutes of the Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary near Bassett, Nebraska, required

Description of Audubon of Kansas:

Audubon of Kansas (AOK) is an independent grassroots nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that promotes appreciation and stewardship of natural ecosystems in Kansas and the central Great Plains, with special emphasis on conservation of prairies, birds, other wildlife, and their habitat. It is neither funded nor administered by the National Audubon Society.

Currently, AOK owns and manages four Protected Areas, three of which are in Kansas. The largest Protected Area is the Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary located near Bassett, Nebraska.  This 5,000-acre ranch demonstrates how ranching can support diverse habitat and wildlife including mountain lions, elk, waterbirds, and prairie grouse.

AOK owns three properties in Kansas that are overseen by the Kansas Protected Areas Manager. The Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie near Wamego, Kansas, not only supports diverse native plant and animal species, it also is a key site in the history of the Underground Railroad in Kansas.  The 240-acre Connie Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm near Lincoln, Kansas, is an example of how farming practices and wildlife habitat can coexist. Our most recent donation, the Far West Wildlife-Friendly Farm is located near Herington, Kansas, and supports a public hiking trail through a riparian woods containing 100-year-old bur oaks. The Hutton Niobrara Ranch Manager will work with the Kansas Protected Areas Manager to complete the Protected Areas Management Plan and conduct joint work (implementing prescribed burns).

AOK is made up of members and supporters from across the state of Kansas and beyond. AOK is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of conservation leaders who share a common interest in implementing AOK's mission and goals. AOK works throughout Kansas, Nebraska, and the central Great Plains. AOK seeks to implement its goals by working cooperatively with individuals and groups representing a wide variety of interests including landowners, businesses, communities, policy makers and other conservation organizations.

For more information about Audubon of Kansas, visit https://www.audubonofkansas.org/