About Audubon 

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety. 

Position Summary:

The Range Ecologist will work closely with local landowners to implement Working Lands conservation programs including the Audubon Conservation Ranching Program and the Prairie Management Toolbox. These Working Lands programs aim to improve private landowners’ ability to implement bird-friendly land management actions. The Range Ecologist will be responsible for engaging, cultivating, and enrolling landowners into these programs and assisting them with implementation of innovative land management practices as well as working with state, federal (especially NRCS), and non-profit partners to deliver information and technical expertise about associated programs.

Integral conservation tools utilized through these programs are habitat management plans (HMPs), which are adaptive and annually referenced by the range ecologist and landowner to determine management goals and confirm program compliance. HMPs support practices such as adaptive grazing, prairie restoration, invasive species removal, and establishing rotational grazing infrastructure.

The Range Ecologist will work under the direction of the Working Lands Program Manager.

This position is located remotely in central South Dakota, preferably in the Pierre or Chamberlain areas.

Compensation:

$56,000 - $62,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Serve as an on-the-ground Range Ecologist for Audubon Working Lands programs to enhance grassland habitat for priority bird species. This will include:

  • Provide excellent technical service to agricultural producers participating in conservation programs.

  • Facilitate demand for conservation implementation through partnerships with local landowners, agencies, and organizations.

  • Establish and maintain professional relationships with ranchers and landowners.

  • Communicate program goals and work with rancher/landowner to develop plans for each project.

  • Execute timely agreements and project plans for landowners participating in financial assistance conservation programs.

  • Connect with local conservation professionals and organizations to deliver programs and recruit new program participants

  • Provide timely access to financial assistance programs for enrolled ranches, through Audubon, local, state, and federal financial assistance opportunities. Refer producers to partner conservation programs when applicable.

• Support grant reporting related to Audubon conservation work.
• Complete project-related administrative tasks and maintain detailed records.
• Participate in local outreach events in the community to share expertise.
• Maintain excellent communication with supervisor and administrative staff.
• Engage in professional development activities in line with a yearly growth and performance plan.
• Plan and participate in landowner workshops and other educational events.
• Attend training events held by local partners, such as NRCS, USFWS, and state grazing coalitions to build ecological understanding.
• Represent Audubon at events to promote and educate the public and partners on Audubon’s working lands programs, partner programs, grassland bird conservation, and rangeland management practices.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across National Audubon Society including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in biology, range management, ecology, natural resources management, wildlife management, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• At least three years’ experience with similar work in grasslands
• Experience working with local agencies and organizations to help ranchers secure cost-share and incentive program funding to implement improved rangeland management practices.
• 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.
• Strong project management skills, including but not limited to setting and implementing effective goals and objectives, problem-solving, time management, contract and grant management, creating and maintaining collaborations with other organizations, developing public awareness activities, preparing reports, etc.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS, GPS, and other GIS technology.
• Experience with Northern Great Plains grassland plant and avian identification and management.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the ranching culture, range management issues, and sustainable ranching practices.
• Experience with prescribed fire burn plan writing and implementation preferred.
• Familiarity with common grassland management activities and grazing systems in the Northern Great Plains.
• Must be able to do light lifting (up to 25 lbs.) and traverse uneven terrain outdoors, with or without accommodation.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Must have valid Driver’s License. Range Ecologists are expected to use their own vehicles for most work while being reimbursed mileage.
• Must be comfortable and willing to work occasional weekends and evenings with extensive day travel and occasional overnight travel, as necessary.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

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.