Position Title: Stewardship Project Coordinator (Agriculture & Wetlands)

Department:     Stewardship

Program:          Agriculture, Grasslands, & Wetlands

Location:          Wattles Stewardship Center, 1024 Anderson Rd, Port Murray, NJ

Reports to:       Celia Vuocolo, Stewardship Project Director

Job Class:        Full-time, regular, exempt (40-hour week)

Job Description: The Stewardship Project Coordinator (Agriculture & Wetlands) will work collaboratively with New Jersey Audubon staff and partners to lead a team in implementing conservation initiatives for both public and private landowners in New Jersey. The position’s primary responsibilities will seek to achieve the goals set by the organization’s Conservation Priorities, with a focus on Forests, Farms and Watersheds.

This role will coordinate and implement project plans, assist the Project Director in securing funding for habitat restoration projects, and serve as New Jersey Audubon’s northern agricultural and wetlands restoration coordinator. Other responsibilities include landowner outreach, project communications, maintaining partner, funder, donor and stakeholder relationships, and assisting with on-the-ground habitat restoration activities.

Major Responsibilities:

• In consultation with the Stewardship Project Director, will coordinate, develop, and implement habitat conservation and restoration projects.
• Assist the Stewardship Project Director in preparing project reports and funding proposals.
• Coordinate conservation and restoration projects on public and private lands in northern New Jersey and help prepare documentation for wetland permits statewide.
• Coordinate landowner and stakeholder outreach efforts and aid landowners in the development of project proposals for federal funding.
• Follow up with landowners in project planning and implementation.
• Aid in implementing habitat conservation and restoration activities.
• Interact with numerous partners (public, private and government) to promote effective, adaptive conservation management actions associated with habitat priorities.
• Supervise full-time and seasonal field staff, as may be assigned.
• Identify opportunities to expand New Jersey Audubon’s stewardship programs and initiatives.
• Represent NJA on regional coalitions, councils, and committees.
• Maintain existing key relationships with partners, funders, and other key contacts.
• Contribute support to the department and the organization’s mission and work collaboratively with New Jersey Audubon staff and partners.
• Participate with other New Jersey Audubon staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations at the assigned center
• Assume additional responsibilities as may be required.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills:

• B.S. in natural resources or related field, including an emphasis in land management, restoration, stewardship, and/or conservation planning.
• Minimum five years’ experience working in the natural resources or conservation field and experience supervising staff preferred.
• Familiarity with agricultural conservation programs in the state of NJ, including USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service programs and wetland permitting process strongly .
• Currently credentialed or able to obtain NJ Pesticide Applicator license highly desired.
• Designation as a Bog Turtle Surveyor or Specialist desired.
• Experience implementing habitat restoration and management projects and familiarity with restoration concepts and techniques.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of local flora and fauna, as well as wetland plant communities, and characteristic ecosystems of New Jersey.
• Familiarity with or ability to safely use standard field equipment and experience with or ability to safely use and maintain tools and equipment, including backpack sprayers, brush cutters, chainsaws, ATVs, and planting bars.
• Familiarity with report writing and grant proposal development is preferred.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office 365, familiarity with ArcPro preferred) to fulfill the job requirements.
• Excellent oral and written skills, and knowledge of environmental and conservation issues desired.
• Punctual with excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.
• Motivated self-starter able to work independently in the execution of their responsibilities while collaborating with other staff and organizations with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
• Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet the special needs of the program and organization.
• Must have the physical capacity to walk on uneven terrain for long distances while carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• All applicants must have their own transportation, and a valid, clean driver’s license. Mileage reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle for job-related travel is provided.
• Must be a New Jersey resident or willing to relocate to New Jersey upon hire.

Starting Date: September 1, 2025

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled.

Salary: $53,000 – $58,000 annually

Please submit cover letter and resume to hr.stewardshipnorth@njaudubon.org and indicate the Position Title in the subject line.