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:

Audubon Upper Mississippi River is seeking two seasonal Forest Ecologist to assist in our long-term bottomland forest restoration and enhancement on the Mississippi River system at Middle Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge. Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Conservation – Missouri and based in Ste. Genevieve, MO, the seasonal Forest Ecologist will work on habitat restoration and forest management for birds across Missouri and Illinois with a focus along the Middle Mississippi region of the Mississippi River. The Forest Ecologist will work in partnership with a community of federal and state agencies and conservation groups to assess and improve forest conditions on the river.

The Forest Ecologist will help implement habitat management practices including forest inventory, tree and shrub planting, seeding, encouraging natural regeneration, prescribed fire, invasive species management, and help address other maintenance and operational needs at associated refuges. The Forest Ecologist may also conduct and/or support vegetation, bird, and soil monitoring to ensure landowners are compliant with program goals and are enhancing their lands to benefit birds.

• Length of Assignment: June 1, 2026 – November 30th, 2026

• Hours: Roughly 40 hours/week

This role is on-site, based out of the US Fish and Wildlife Middle Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge in Ste. Genevieve, MO

Compensation:

$21.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Implement land management practices to improve habitat conditions for birds

  • Manage invasive plant species

  • Plant trees

  • Prepare sites for future tree plantings and other management activities

  • Perform follow up maintenance work following land management

  • Perform Timber Stand Improvement activities

• Implement biological monitoring techniques to inform land management.

• Maintain excellent communication with supervisor, supporting partner organization, and administrative staff.

• Attend training events held by local partners, such as USFWS, NPS, and state agencies.

• Assist in the maintenance and operations at USFWS refuges as needed

• Partner with Audubon staff to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated in our conservation programs.

• Coordinate with Audubon communications, policy, and center staff to help ensure their work is represented internally and externally, and communicated to target audiences.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• University education in forestry, natural resources, conservation biology, wildlife management, or a closely related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred)

• 3 year relevant professional experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Demonstrated experience and skills in planning and implementing land management projects.

• Knowledge of forest wildlife of Missouri and Illinois and their habitat requirements

• Professional knowledge of forestry science principles and practices including silviculture methods and forest ecology.

• General use pesticide applicators license is desired. We can provide training if necessary.

• Experience with the safe operation of a chainsaw is desired. We can provide training if necessary.

• Experience with project management including writing and interpreting management prescriptions, coordinating with key partners, implementing projects, and completing reports.

• Demonstrated experience working with foresters and biologists from public agencies (federal and state) and private landowners and promoting good public relations.

• Strong leadership and collaborative ethics, as demonstrated in previous work.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate with diverse audiences, including landowners and forestry professionals.

• Must be results-oriented.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team in a dynamic environment. A positive attitude and sense of humor is essential.

• Willing to travel within the local region with occasional out-of-region travel and be comfortable working evenings and weekends as job demands.

• Tech-savviness, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, ipads, and geospatial mapping hardware and software.

• Willingness and ability to work outdoors, including in inclement weather, life and carry equipment up to 50 pounds, surrounded by biting insects, and traversing across uneven and steep terrains with or without accommodation.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to work in person in Ste. Genevieve.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Accommodations:

Housing is not provided.

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

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