Operations and Maintenance Technician

National Audubon Society (USA)

National Audubon Society (USA)

Operations

California, USA

USD 26-28 / hour

Posted on May 19, 2026

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 Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Williams Sisters Ranch Sanctuary is a 1,200-acre historic cattle ranch along Skyline Drive near La Honda, California. This Audubon property is distinguished as a bird sanctuary and home to many species, including spotted owl, Vaux’s swift, and grasshopper sparrow. The ranch is a steep mosaic of woodland and grassland that provides suitable forage for cattle. Included on the ranch are a private residence (currently occupied) and several barns and other outbuildings.

The Williams Sisters Ranch Sanctuary is seeking a part-time Operations and Maintenance Technician that will work 20 hours per week. This position is responsible for land and property management. The Technician will be completing day-to-day tasks, including water systems maintenance, mowing, building maintenance, and fence repairs. The Technician will notify their supervisor when additional capacity is needed for larger projects. The position will report to the Director of Audubon Conservation Ranching (ACR) and will work closely with other ACR staff, sanctuary managers, and the Director of Strategic Operations. This person will be the main point of contact for off-site visitors that may occasionally visit the ranch for tours, bird surveys, or donor events.

This is an on-site position at Willams Sisters Ranch Sanctuary in La Honda, CA.

Compensation:
$26.00 – $28.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

  • Maintain all infrastructure including buildings, fences, gates, roads, water control structures, dikes, signage, equipment, interpretive panels, channels, canals and ditches.

  • Responsible for proper care of Audubon-issued equipment, including but not limited to truck, tractor, mower, power tools, etc.

  • Ensure compliance with pesticide protocol including training, certification, permit, completing the NOI (notice of intent) documentation, annual reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

  • Assist with monitoring and addressing trespass issues.

  • Operate and maintain heavy machinery, power equipment and vehicles; oversee all maintenance projects for equipment when needed.

  • Conduct predator/pest management or control as necessary.

  • Conduct necessary annual easement compliance monitoring and annual reporting to Audubon’s sanctuary and legal teams.

  • Develop working relationships with local partners, agencies, and Audubon chapters.

  • Participate in relevant Audubon all staff calls and staff working groups, task forces, phone calls, meetings, and/or conventions as appropriate and requested.

  • Coordinate and provide access to occasional visitors, including Audubon chapters and staff.

  • Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

  • Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

  • Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Experience working on farms/ranches or in parks or open spaces maintenance preferred

  • Must be very adaptable and able to solve problems and keep supervisor up to date about progress or when support is needed.

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

  • Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

  • Must be willing to work independently in remote, isolated location.

  • Have a working understanding of:

    • Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry

    • Vehicle/Machinery Maintenance and Repairs

    • Chainsaw operation and sharpening

    • Power Tool use/maintenance/repair

    • Tractor, backhoe, and dozer operation, including implements

  • Be able to familiarize yourself with and maintain ranch infrastructure including, but not limited to:

    • Water supply springs/source, storage, pumps, fire hydrants and hoses

    • Roads including repairs, culvert clearing and cattle crossing maintenance

    • Buildings

    • Gates and Fences

  • Willingness to work weekends and evenings as needed.

  • Must possess a valid driver's license, have access to personal transportation.

  • Comfortable working in an outdoor environment, in varying weather conditions, working conditions (exposure to disease-bearing insects and wildlife) and rugged terrains.

  • Ability to transport up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

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

Building Relationships: Establish and nurture meaningful connections and trust with others while fostering an environment of inclusiveness and respect.

Problem Solving: Find effective solutions to challenges and support decision-making by drawing on critical thinking, creativity, and systematic approaches.

Accountability: Be reliable and trustworthy in fulfilling commitments while recognizing inequities that may impact the ability of others to fulfill responsibilities effectively.

Supporting Change: Adapt to changes and modify behavior in response to new information or unexpected obstacles while considering the diverse needs of others.

Critical Thinking: Take an active approach to analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information or situations objectively and logically to make informed decisions or judgments.

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.