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 plant’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, X and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Conservation Manager works closely with the Senior Manager, Ohio Centers - Conservation in managing and executing the day-to-day conservation priorities at Aullwood Audubon to support Audubon’s ambitious goals for the Ohio Centers. This includes supervising and engaging staff, interns and volunteers in developing, implementing and tracking habitat management and restoration plans across Aullwood’s 200-acre nature sanctuary through the lens of Ohio Centers, Audubon Great Lakes and National Audubon’s strategic plan and priorities. This position is also responsible for ensuring the health of Aullwood’s livestock ambassadors and developing a Livestock Plan to support Aullwood’s conservation work. They will collaborate closely with the Managers of Ohio Centers Operations and Community Building to ensure staff, volunteers and visitors are energized with greater understanding of local, regional and hemispheric conservation issues.

This position is classified as on-site base at Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm in Dayton, OH.

Compensation:

$62,000 - $70,000 / year

Essential Functions

• Oversee the care of Aullwood’s livestock ambassadors including nutrition, health, breeding, vet care, slaughter, record-keeping, SOPs, and grazing best practices.

• Plan, implement, track, report, and evaluate Aullwood’s habitat restoration and enhancement projects to help ensure alignment with regional, national and hemispheric conservation and program priorities.

• Oversee the day-to-day land management operations of Aullwood’s 200-acre nature sanctuary. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, invasive species removal and treatment, bush‑hogging, tree removal, pasture renovations, and habitat restoration/enhancement activities, using both manual and chemical best‑practice methods.

• Supervise regular, interns and temporary staff, through the establishment of work objectives and priorities, reviewing and revising these objectives on an ongoing basis to guide and mentor team members in their work progress.

• Ensure that all management activities are clearly communicated to the management team to maintain the safety of visitors, staff, and volunteers.

• In partnership with the Senior Manager establish habitat and livestock management plans using SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time sensitive) goals for Aullwood’s 200-acre nature sanctuary.

• Develop and execute techniques that maximize the diversity of native flora and fauna while minimizing exotic and invasive species.

• In partnership with the Community Building team, help create, implement, monitor and measure success of an Aullwood internship/externship program, including collaborative supervision of interns/externs to develop skills to grow their workforce development skills while supporting Aullwood’s conservation and community building goals.

• Drive and operate Audubon landscape and maintenance equipment and vehicles safely while following local and state laws and Audubon procedures for their use. Equipment and vehicles include but are not limited to; passenger vans, pickup trucks, 4-wheel drive vehicles, pulling trailers, Gators, lawnmowers, tractors with PTO attachments, other farm machinery.

• Assist in the development and execution of the conservation budget, including capital expenses; manage the conservation expenses and revenues and provide regular updates.

• Collaborate with and support the work of Aullwood’s maintenance and operations colleagues, including assisting with trails, landscaping, snow removal, and maintenance projects.

• Oversee contractual habitat restoration and enhancement implementation.

• Collaborate with Community Building Manager and Volunteer Coordinator to develop a conservation-related volunteer program to meet Conservation goals.

• Collaborate with Community Building and Operations Managers to ensure that conservation information and priorities is integrated in public programming and visitor engagement.

• Be project lead for Aullwood’s Native Plant Sale and related activities.

• In partnership with the Senior Manager, identify opportunities, develop proposals, and assist with securing funding for conservation/habitat projects. If secured, serve as a project leader and fulfill reporting obligations as required.

• Proactively connect with and liaise with landowners to develop meaningful and diverse partnerships to help influence habitat management.

• Serve as a public representative of Audubon, which may include giving presentations, public speaking, meeting/conference participation and other interactions with partners, agencies, NGOs, chapters and landowners to both gather and disseminate information.

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts. Serve as a resource for local landowners and partners.

• Assist/support Aullwood’s special events and festivals as needed.

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

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, nature resource management, agriculture, forestry, environmental studies, agriculture, or related field.

• 5 years of field experience in conservation planning and/or habitat restoration and enhancement techniques and/or conservation research. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Supervisory experience; strong leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate with partners and manage teams and projects ethically and in a timely manner.

• Ability to manage complex projects with a variety of partners and to meet deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build a consensus among diverse audiences.

• Knowledge of and experience with herbicide application and best practices

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license as operating Audubon vehicles is a requirement of this role to perform essential functions.

• Ability to operate various types of equipment with or without accommodation, including but not limited to, chainsaws, and various hand tools.

• Experience in general maintenance of equipment and vehicles.

• Willingness to obtain and maintain the following certifications within one year of start date, with or without accommodation.

  • Ohio Pesticide Applicator License

  • Chainsaw Safety and Operation

• Willing to participate in prescribed fire training opportunities and obtain necessary hours to build experience toward prescribed fire certification, with or without accommodation; collaborate with local organizations to do prescribed burns at Aullwood.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, both as a project leader and team member.

• Excellent judgment and a strong concern for safety of staff, volunteers, general public and livestock ambassadors.

• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain, with or without accommodation while maintaining a positive attitude and setting an example for staff, intern and volunteer crews.

• Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds and be able to bend, twist, push, and pull for duties with or without accommodation.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license as operating Audubon vehicles is a requirement of this role to perform essential functions.

• Willingness to work flexible hours when needed, including weekends, holidays, evenings and during off-hour emergency situations.

• Ability to travel occasionally on behalf of Audubon.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, basic knowledge/willingness to learn ARC-GIS, statistical analysis software, and other computer programs as needed.

• Knowledge and commitment to conservation of birds and other wildlife and their habitats.

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

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon 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 to 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.