Manager, Public Lands

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 Manager, Public Lands leads Audubon’s Working Lands conservation project primarily on public lands in North Carolina to achieve project outcomes that enhance the habitat value of grasslands, forests, coasts and wetlands and other natural lands for people, birds and other wildlife. As Audubon’s voice on habitat projects being considered on public lands, this position represents our Audubon NC team in scoping meetings, helps draft comments (both public and technical) to drive bird benefits to public lands management.  Audubon North Carolina’s Working Lands program works throughout the state with a particular focus on habitats and conservation areas to advance projects that improve management of public lands for the benefit of birds in decline, enhance managed wetlands, ensure adequate habitat for resident and migratory birds, and improve the climate resilience of wildlife in these priority habitats across the state.

The Manager will work closely with partners at the Appalachian Mountains and Southeastern Atlantic Coast Joint Ventures, USDA National Forests of North Carolina, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, National Parks, State Parks, land trusts, and other public lands managers.  They will work with Audubon chapters, local communities and other conservation partners to identify potential projects and partner habitat improvement projects that can better create or maintain critical bird habitats and assist with planning for monitoring outcomes from projects. The Manager reports to the Director of Conservation for Audubon North Carolina. This role is full-time, 40 hours a week.

This position is classified as remote in North Carolina. Remote work within the United States may be considered only for employees not within commuting distance (40 miles or less) of an Audubon office, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employees’ choosing.

Compensation:

$62,026 - $70,000 / year

Essential Functions

• Lead efforts to identify, prioritize, and execute projects with public land managers and partners to implement habitat enhancement efforts on public lands throughout priority conservation areas in North Carolina.

• With the Director of Conservation, develop and maintain relationships with public lands partners, including but not limited to the Appalachian Mountains and Southeastern Atlantic Coast Joint Ventures, USDA National Forests of North Carolina, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, National Parks, State Parks, land trusts, and other public lands managers.   

• Conduct or coordinate bird and other habitat monitoring at project sites and communicate results to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

• With the Advocacy team (Communications, Community Building, and Policy) assist with outreach to Audubon chapters to build partnerships for conservation, restoration and enhancement projects and advocacy for priority conservation areas

• Serve as a public representative of Audubon North Carolina which may include presentations, public speaking, meeting participation and/or other interactions with agencies, NGOs, Audubon chapters, and land stewards to both gather and disseminate information.

• Advise project partners and public land managers on restoration design and native plants to enhance bird habitat. Provide on-site assessments and guidance to implement successful conservation and restoration projects.

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

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

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

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, forest or coastal ecology, natural resources management, or related field required and a minimum of five years related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Knowledge and appreciation of the people, values, and current conservation issues of the habitats of North Carolina.

• Experience applying the best available science and other information to achieve conservation outcomes.

• Ability to manage complex projects with a variety of partners and to meet deadlines.  Previous experience with design and management of restoration projects preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to build consensus among a wide range of individuals (e.g. conservation partners, land and site managers, volunteers, and local community members). 

• Demonstrated experience with grant writing, writing scientific reports or papers, and writing for a general, non-science audience.

• Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information for a non-technical audience, with effective communication skills reaching varied audiences desired.

• Strong project management skills, including but not limited to setting and implementing effective goals and objectives, problem-solving, time management, creating and maintaining collaborations with other organizations, developing public awareness activities, preparing reports, etc.

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

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Comfort navigating contentious regulatory issues to seek common ground with diverse interests.

• Experience working on field research or monitoring projects.

• A working knowledge of ArcGIS. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.

• A flexible approach to work and willingness to take on new projects or tasks as needed.

• Ability to engage in strenuous outdoor activity, carry field equipment within varying terrain and weather, including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat with or without reasonable accommodation.

• A willingness to conduct in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel and be comfortable working evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.

• Valid driver's license required.

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.

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.