The Conservation Ranching Program Manager works with ranchers, partners, and Audubon flyway and state staff to coordinate the expansion of Audubon’s Conservation Ranching program in Texas and Oklahoma. S/he is responsible for recruitment of ranches; development of Habitat Management Plans; coordination of workshops to provide production assistance; development of program protocols and their adherence in all participating landscapes; coordination of agreements and relationships with state and federal agency partners, peer organizations and NGOs; coordination of supply-chain and retail/market-side partnerships; and support of monitoring and ranch certification.
This position will be a direct report to Audubon’s Director of Conservation Ranching Program.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Recruit ranches into the program by Identifying potential participants, building relationships, and assisting interested ranchers with program entry. Develop positive relationships with producer groups, landowner associations or other entities.
- Work with producers, NGOs, and agency partners to develop regional habitat management protocols and bird species target lists pertinent to each of the ecoregions in which the program is operating.
- Complete Habitat Management Plans for all participating ranches.
- Coordinate and manage agreements and relationships with state and federal agency partners, including opportunities for program funding.
- Coordinate and manage partnerships with peer conservation organizations and program stakeholders.
- Coordinate the development and management of supply-chain and retail/market-side partnerships, which may include retail stores, restaurants, branded programs, coops, etc.
- Cooperate with state staff and NGO partners to coordinate ecological monitoring on all participating ranches, including bird counts and potentially the measurement of vegetation and soil health.
- Assist the preparation of funding proposals, and meet with program donors and supporters as needed.
- Ensure adherence to policies and procedures, and positively represent National Audubon Society.
- Maintain a working knowledge about Audubon strategic plans, priorities and programs nationwide. Answer general inquiries from the public about Audubon and the Conservation Ranching Program.
- Assist staff in participating states to coordinate local promotion, education and outreach.
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in rangeland ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, sustainability, or related field,
Skills/Experience:
- Three years’ experience of program management in organizations that have a reputation for strategic thinking and organizational excellence.
- Working knowledge of grassland ecology and habitat management is preferred.
- Knowledge and appreciation of the ranching culture, range management issues, and sustainable ranching practices is strongly preferred.
- Experience in the practice or promotion of sustainable agriculture, sustainable foods, grassfed beef production or related supply chain development is ideal.
- Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and make decisions in the absence of specific directions.
- Ability to effectively coordinate with staff, and interact positively with others to advance the Audubon mission.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word required, ArcGIS experience helpful; experience in additional systems and platforms a plus.
- Must possess a valid driver's license, have access to personal transportation and be able to work independently.
- Passion for the mission of the Audubon, as well as knowledge or interest in bird conservation initiatives, conservation policy, habitat restoration, and environmental education is ideal.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, and travel up to 50% of the work schedule.
- Ability to walk uneven trails, drive on unpaved surfaces, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Apr 2 2018
Active Until:
May 2 2018
Hiring Organization:
National Audubon Society
industry:
Nonprofit