The Southern Great Plains Coordinator works with ranchers, partners, and Audubon flyway and state staff to coordinate the expansion of Audubon’s Conservation Ranching program in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Chihuahuan grasslands of northern Mexico. 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 the 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.
- Work with a range ecologist consultant or agency partner to 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 at partnership meetings, conferences, etc.
- Answer general inquiries from the public about Audubon and the Conservation Ranching Program. Maintain a working knowledge about Audubon strategic plans, priorities and programs nationwide.
- 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:
- +3 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:
Sep 27 2017
Active Until:
Oct 27 2017
Hiring Organization:
National Audubon Society
industry:
Nonprofit