Reporting to the Forest Program Manager and based in Troy, New York, the Forest Program Associate will help implement forest conservation efforts as part of the Healthy Forests Initiative – an important part of Audubon’s Working Lands conservation strategy in the Atlantic Flyway. Specifically, the Forest Program Associate will help design and conduct management, education, and outreach programs targeting forest owners and managers, both public and private, to promote sustainable forest management techniques that create and improve habitat required by priority forest bird species (e.g., Prairie Warbler, Golden-winged warbler, American Woodcock, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, and Wood Thrush). The Associate will also assist with training foresters on bird-friendly management practices, conduct field assessments, develop management plans for forest owners, and work with foresters and other land managers to implement forest management. The Associate will collaborate with other Audubon staff in the Atlantic Flyway, as well as with organizations that share Audubon’s forest conservation objectives.
This position is an 18-month grant-funded position with an opportunity for renewal pending additional funding being secured.
- Conduct field site visits to assess forest habitat and review existing management plans or write new habitat and/or forest management plans in order to provide management options to improve bird habitat.
- Assist in developing and administering a training program for foresters to increase their understanding of integrating silviculture and forest management for birds.
- Conduct workshops and outreach to private landowners, public land managers, foresters, and others.
- Develop and deliver outreach programs, in collaboration with partners, to promote sustainable forest management that also helps create habitat required by priority bird species.
- Serve as an expert on forest management and forest bird habitat requirements and advise other Audubon NY staff members as well as partner organizations and agencies.
- Collaborate with other Audubon staff in NY and surrounding states on Healthy Forests Initiative projects.
- Work with multiple partners, including land trusts, state and federal government agencies, and other conservation groups to achieve conservation results shared with Audubon’s forest program.
- Give public presentations and bird walks as related to the forest program.
- Assist with other project-related activities deemed necessary by Audubon NY.
- 2-4 years’ relevant professional experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
- Demonstrated understanding of forestry and forest management techniques that are employed in eastern forests, especially as they are applied to meet multiple landowner objectives, including habitat improvements for a full suite of forest birds.
- Strong knowledge of GIS and its application in the conservation field.
- Knowledge of forest birds of New York and their habitat requirements; able to identify forest birds by both sight and sound or willingness to learn.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences, including landowners and forestry professionals.
- Must be results-oriented; success will be evaluated by number of forest owners and managers reached, number of foresters trained, and, ultimately, by acres of habitat properly managed.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team.
- A positive attitude and sense of humor is essential.
- Willingness and ability to work outdoors, including in inclement weather and traversing across uneven and steep terrains.
- Must have a valid driver’s license. Position requires regular travel (often using rental vehicles and occasionally with personal vehicle).
- Passion for and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society.