The Golden-winged Warbler (GWWA) is a globally threatened, non-federally listed songbird that breeds in eastern North America. The development and implementation of management prescriptions that create or maintain GWWA breeding habitat is a conservation priority. The Field Conservationist will collaborate with state and federal agency staff and other partners to enhance efforts to recover GWWA in northern New York by facilitating implementation of Best Management Practices for the restoration of GWWA breeding habitat on private lands. The Field Conservationist will be an employee of, and supervised by, Audubon New York, with frequent close collaboration and occasional guidance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).The Golden-winged Warbler (GWWA) is a globally threatened, non-federally listed songbird that breeds in eastern North America. The development and implementation of management prescriptions that create or maintain GWWA breeding habitat is a conservation priority. The Field Conservationist will collaborate with state and federal agency staff and other partners to enhance efforts to recover GWWA in northern New York by facilitating implementation of Best Management Practices for the restoration of GWWA breeding habitat on private lands. The Field Conservationist will be an employee of, and supervised by, Audubon New York, with frequent close collaboration and occasional guidance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
This position will be based out of the NRCS office in Watertown, New York; however, field visits will be required depending on landowner demand/interest in the program.
- Collaborate with NRCS and other partners to promote private landowner participation in financial assistance programs to implement conservation management activities.
- Plan private land field visits (i.e. reviewing orthophotos, and topographic maps and working within NRCS systems to track project progress).
- Conduct field visits to discuss potential project details with landowners and for conservation planning (i.e. mapping habitat management areas, utilizing habitat assessment and resource concern assessment tools).
- Develop and prepare conservation plans for young forest habitat for NRCS private landowner contracts (including working in NRCS’ Customer Service Toolkit to develop Conservation Plans, maps, and contracts).
- Provide technical assistance to private landowners with contracts for implementation of habitat management practices.
- Coordinate and lead outreach activities, such as public workshops, and one-on-one meetings with landowners to promote the program.
- Prepare necessary documents to execute contracts between landowners and NRCS.
- Complete other project-related activities deemed necessary by Audubon New York
- Maintain daily time and activity records and prepare quarterly reports for grant purposes detailing among other things:
- The number of landowners contacted.
- Total acres evaluated.
- Total acres contracted.
- Total acres implemented by habitat contractors.
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecosystems management, conservation, wildlife or forestry.
- 3-5 years' demonstrated experience overseeing or helping to manage outreach, conservation or similar engagement programs.
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Previous field experience with forestry and/or forest wildlife habitat management techniques strongly desired.
- Must have personal vehicle/provide own transportation (mileage will be reimbursed), as well as be capable of traversing uneven and steep terrain in inclement weather.
- Must be able to obtain USDA federal security clearance.
- Experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs (EQIP) is preferred.
- Experience with bird identification and survey methods; ability to seasonally monitor habitat use by Golden-winged Warblers and other species associated with young forest habitat at project sites.
- Strong knowledge of GIS and its application in the conservation field a must.
- A results-oriented approach to work; success will ultimately be evaluated by acres of habitat created or restored.
- Individual must be a self-motivated, independent, progress-driven person who is capable of interacting extensively with private landowners and conservation partners.