Bird‑Friendly Ranching Program Lead

National Audubon Society; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Audubon Society is seeking a Conservation Ranching Manager to coordinate Audubon’s California ACR program, reporting to the California Director. You will engage ranchers, agencies, and partners to advance bird-friendly land management and habitat restoration across the region.

This hybrid role combines fundraising, strategic planning, staff supervision, and fieldwork to implement ACR practices, monitor outcomes, and connect ranchers with technical and financial resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in range management, ecology, natural resources management, wildlife management, regenerative agriculture or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• At least five years of experience with project development/coordination, conservation planning or similar work.
• Demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills.
• Must have valid driver’s license and ability to travel, including long days.

Responsibilities

• Support management of the ACR Program in California, guiding vision/strategy and budgeting.
• Supervise staff and contractors, setting objectives and mentoring progress.
• Build partnerships with NRCS, USFWS, districts, agencies and land managers to grow awareness of ACR.
• Establish Habitat Management Plans (HMPs) for enrolled ranches.
• Provide technical assistance on regenerative grazing and conservation approaches.
• Access financial assistance programs for ranches to implement habitat plans.
• Manage budgets, reporting, and contracts per Audubon procedures.
• Conduct ecological monitoring on ACR ranches.
• Collaborate with communications to share notable ACR stories.

Skills

Leadership

Verbal & written communication

Partnership building

Project management

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in range management, ecology, natural resources management, wildlife management, regenerative agriculture or related field

Tools

Excel

ArcGIS

GPS

Job description

The National Audubon Society is seeking a Conservation Ranching Manager to coordinate Audubon’s California ACR program, reporting to the California Director. You will engage ranchers, agencies, and partners to advance bird-friendly land management and habitat restoration across the region.

This hybrid role combines fundraising, strategic planning, staff supervision, and fieldwork to implement ACR practices, monitor outcomes, and connect ranchers with technical and financial resources.