Community Conservation Fellow

National Audubon Society, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

National Audubon Society is seeking two on-site Fellows for a nine-month program in the San Francisco Bay Area, starting January 2026. Fellows will build diverse community relationships, participate in habitat restoration, and gain hands-on experience in environmental education and leadership development.

Based at Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary, fellows will design outdoor events, learn surveying techniques, and collaborate with Audubon staff to advance conservation outcomes and

Qualifications

• Interest or experience in community engagement, native plants, habitat restoration, and/or climate resiliency.
• Interest in birds a plus
• Basic knowledge of ecology and identification of common local birds, primarily waterbirds and shorebirds
• Interest or experience in environmental education, interpretation, or outreach
• Desire to engage with others, with an emphasis on young people, about conservation and the natural world
• Willingness to spend periods of time outside in varied weather conditions
• Possess the necessary communication and motivational skills to lead small groups
• Experience/ability in teaching or working with diverse audiences
• Strong research and writing skills
• Strong oral communication skills
• Strong work ethic with exceptional organizational skills and an eye for details
• Minimum of one year of relevant job or volunteer experience in outreach, organizing, communication, education, or conservation
• Adaptable and versatile; able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Word
• Access to a vehicle or a valid driver’s license will expand field work opportunities
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued

Responsibilities

• Willingness to obtain FAA Part 107, Remote Pilot Certificate
• Comfortable with long hours in the field in adverse weather and on difficult terrain
• Help with restoration activities around the Center and nearby project sites
• Assist and lead programming of daily center and community-based activities
• Maintain garden tools and other equipment
• Create social media posts and videos demonstrating conservation activities and climate resiliency
• Assist with curriculum development for the Audubon Youth Leaders (AYL) program
• Assist with curriculum development for environmental education for ages 4-7 during Audubon Adventure Summer Camp
• Be a representative of Audubon when dealing with visitors and program attendees
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Community engagement

Public speaking

Curriculum development

Environmental education

Outreach experience

Data collection

Communication

Leadership

Education

Undergraduate or graduate student focus on environmental topics

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Word

Job description

About Audubon The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever‑growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

Audubon California is seeking two fellows for a program dedicated to engaging a broad diversity of communities to create meaningful conservation solutions that work for birds, nature, and people. The Community Conservation Fellowship seeks to build lasting relationships between local communities and Audubon. Working at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Fellows will engage communities in nature, environmental advocacy, and climate resilience over a nine month period beginning January 2026. With mentorship from Audubon staff, the Fellows will contribute to conservation and outreach work at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and through the San Francisco Bay Program. Throughout the fellowship, fellows will receive training and gain the skills necessary for hands‑on habitat restoration, leadership development, community stewardship, and advocacy training. Through center‑based programming, Fellows will practice and develop skills by working with youth and communities – building up student leaders, advocates, and land stewards. Fellows will co‑design with Audubon staff a series of outdoor community events and projects that target diverse, multi‑generational audiences. Additionally, the Fellow will work with the San Francisco Bay Program Manager during restoration field workdays. Through hands on learning, the Fellows will learn various surveying and monitoring techniques at various field sites.

This job requires a culturally competent, organized, and responsible person who is an excellent communicator that can work effectively as part of a team and independently. The successful applicant must have an enthusiasm for the outdoors, and a willingness to learn, teach, and share actively with community groups.

Fellows should be a resident of the SF Bay Area or agree to on‑site housing at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary.

This role is on‑site at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary.

Length of Assignment: January 2027 – September 2027 Hours: 40 hours per week Compensation: $20.00 / hour

Essential Functions:

• Willingness to obtain FAA Part 107, Remote Pilot Certificate
• Comfortable with long hours in the field in adverse weather and on difficult terrain
• Help with restoration activities around the Center and nearby project sites
• Assist and lead programming of daily center and community‑based activities
• Maintain garden tools and other equipment
• Create social media posts and videos demonstrating conservation activities and climate resiliency
• Assist with curriculum development for the Audubon Youth Leaders (AYL) program
• Assist with curriculum development for environmental education for ages 4-7 during Audubon Adventure Summer Camp
• Be a representative of Audubon when dealing with visitors and program attendees
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Interest or experience in community engagement, native plants, habitat restoration, and/or climate resiliency
• Interest in birds a plus
• Basic knowledge of ecology and identification of common local birds, primarily waterbirds and shorebirds
• Interest or experience in environmental education, interpretation, or outreach
• Desire to engage with others, with an emphasis on young people, about conservation and the natural world
• Willingness to spend periods of time outside in varied weather conditions
• Possess the necessary communication and motivational skills to lead small groups
• Experience/ability in teaching or working with diverse audiences
• Strong research and writing skills
• Strong oral communication skills
• Strong work ethic with exceptional organizational skills and an eye for details
• Minimum of one year of relevant job or volunteer experience in outreach, organizing, communication, education, or conservation
• Or a current student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree with a focus on or interest in environmental, climate change, marine or coastal, administrative, and/or land use law, or other relevant topics
• Adaptable and versatile; able to thrive in a fast‑paced and dynamic work environment
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Word
• Access to a vehicle or a valid driver’s license will expand field work opportunities
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science‑based, community‑driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever‑growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.