Conservation Program Technician

National Audubon Society, Inc.; Gibbon (NE); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

National Audubon Society is seeking a Conservation Program Technician to work onsite at Rowe Sanctuary for a six-month assignment. The role focuses on habitat management techniques across prairies, riparian zones, and river ecosystems, with training in ArcGIS and data entry.

You will gain hands-on experience in prescribed fire operations, seed collection, trail maintenance, and invasive species control, while supporting crane tourism and visitor outreach as needed.

Qualifications

• Applicants with some education in science-related fields and/or experience with land management techniques are preferred.
• Knowledge of - or willingness to learn about - the flora and fauna of the Great Plains region is appreciated.
• Must have a positive, team-focused attitude, and the ability to professionally represent Audubon Great Plains and the network.
• Must be comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, with little supervision, and at irregular hours.
• Position may require outdoor work in freezing temperatures and hot, humid weather. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Must have current valid driver's license to operate Audubon vehicles with the ability to provide for their own transportation.
• Ability to operate - or willingness to learn to use - various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g., lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, ATV).
• Commitment to Audubon\'s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Responsibilities

• Assist with habitat management duties such as prescribed fire operations, large animal grazing, equipment maintenance, and invasive and woody plant control (including chain-saw use and chemical application).
• Help with visitor center operations, including occasional public outreach and education programs.
• Operate heavy machinery ranging from UTVs, ATVs, zero-turn lawn mowers, tractors, and trucks to conduct various land management activities.
• Work cooperatively with volunteers to conduct necessary habitat work.
• Assist with bird and vegetation surveys through fieldwork and data entry.
• Use ArcGIS & Field Maps to track land management activities and record survey data.
• Assist with building and vehicle maintenance and repair, landscaping, walking trail maintenance, and other duties as assigned.
• Help communicate the importance of habitat work through writing and photography for social media posts, newsletters, etc.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.

Skills

ArcGIS

Field Maps

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Education

Science-related education

Tools

Chain saw

Lawn mower

Tractor

ATV

UTV

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: The Conservation Program Technician will primarily conduct habitat management activities at Rowe Sanctuary and assist with spring crane tourism operations including sandhill crane viewing experiences along the Platte River. This position will provide applicants with experience in common habitat management techniques for prairies, riparian forest/woodlands, and large river systems while working in a globally important landscape for birds. These techniques include prescribed fire, native seed collection and processing, trail maintenance, and invasive plant control. The technician will also gain experience with bird and plant surveys, use of the ArcGIS applications, and data management. Training opportunities to build the skillsets essential to effective habitat management in prairies and large river ecosystems will be provided. This position requires occasional irregular hours and strenuous outdoor work. The Conservation Program Technician is required to live on-site at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Rowe Sanctuary in housing provided by Audubon as a condition of employment. This role is on-site at Iain Nicolson Audubon Rowe Sanctuary.

Length of Assignment: 6 months, February 25 to August 27 Hours: 40 hours per week Compensation: $21.50 / hour

Essential Functions:

• Assist with habitat management duties such as prescribed fire operations, large animal grazing, equipment maintenance, and invasive and woody plant control (including chain-saw use and chemical application).
• Help with visitor center operations, including occasional public outreach and education programs.
• Operate heavy machinery ranging from UTVs, ATVs, zero-turn lawn mowers, tractors, and trucks to conduct various land management activities.
• Work cooperatively with volunteers to conduct necessary habitat work.
• Assist with bird and vegetation surveys through fieldwork and data entry.
• Use ArcGIS & Field Maps to track land management activities and record survey data.
• Assist with building and vehicle maintenance and repair, landscaping, walking trail maintenance, and other duties as assigned.
• Help communicate the importance of habitat work through writing and photography for social media posts, newsletters, etc.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Applicants with some education in science-related fields and/or experience with land management techniques are preferred.
• Knowledge of - or willingness to learn about - the flora and fauna of the Great Plains region is appreciated.
• Must have a positive, team-focused attitude, and the ability to professionally represent Audubon Great Plains and the network.
• Must be comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, with little supervision, and at irregular hours.
• Position may require outdoor work in freezing temperatures and hot, humid weather. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Must have current valid driver's license to operate Audubon vehicles with the ability to provide for their own transportation.
• Ability to operate - or willingness to learn to use - various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g., lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, ATV).
• Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• If housed in an Audubon-owned property, staff must vacate the premises no later than thirty days after the date of termination.

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.