Conservation Steward & Community Scientist

National Audubon Society; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 38,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Audubon Society seeks a Senior Associate, Stewardship to support the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Columbus, OH. The role focuses on land management, invasive species removal, native restoration, and coordinating community science surveys and MOTUS tower activities.

You will collaborate with staff and volunteers, oversee student projects, and help develop conservation plans for Ohio Centers, while ensuring safety and reporting protocols are followed on-site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, ecology, natural resources, or related field required.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in ecology or habitat restoration.
• Experience safely operating equipment (tractors, 4x4s, mowers, chainsaws, hand/power tools).
• Knowledge of safety practices and hazards with power tools.
• Willing to obtain certs (Forestry chainsaw, Ohio pesticide license, First Aid/CPR).
• Willing to participate in controlled burn trainings.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Weekend/holiday/evening availability as needed.
• Familiarity with grant writing and tracking deliverables.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel across Ohio/US.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in extremes.

Responsibilities

• Lead conservation objectives and restoration work at Grange, including invasive species removal and native plantings.
• Coordinate community science efforts (bird, plant, insect surveys) and MOTUS tower activities.
• Collaborate with Volunteer Coordinator on land stewardship opportunities.
• Support conservation efforts at Aullwood and other centers as needed.
• Coordinate interns, volunteers, and lead workdays, with task delegation.
• Provide safety training and ensure compliance and reporting.
• Manage Grange's Native Plant Backyard Challenge program.
• Develop partnerships with local organizations and represent Grange in meetings.
• Design and deliver conservation-focused public programs and workshops.
• Assist with grant budgets, quarterly billings, and financial reporting in coordination with staff.
• Support fundraising and public funding efforts.
• Collaborate across the Americas on shared priorities.
• Maintain a culture of safety and compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Ecology

Habitat restoration

Safety practices

Equipment operation

Grant writing

Field maps & GIS

ArcGIS

Asana

eBird

iNaturalist

Education

Bachelors in Environmental Studies / Ecology

Tools

Field Maps

ArcGIS

Asana

eBird

iNaturalist

Job description

The National Audubon Society seeks a Senior Associate, Stewardship to support the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Columbus, OH. The role focuses on land management, invasive species removal, native restoration, and coordinating community science surveys and MOTUS tower activities.

You will collaborate with staff and volunteers, oversee student projects, and help develop conservation plans for Ohio Centers, while ensuring safety and reporting protocols are followed on-site.