Senior Associate, Stewardship

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

Location

Columbus, OH

Full time

Requisition ID: JR1200

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 plant'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, X and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

The Senior Associate, Stewardship supports Grange Insurance Audubon Center through coordinating a variety of responsibilities related to land management, community science, and community building. They will work closely with the public, community partners, volunteers, and staff to support the Ohio Centers Conservation and Science goals. Duties include coordinating the maintenance of Grange's grounds through tasks such as invasive plant removal and restoration plantings. This role also oversees community science activities at Grange including bird, plant, and insect surveys and Grange's MOTUS tower and related activities. They will assist with community building, public outreach, and stewardship activities, as well as supporting the development and implementation of the Ohio Centers' conservation plans.

This position is classified as on-site base at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Colombus, Ohio.

Compensation

$27.50 - $28.50 / hour

Essential Functions

• Lead Grange's work toward conservation objectives of Audubon's Flight Plant and Audubon Great Lake's strategies at Grange, including invasive species removals and restoration work with native species, etc. including monitoring and maintaining the day-to-day needs of the Center's land and live roof.

• Collaborate with AGL Science Team to coordinate and lead community science efforts that support Flight Plan and Grange's Science priorities and Community of Practice best practices including the MOTUS tower and bird, insect and plant surveys, and Columbus Lights Out.

• Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to identify and execute land stewardship and community science opportunities.

• Support Aullwood's conservation efforts including land management and community science activities, as needed.

• Coordinate interns, externs, student capstone projects, episodic and long-term volunteers, lead volunteer workdays, and determine appropriate tasks while overseeing their conservation and community science on-site work.

• Provide staff and volunteer training to ensure that Audubon's and Ohio Center's safety protocols are being followed, monitor for compliance and provide required reporting as needed.

• Coordinate, lead and execute Grange's Native Plant Backyard Challenge program.

• Maintain, develop and nurture partnerships such as Columbus Audubon, Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, GreenSpot, Scioto Audubon Metropark, ODNR and others, which could include representing Grange at partner meetings and effectively communicating insights, updates, and feedback to the Conservation team.

• Support Community Building by designing and delivering conservation-focused programs such as bird hikes, workshops, bird and natural history surveys and other public programming, as well as supporting efforts to integrate messaging around GIAC conservation work into public programs (i.e.,Conservation Classroom, etc.)

• Support in the stewardship and restoration of Aullwood's woodlands, wetlands and agricultural grasslands, if needed.

• Assist in animal care and husbandry for all center ambassador animals including, but not limited to feeding, cleaning, supply/food ordering, veterinary needs, and record upkeep.

• Assist with daily operations (opening, closing, covering the front desk, staff on duty) and basic facility needs.

• In collaboration with Conservation leadership and center staff, assist with tracking of grant and project budgets, quarterly billings, and financial reports in close coordination with finance and administrative staff.

• 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 job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree environmental studies, ecology, natural resources, or related field required.

• 3-5 years of relevant job experience in ecology or habitat restoration. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Experience safely operating a wide variety of equipment, including but not limited to tractors, 4x4s, mowers, chainsaws, hand and power tools, and other related equipment.

• Knowledge of safety practices and occupational hazards associated with power tools and the ability to rectify safety concerns quickly.

• Willing and able to obtain and maintain the following certifications once hired, with or without accommodation:

  • US Forestry (or equivalent) chainsaw certification

  • Ohio commercial applicator pesticide license

  • First Aid/CPR

• Willing to participate in controlled burn trainings.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Willingness to work flexible hours when needed, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

• Familiarity with writing grants and tracking grant-funded deliverables.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license as operating Audubon vehicles is a requirement of this role to perform essential functions.

• Weekly travel throughout Central and Southwestern Ohio required and occasional travel within the US, roughly two times per year. Must have reliable transportation.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly, carry equipment and traverse over uneven ground, and work outside in extreme temperatures and inclement weather with or without accommodation.

• Competent using Microsoft Office Suite and other computer programs as needed with a special focus on becoming competent with Field Maps, ArcGIS and Asana, eBird and iNaturalist.

• Knowledge and commitment to conservation of birds and other wildlife and their habitats.

• Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

National Audubon Society Competencies

This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

• Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
• Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.
• Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.
• Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.
• Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.

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.

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