Forest Program Senior Associate

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

The Senior Associate, Forests will implement forest conservation efforts as part of the Healthy Forests Initiative – a critical component to Audubon’s Working Lands conservation strategy. The position will advance the goals of the Healthy Forest Initiative to ensure forests remain healthy and resilient despite increasing threats and climate change for the benefit of birds and people.

The Senior Associate will provide technical expertise and conduct programs that target forest owners and managers, both public and private, to promote sustainable forest management techniques that create and improve habitat required by priority forest bird species (Golden-winged warbler, American Woodcock, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Canada Warbler, and Wood Thrush). They will also assist with training foresters on bird-friendly management practices, conduct field assessments, develop habitat management recommendations for forest owners and land trusts, and work with foresters and other land managers to implement forest management.

As a key contributor to forest work within the Atlantic Flyway, this position will work closely with forest program staff in CT, NY, and other Audubon state and regional programs. Additionally, this position will collaborate with external partners, organizations, and agencies to inform federal and state policies and state-wide and regional plans that advance Audubon’s forest conservation objectives.

This position can work remotely (e.g., home office) with the ability to travel to project sites, meetings and other in-person events in Vermont as frequently as needed.

• As part of Audubon’s Healthy Forest Initiative, lead the efforts to protect and improve forest health in Vermont.
• Conduct field site visits to assess forest habitat and review existing or develop new habitat management plans and/or stand-level silvicultural prescriptions to provide management options to improve bird habitat.
• Assist in administering a training and endorsement program for foresters to increase their understanding of integrating silviculture and forest management for birds.
• Develop and deliver outreach programs and workshops for landowners and land managers, in collaboration with partners, to promote sustainable forest management that also helps create habitat required by priority bird species.
• Assist in planning and implementation of Audubon’s Youth Leadership forestry programs, with a particular emphasis on a partnership with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps.
• Serve as an expert on forest management and forest bird habitat requirements and advise other Audubon staff members as well as partner organizations and agencies.
• Foster collaborations with other Audubon staff in surrounding states on Healthy Forests Initiative projects.
• Work with multiple partners, including land trusts, state and federal government agencies, and other conservation groups to achieve conservation results shared with Audubon’s forest program.
• Work with Director of Conservation to develop and manage grant and project budgets, contracts, invoices, and financial reports in coordination with finance and administrative staff.
• Give public presentations and bird walks as related to the forest program to a variety of audiences.
• Assist with other project-related and organization activities as needed (e.g., strategic planning, staff meetings, all staff events).

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, wildlife management, conservation biology, natural resources or a closely related field, Master’s degree preferred, and 3-5 years’ relevant professional experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Licensed Vermont forester in good standing, or ability to obtain a license
• Demonstrated understanding of forestry and forest management techniques employed in eastern forests, especially as they are applied to meet multiple landowner objectives, including habitat improvements for a full suite of forest birds. Strong knowledge of GIS and its application in the conservation field.
• Knowledge of how forest management techniques impact climate adaptation and mitigation preferred.
• Project management experience including fiscal management, managing project deliverables, reporting on progress, and writing grant proposals. The ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize is essential.
• Knowledge of forest birds of VT and their habitat requirements; comfortable identifying forest birds by both sight and sound or willingness to learn.
• Excellent interpersonal, with the ability to coordinate with diverse audiences, including landowners and forestry professionals.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, public presentation, and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Must be results-oriented; success will be evaluated by number of forest owners and managers reached, number of foresters trained, and, ultimately, by acres of habitat properly managed.
• Ability to work independently and part of a larger team in a dynamic fast-paced environment. A positive attitude and sense of humor is essential.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors, including in inclement weather and traversing across uneven and steep terrains with or without accommodation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. Position requires regular travel (often using personal vehicle
• and occasionally rental vehicles).
• Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings as the job demands.
• Passion for and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society.

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.