Engagement Coordinator, Stewardship

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 towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.

North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.

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 brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Under the supervision of the Engagement Manager, the Engagement Coordinator, Stewardship is a vital member of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center team and works closely with volunteers, Columbus Metro Park staff, center management team and staff to maintain a plan that positions the center as a hub in the community as a showcase for ecological restoration. This position will execute public programming through conservation stewardship and advocacy that focuses on improving habitat for breeding and migratory birds, while improving water quality and building climate resiliency in and around the center and local communities. Under the supervision of the Engagement Manager, the coordinator will recruit, develop, and support volunteers (stewards and monitors) with the specific goal of developing strategies to diversify the volunteer community.

Compensation:

$18.00 - 20.00 / hour

• Maintain and monitor the day-to-day needs of the center’s land.
• Identify and implement resources management actions of two acres of land and live roof.
• Coordinate workdays in conjunction with center management team and partners for volunteers, corporate volunteers, and school groups ensuring Audubon safety and wellness protocols are followed.
• In collaboration with center staff, design and deliver center programs such as Conservation Classroom, bird hikes, lecture series, workshops, bird surveys field trips, and summer camps.
• Coordinate volunteer efforts for Lights Out events in conjunction with partnering organizations.
• Coordinate efforts to develop and implement an engagement plan, as well as maintaining the plan after implementation.
• 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 of duty) and basic facility needs.
• Serve community working groups including but limited to Columbus Audubon Chapter and GreenSpot Columbus with a focus on volunteer stewardship development.
• Develop and communicate an understanding of local ecosystems and restoration best practices to a diverse group of center visitors.
• Under the supervision of Engagement Manager, lead and execute the Backyard Native Plant Challenge program.
• In partnership with center management, build trusting relationships with the Scioto Audubon Metro Park Manager, Natural Resources Management Department and other partners to improve quality and impact of Audubon’s work.
• In collaboration with center staff, assist with tracking of grant and project budgets, quarterly billings, and financial reports in close coordination with finance and administrative staff.
• Ensure safety of all seasonal interns and volunteers by compliance with all safety guidelines and regulations and completion of all relevant trainings. Complete all necessary safety paperwork, reports, and forms as needed.
• Partner with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree environmental studies, ecology, nature resources, or related field required.
• 0-2 years of relevant job experience in ecology or habitat restoration. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Understanding avian ecology is a plus.
• Must be comfortable interacting with the public and external partner organizations.
• Ability to work on diverse teams with individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to implement EDIB practices in all aspects of work.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus. Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a multi-faceted team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, GIS and statistical analysis software.
• Weekly travel throughout Central Ohio required and occasional travel within the US, roughly two times per year. Must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs, and ability to travers up to 5 miles of uneven terrain carrying program equipment, tools and supplies, with or without accommodation.
• Have current certification in First Aid and CPR or ability to acquire certification upon hire.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Understanding of conservation issues and commitment to Audubon’s mission.

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

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.

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 Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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