Senior Associate, Forest Conservation at National Audubon Society in Huntington, Vermont

As part of Audubon’s Healthy Forest Initiative, lead the efforts to protect and improve forest health in Vermont.

Implement Audubon’s Bird Friendly Maple program in Vermont which includes identifying potential producers to enroll in the program, outreach to engage producers, conducting habitat assessments and recommendations, and following up with enrolled producers.

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.

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.

Contribute to Audubon’s Youth Leadership programs, with a particular emphasis on providing young professionals with experiences in the conservation field.

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, in particular the Bird Friendly Maple program.

Work with multiple partners, including land trusts, state and federal government agencies, and other conservation groups to achieve conservation results shared with Audubon’s Flight Plan Habitat milestone.

Work with Director of Conservation and Senior Manager, Forests 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).

Assist with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

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.

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.

Licensed Vermont forester in good standing is a plus

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

Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.