Community Conservation Program Associate

Position Summary:

The Program Associate, Community Conservation CC (CC) is responsible for the facilitation and implementation of National Audubon’s Community Conservation Programs throughout the state of Connecticut.

In collaboration with the Policy Director, Director of Bird Conservation, Community Conservation Manager, and other Audubon staff, the Program Associate will develop and implement specific goals for the program and new projects that lead to positive results for birds and the communities that support them. They will be responsible for implementing a tailored suite of programs to protect birds and to restore and enhance bird habitat through targeted habitat restoration, species management, and environmental education and community involvement in activities that will be outlined in our strategic plan.

Compensation:

$22.00-$24.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• In collaboration with the Policy Director, Director of Bird Conservation, Community Conservation Manager, chapter leaders and other key stakeholders, build and support a sustainable and strong community of community scientists and conservationists that play a critical role in supporting Audubon's bird conservation priorities by:

  • Engaging, motivating and training a vibrant community of bird, plant, and other monitors to implement monitoring protocols developed with the Director of Conservation

  • Working with ACT’s Policy Director in communities across the State to promote bird friendly community practices through proclamations, ordinances and resolutions

  • Coordinating and delivering workshops, programs, and conferences that recognize and support strong volunteer leadership

  • Identifying, developing, and supporting volunteer leadership for specific conservation sites in order to fulfill goals to support sustainable conservation outcomes that are relevant for the communities surrounding them

• Ensure that CC programs maximize conservation and behavior outcomes and engage individuals in a ladder of activity, with a focus on building strategies to reach individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities

• Work with Audubon’s Director of Bird Conservation in CT to develop effective models for local support groups to monitor and protect Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and urban conservation areas, and help develop community-based training to assist in developing pilot programs that engage communities in protecting priority bird species.

• Liaise with National Audubon Society partners and counterparts to identify opportunities for collaboration, to share best practices, and enhance learning.

• Develop and monitor program/project goals, timelines, and tasks.

• Maintain communication with CC partners and coordinate meetings and activities as needed.

• Manage interns and contract staff as necessary.

• Teach educational programming as necessary.

• Respond to incoming requests for Community Conservation programming.

• Travel within CT for programming and site visits approx 20-25% of time with potential for more during peak season, including occasional weekend travel.

• Participate in all-staff calls and staff retreats, with potential for occasional travel out of state/to NY.

• 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.

• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in in wildlife biology, ecology, or related field or equivalent experience required.

• 0-2 years' experience in conservation, environmental education programming or similar area required.

• Demonstrated understanding of scientific monitoring, principles of conservation, and development and implementation of research protocols

• Strong initiative and self-motivation, with the ability to lead in a dynamic team environment with limited supervision.

• Experience building volunteer leadership through leading from behind

• Strong team building and facilitation skills.

• Strong written and verbal communications skills.

• Ability to communicate to a variety of audiences: professionals, the public, media, donors, and others; must be comfortable presenting in front of groups and teaching to a variety of age and experience levels.

• Experience with program evaluation

• Experience working cooperatively with partners, recruiting and maintaining volunteers.

• Knowledge and comfort of working with diverse communities in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

• Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other key Microsoft Office and web-based products.

• Possess a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record and reliable mode of transportation.

• 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.

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

EEO Statement

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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