Job Description:

• The Conservation Manager is an integral member of the Audubon Great Lakes team.
• They are responsible for building partnerships, engaging the network, and implementing conservation projects that realize Audubon’s ambitious goals for the region.
• Work closely with local landowners, other public agencies, tribes, NGO partners, and Audubon’s network of chapters and volunteers.
• Restore habitat for birds and people while building a diverse constituency that stewards habitat and builds strong public policy across the five-state Great Lakes region.
• Manage and further develop ongoing conservation projects in Audubon’s key geographies.
• Build new relationships and secure funding to expand Audubon’s on-the-ground conservation work in priority regions.
• Work with the Great Lakes policy, engagement, communications, and science teams to build support that helps realize Audubon’s Habitat, Climate, Policy, and Community Building conservation objectives and policy goals.
• Grow and diversify Audubon’s conservation partnerships, community science participation, stewardship engagement and advocacy efforts.
• Plan, implement, track and report on habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
• Identify opportunities, develop proposals, and secure funding for habitat projects.
• Serve as project manager and fulfill reporting obligations as required.
• Build large and diverse partnerships to influence habitat management in priority geographies through monitoring, communication, and landscape-planning with landowners and land managers.
• Organize and run meetings and build strategies to strengthen existing and new partnerships.
• Provide support for Audubon Great Lakes’ Community Building strategies, including habitat-related internships and volunteers.
• Supervise temporary staff and/or volunteers.
• Oversee contractual habitat restoration and enhancement implementation.
• Work with Great Lakes conservation colleagues and national science staff to improve the application of research and monitoring results.
• Develop and communicate an understanding of local ecosystems and restoration best practices.
• Serve as a public representative of Audubon.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management, public policy or related field.
• 5 + years field experience in conservation planning and/or habitat restoration and enhancement techniques.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Ability to manage complex projects with a variety of partners and to meet deadlines is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build consensus among a wide range of individuals.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus among diverse audiences.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate with partners, and manage teams and projects ethically and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated experience with grant writing, writing scientific reports, and writing for a general, non-science audience.
• Supervisory or leadership experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to engage and motivate diverse audiences.
• Comfort navigating contentious regulatory and political issues to seek common ground with diverse interests.
• Strong facilitation skills and ability to coordinate complex projects.
• Excellent judgement and a strong concern for safety of staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain, with or without accommodation, while maintaining a positive attitude and setting an example for intern crews.
• Ability to understand and explain the connection between conservation outcomes and public policy.
• Valid Driver’s License and the ability to travel throughout the Great Lakes’ region.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including evenings, early mornings, and weekends as the job demands.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments in valued.

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