Conservation Biologist
Location: Washington DC
Immediate Supervisor:
Division/Department:

Purpose of the position

The Conservation Biologist shall lead Audubon’s initiatives to understand habitat requirements of birds, especially in agricultural habitats, and promote best management practices that will measurably improve bird populations worldwide.

Essential Functions:

• Engage stakeholders from the conservation, science, and agriculture communities in the design, recognition, and promotion of best bird management practices on working lands.
• Tie best management practices to the results of studies on bird habitat requirements and bird population trends.
• Conduct and contribute to scientific studies on causes of bird population trends and on habitat requirements of birds in agricultural, wetland, grassland, and shrub habitats.
• Conduct and contribute to risk assessments on birds of conservation concern.
• Integrate and align the birds and agriculture initiative with Audubon’s strategic plan and 2020 vision, with particular attention to Important Bird Areas and Audubon at Home.
• Serve as a lead Audubon contact for the public, conservation agencies, and the media on issues of bird conservation on agricultural lands, grasslands, wetlands, and shrublands.
• Conduct outreach and education activities related to birds on working lands, starting with waterbirds and their habitats; provide effective oral and written presentations.
• Coordinate closely with Audubon Director of Bird Conservation, the National Audubon policy staff, and state offices on matters that impact birds on working lands.
• Contribute to Audubon’s scientific, policy, and outreach activities related to Farm Bill conservation programs and the effects of biofuels on bird populations.
• Lead fundraising and development activities to expand bird and agriculture conservation initiatives through state-based programs.
• Work with BirdLife Americas partners to promote bird conservation in agricultural areas throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Relationships

Internal:

The Birds and Agriculture Specialist will report to Audubon’s Director of Bird Conservation.   S/he will work extensively with all other Audubon staff and members of the National Board.

External:

NRCS & U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; lead stakeholders of the agriculture community, including corporations; other governmental, public and non-profit conservation agencies and organizations; conservation scientists; the nationwide media; and the general public.

Physical Requirements:

The Birds and Agriculture Specialist must:

• Be able to traverse a wide range of natural areas, as needed;
• Have adequate visual and auditory ability for bird observation and identification;
• be able to operate an automobile;
• Have the digital and mental skills needed to operate standard office equipment (as per above); be able to sit, stand, grasp, lift, carry, walk, climb, kneel, stand, push, and pull as needed.

Mental Requirements:

Equipment:

Must be able to effectively operate: computers and related software (including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access and PowerPoint), standard office machines (telephone, copy machine, fax machine), automobile.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in applied ornithology, wildlife management, environment, or agriculture-related fields.
• Minimum of three years of work experience in applied ornithology or agriculture management.
• Proven ability to work in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Proven success in nonprofit, research, or policy project management, including (but not limited to): setting effective goals and objectives, developing contracts, managing grants, creating and maintaining collaborations with other organizations, developing public awareness activities, meeting deadlines, preparing reports, etc.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong field abilities and knowledge of birds and effects of agriculture on wildlife.
• Experience in creating and using databases; mapping and GIS skills also desirable.
• Strong initiative and self-motivation, with the ability to lead in a dynamic team environment with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to travel nationwide and perhaps internationally, and to work evenings and weekends, as needed; a valid driver’s license.
• Strong commitment to the mission and vision of the National Audubon Society and proven effectiveness in a team setting.
• Strong creative, problem-solving, planning, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to handle an extensive and diverse workload while maintaining a good sense of humor and perspective.
• Some fund-raising experience.
• Proven ability to see a project from conceptual stages through implementation.
• Strong team building and facilitation skills.

Measurement of Performance:

semi-annual Performance Management Plans

The National Audubon Society's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth's biological diversity.

Audubon promotes a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the National Audubon Society to employ the man or woman best qualified for the job regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (handicap) or marital status.