Conservation Manager
Summary:
The Conservation Manager for Audubon Great Lakes in Wisconsin will be an integral member of the Audubon Great Lakes team. They will be responsible for building partnerships, engaging the network, and implementing conservation projects that realize Audubon’s ambitious goals for the region, emphasizing program delivery across the state of Wisconsin. Working closely with public agencies, tribes, NGO partners, Audubon’s network of chapters and volunteers, the Conservation Manager will restore habitat for birds and people while supporting Audubon’s policy and engagement teams in building a diverse constituency that defends and creates strong public policy across the five-state Great Lakes region (WI, IL, IN, MI, OH).
The Conservation Manager will manage and further develop ongoing conservation projects in Audubon’s key geographies. This role will also build relationships and secure funding to expand Audubon’s on-the-ground conservation work in priority regions of Wisconsin and beyond, as identified in Audubon’s Great Lakes conservation plan. The Conservation Manager will engage existing conservation partners to advance national and regional advocacy goals and focus on diversifying Audubon’s network. Working with the Great Lakes policy and engagement teams, they will build support that helps realize Audubon’s Climate, Coasts, Water and Working Lands conservation objectives and policy goals. The Conservation Manager will grow and diversify Audubon’s conservation partnerships, community science participation, stewardship engagement, and advocacy efforts.
This role will report to the Director of Conservation, Great Lakes, and Upper Mississippi Flyway.
Essential Function:
- Plan, implement, track and report on habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
- Identify opportunities, develop proposals, and secure funding for habitat projects.
- Build large and diverse partnerships to influence habitat management in priority geographies through monitoring, communication, and landscape planning.
- Oversee contractual and volunteer habitat restoration and enhancement implementation.
- Work with Great Lakes conservation colleagues and national science staff to improve the application of research and monitoring results and continue to refine conservation targets with regional agency and NGO partners.
- Develop and communicate an understanding of local ecosystems and restoration best practices.
- Deeply engage members and partners in priority advocacy action.
- Serve as a public representative of Audubon, including presentations, public speaking, meeting participation, and other interactions with agencies, NGOs, Chapters, and landowners to gather and disseminate information.
Qualifications and Experience:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 judgment and a strong concern for the 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 is required.
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, early mornings, and weekends as the job demands.