Conservation Ranching Program Manager

National Audubon Society•Sacramento, CA

6d•$75,550 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Conservation Ranching Program Manager works with ranchers, agencies, and conservation partners to coordinate the expansion and implementation of Audubon’s Conservation Ranching (ACR) program in California. Reporting to the California Conservation Ranching Program Director, the Manager supports program oversight and coordination, including strategic planning, fundraising, partnership building, staff supervision, and budget management. The Manager engages, cultivates, and enrolls ranchers; develops Habitat Management Plans (HMPs); and helps ranchers implement bird-friendly land management and restoration practices. The role coordinates ecological monitoring on ranches, connects participants to technical and financial assistance, facilitates ranch certification, and helps certified ranches connect with consumer markets using the Audubon Certified Bird Friendly seal or sourcing from producers meeting ACR certification attributes. The position partners with sustainable agriculture organizations, agencies, and other conservation partners to deliver private landowner programming. The position is classified as hybrid preferred. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday, plus two additional days each month of their choosing. Remote work within the United States may be considered for candidates outside commuting distance of an Audubon office, under Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Audubon offices for this role include Oakland, Palm Desert, and Sacramento, California.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in range management, ecology, natural resources management, wildlife management, regenerative agriculture, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
At least five years of experience with project development or coordination, conservation planning, or similar work.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate with partners and manage teams and projects effectively.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentations, and the ability to communicate technical and complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Strong project management skills, including goal-setting and implementation, problem-solving, contract and grant management, collaboration development, public awareness activities, and report preparation.
Experience with grassland conservation or rangeland management.
Knowledge and appreciation of ranching and grazing culture, grassland and range management issues, sustainable, holistic, or regenerative ranching practices, and agricultural cost-share and incentive programs.
Experience with California plant and bird identification, management sampling methods, wildlife surveys, and wildlife habitat management.
Working knowledge of ArcGIS, GPS, and other GIS technologies.
Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other key Microsoft Office and web-based products.
Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Comfort driving on unpaved surfaces in rural areas.
Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and move tools and equipment, with or without accommodation.
Comfort with extensive day travel and occasional overnight travel as necessary.
Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings as the job demands.
Access to reliable transportation throughout California.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments.

Responsibilities

Support management of the ACR Program in California, including implementation of its vision, strategy, and direction, and assist with managing the program budget.
Supervise regular and intern staff by establishing and reviewing work objectives and priorities, guiding and mentoring team members, and overseeing independent contractors as needed.
Build and maintain partnerships with NRCS, USFWS, Resource Conservation Districts, state agencies, conservation professionals, organizations, and land managers to grow awareness and interest in ACR.
Develop Habitat Management Plans outlining management objectives and planned actions to benefit priority grassland bird species on enrolled ranches.
Work with partners to provide ranchers with technical assistance workshops and consultation on regenerative grazing, holistic management, and conservation grazing.
Connect enrolled ranches with Audubon, local, state, and federal financial assistance opportunities to implement habitat enhancement plans and projects.
Manage project budgets, reporting requirements, and third-party contracts in accordance with Audubon’s grant tracking, contracting, and reporting procedures.
Conduct or coordinate bird, soil health, and other ecological monitoring on ACR ranches.
Work with national ACR communications and marketing staff to share stories and information about ranch management practices, projects, monitoring results, bird biology, ecological outcomes, soil health, and market connections.
Identify funding programs and sources, assist with preparing funding proposals, and meet with program donors and supporters as needed.
Represent Audubon and ACR at online and in-person meetings and conferences, provide state program updates, and share best practices.
Partner with the ACR California Director, national ACR staff, and other partners on strategic planning to build program capacity, funding, participation, partnerships, and ecological outcomes.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.