Senior Associate, Land Stewardship

National Audubon Society•Marysville, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Audubon Wattis Sanctuary is an 843-acre seasonal wetland in Colusa County, CA. This Audubon property is distinguished as a bird sanctuary and refuge to waterfowl. The sanctuary is part of an Important Bird Area and has several managed wetlands and ponds, riparian upland, and open grassland habitats. The area is managed as a seasonal marsh for the benefit of all wildlife, and a primary goal of management is to maintain a diverse habitat for the benefit of all birds and waterfowl as well as other wildlife. The Wattis Sanctuary is seeking a part-time Senior Associate, Land Stewardship. This position is responsible for land management, on-site coordination of vendors and contractors, and representing Audubon to visitors and partners. The Senior Associate will be completing day-to-day tasks, including water systems maintenance, mowing, road maintenance, and habitat stewardship. The Senior Associate will notify their supervisor when additional capacity is needed for larger projects. The position will report to the Director, Strategic Operations and work closely with working lands staff in the Central Valley, other sanctuary managers. This person will be the main point of contact for visitors that may occasionally visit the Sanctuary for tours, bird surveys, or donor events. This is an on-site position at Wattis Sanctuary, located in Colusa County, CA.

Requirements

Experience working in or knowledge of wetlands, waterfowl habitat management, or in parks or open spaces maintenance preferred
Must be very adaptable and able to solve problems and keep supervisor up to date about progress or when support is needed.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
Must be willing to work alone in remote, isolated location.
Have a working understanding of vehicle/machinery maintenance and repairs; chainsaw operation and sharpening; power Tool use/maintenance/repair; and tractor, backhoe, and dozer operation, including implements.
Be able to familiarize yourself with and maintain Sanctuary infrastructure and habitat including, but not limited to water supply springs/source, pumps, canals, culverts, and ditches; roads including repairs and culvert clearing; and gates and fences.
Willingness to work weekends and evenings as needed.
Must possess a valid driver's license, have access to personal transportation and be able to work independently on site.
Comfortable working in an outdoor environment, in varying weather & environmental conditions (exposure to disease-bearing insects and wildlife) and rugged terrains.
Ability to transport up to 50 pounds, with or without accommodation.

Responsibilities

Maintain all infrastructure including pumps, canals, gates, roads, water control structures, dikes, signage, equipment, channels, canals and ditches.
Implement and coordinate work plans for habitat and wildlife management such as maintaining water levels, planting native plants, removing invasive species, etc. and document work completed.
Responsible for maintenance of Audubon-issued equipment, including but not limited to truck, tractor, mower, power tools, etc.
Ensure compliance with pesticide protocol including training, certification, permit, completing the NOI (notice of intent) documentation, annual reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Assist with monitoring and addressing trespass issues.
Operate and maintain heavy machinery, power equipment and vehicles; oversee all maintenance projects for equipment when needed.
Conduct predator/pest management or control as necessary.
Conduct necessary annual easement compliance monitoring and annual reporting to Audubon’s sanctuary and legal teams.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Develop working relationships with local partners, agencies, and Audubon chapters.
Participate in relevant Audubon all staff calls and staff working groups, task forces, phone calls, meetings, and/or conventions as appropriate and requested.
Coordinate and provide access to occasional visitors, including Audubon chapters and staff.
Oversee vendors and contractors completing work on-site.