Land Management Assistant

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

The Sharon Audubon Center and Miles Audubon Sanctuary comprise nearly 2,000 acres of forest, trails, wetlands, fields, gardens, and grounds, managed primarily to provide excellent habitat for birds. An additional objective is to provide a safe, welcoming, and accessible venue for people to enjoy the landscape and wildlife of Northwest CT. Achieving these objectives requires intensive management during the growing season.

The Land Management Assistant is a seasonal position running from April through August, with a 35-hour work week, reporting to Sharon Audubon’s Land and Facilities Manager, to assist as needed with all aspects of maintaining wildlife habitat, visitor areas, facilities, and buildings at the Sharon Audubon Center and Miles Sanctuary.

Compensation:

$20.00 / hour

Essential Functions

Working under the direction of the Land and Facilities Manager:

• Mowing/trimming of lawns, grassland habitats, and wildflower meadows
• Mechanical control of invasive species throughout the property
• Minor tree work such as pruning, removal of small trees, keeping trails clear of obstructions
• Wood-splitting or chipping downed wood
• Weeding, planting, transplanting in our native plant gardens
• Supervising volunteer work crews (requires working on some Saturdays)
• Minor carpentry and repairs of boardwalks, fences, buildings and facilities
• General maintenance and upkeep such as disposal of materials or cleaning as needed

Qualifications and Experience

Required:

• High school diploma
• Current CT driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and work as part of a team or independently
• Positive, problem-solving approach to a variety of situations
• Ability to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation
• Ability to work outdoors for prolonged periods in a variety of terrains and weather conditions
• Background check

Preferred:

• College coursework or degree in land management, natural resource management, or related field; or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Carpentry/construction skills strongly preferred
• Experience working with power equipment such as drills, chainsaws, mowers.
• Experience driving large vehicles such as trucks, tractors.
• Experience supervising volunteers of all ages with an emphasis on safety, clear instructions or training, and coordinated effort.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.