Senior Assistant, Conservation

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Little Rock Audubon Center (LRAC) is part of the National Audubon Society's network of conservation action centers. Located in the historic community of Granite Mountain, the Center provides a network of trails for the public on 450-acres. It serves as an environmental education hub and demonstration site for Audubon's on-the-ground habitat management. 

The Senior Assistant, Conservation supports the Little Rock Audubon Center through a variety of responsibilities related to habitat management and community building, primarily through volunteer engagement. This position will work with the Habitat Coordinator to advance habitat restoration and management goals on Center grounds and at nearby public spaces. The Senior Assistant, Conservation will support this conservation work, coordinating group, individual, and potentially corporate volunteer workdays. Additional duties include helping maintain grounds and acreage through invasive species removal, management tracking, and the implementation of conservation best practices. This position will assist other departments as needed to support projects that advance Audubon’s mission to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, their habitats, and other wildlife. This is a 20 hours per week part-time position reporting to the Senior Center Manager. This position is classified as on-site at the Little Rock Audubon Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Evening and weekend work may sometimes be required.

Compensation:

$21.00 - $24.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Engage volunteers in habitat restoration and management activities on 450-acres of diverse habitat, including the nepheline syenite glade, with the support of the Senior Manager and Habitat Coordinator.

• With support from the Senior Manager, help organize and implement aspects of the volunteer program in support of the habitat restoration, monitoring, and outreach efforts at the Little Rock Audubon Center.  

• Prioritize the health and safety of staff and volunteers while working outdoors in the elements and using tools and equipment.

• Coordinate volunteer schedules to ensure coverage of tasks.

• Serve as contact person for volunteers as needed during their volunteer work hours.

• Assist teen program participants to support grounds and habitat management at the Little Rock Audubon Center.

• Participate in habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and landscape care at the Little Rock Audubon Center using best-practice strategies, which may include invasive species control and prescribed fire.

• Assist with equipment and supply inventory and equipment maintenance.

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• High School, GED or Vocational / 1+ years of experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Preference given to candidates with bird or plant identification skills or those interested in expanding their identification skills.

• Preference given to candidates with experience with habitat management, invasive species control, and related field work.

• Interest in and familiarity with central Arkansas ecosystems.

• Competent using Microsoft Office software and other computer programs as needed.

• Ability to work well independently and as a team member.

• Flexibility and ability to work with multiple demands and distractions.

• Experience working with individual volunteers and volunteer groups.

• Experience with use of light equipment or willing to learn.

• Comfortable supporting education and interpretive activities.

• Ability to maneuver to 50 lbs, traverse over uneven ground, and be willing to work outside for extended periods of time with or without accommodation.

• Must complete state-required pesticide use certifications.

• Willingness to work flexible hours when needed, including weekends.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

• Valid driver’s license required

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Building Relationships: Establish and nurture meaningful connections and trust with others while fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.  

Problem Solving: Find effective solutions to challenges and support decision-making by drawing on critical thinking, creativity, and systematic approaches.  

Accountability: Be reliable and trustworthy in fulfilling commitments while recognizing inequities that may impact the ability of others to fulfill responsibilities effectively.  

Supporting Change: Adapt to changes and modify behavior in response to new information or unexpected obstacles while considering the diverse needs of others.  

Critical Thinking: Take an active approach to analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information or situations objectively and logically to make informed decisions or judgments.  

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

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 [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.