Hutton Niobrara Ranch Manager

Audubon of Kansas

Hutton Niobrara Ranch Manager

Location:

Bassett, NE

The Hutton Niobrara Ranch Manager is responsible for implementing all habitat management and property maintenance at Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary near Bassett, NE, and along a portion of the National Wild and Scenic Niobrara River. The role includes improving wildlife habitat through controlling woody encroachment and invasive species, supporting ranching operations, and public outreach. Duties include implementing prescribed burns, invasive species removal, fence building, wildlife monitoring, property maintenance, and other tasks as assigned.

The Manager also oversees visitation to the ranch, including overnight guests, researchers, and local outreach activities, and works with the Executive Director to develop an annual management plan. Affordable onsite housing is available; residence within 40 minutes of the ranch is required.

• Prepares fire breaks and implements prescribed fire through working with prescribed burn associations and local fire departments
• Maintains fence through repair and tree removal
• Maintains equipment and facilities
• Monitors habitat and wildlife to evaluate the effectiveness of habitat management
• Arranges volunteer opportunities to support habitat management including supervising volunteers in the field and coordinating logistics
• Oversees contract implementation for improvements and repairs, Conservation Reserve Program, and other grant opportunities

• Helps support outreach opportunities, such as leading sharp‑tailed grouse tours, hosting environmental education events for the public, and organizing open houses. Such duties may include recruiting speakers, arranging advertising, providing logistical support during the event (preparing or supervising lodging preparations for guest stays, providing a tour of facilities, and event logistics), and cleaning up after the event.

• Participates in meetings with the Executive Director, Board, and Protected Areas Committee
• Advises the Executive Director of habitat management opportunities and infrastructure needs
• Works collaboratively with Executive Director to prepare quality grant requests
• Prepares Protected Areas Management Plan with Executive Director annually

• Other duties as assigned based on the individual’s interests and skills and AOK’s needs

• Salary $33,000-$43,000 based on experience
• Paid vacation with flexible work hours
• 4% retirement match
• Health care stipend
• Cell phone allowance
• Ongoing training opportunities
• Use of AOK vehicle to travel on site and to Kansas
• Affordable onsite housing available; housing within 40 minutes of the Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary near Bassett, Nebraska, required

• Dedication to AOK’s mission
• High School diploma
• Valid driver’s license
• Dedication to a safe working environment
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently
• Optimistic and problem‑solving attitude
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland, and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat

• College degree in wildlife management or related field OR 4 years experience in wildlife or ranch management
• Experience with safe operation of tractors, mowers, chainsaws, skid steer, and towing
• Experience with prescribed burning and invasive tree management
• Experience with farming and ranching management
• Experience with monitoring plant or animal populations
• Experience with safe herbicide application
• Experience with environmental education or landowner outreach

• Ability to work on a computer and to complete general office tasks
• Strength to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds
• Must be able to climb stairs, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Must be able to complete habitat management tasks which may include carrying equipment to restoration site and participate in restoration projects, including cutting small cedar trees, clipping and pulling invasive plants, carrying spray canisters to kill invasive plants, and moving soil or rocks.
• Must be able to physically operate machinery, such as tractors, skid steers, and lawn mowers. Training provided if needed.