Range Ecologist

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 ubon.org.

The Range Ecologist will work closely with local landowners to implement working lands conservation programs delivered by Audubon and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These programs aim to improve private landowners’ ability to implement bird-friendly land management actions. The Range Ecologist enrolls landowners into these programs and assists them in the implementation of innovative land‑management practices. This position is grant‑funded under a two‑year agreement with the possibility of extension and is based out of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office in North Platte, Nebraska.

$55,370 – $62,000 per year. The role is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

• Serve as an on‑ground Range Ecologist for Audubon Working Lands programs to enhance grassland habitat for priority bird species.
• Provide excellent technical service to agricultural producers participating in conservation programs.
• Facilitate demand for conservation implementation through partnerships with local landowners, agencies, and organizations.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with ranchers and landowners.
• Communicate program goals and work with ranchers/landowners to develop plans for each project.
• Execute timely agreements and project plans for landowners participating in financial assistance conservation programs.
• Support grant reporting related to Audubon and NGPC conservation work.
• Participate in local outreach events to share expertise and educate the public.
• Maintain excellent communication with supervisor and administrative staff.
• Engage in professional development activities in line with a yearly growth and performance plan.
• Plan and participate in landowner workshops and other educational events.
• Attend training events held by local partners, such as NRCS, USFWS, and state grazing coalitions to build ecological understanding.
• Represent Audubon at events to promote and educate partners on working lands programs, grassland bird conservation, and rangeland management practices.
• Develop Habitat Management Plans for private lands enrolled in conservation programs.
• 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.
• Operate a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission pickup truck for landowner meetings, project management, and project delivery.
• Travel occasionally overnight or out-of-state and regularly within Nebraska.

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in biology, range management, ecology, natural resources management, wildlife management, or related field.
• At least three years of experience with similar work in grasslands.
• Experience working with local agencies and organizations to help ranchers secure cost‑share and incentive program funding.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to work effectively with producers and partners.
• Work occasional weekends, evenings, and early mornings.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS, GPS, and other GIS technology.
• Experience with Northern Great Plains grassland plant identification and management.
• Experience with Northern Great Plains avian management and identification by sight and sound.
• Familiarity…