Assistant Sanctuary Manager

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, nonpartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 1,000 staff and more than 2.6 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 and Instagram @audubonsociety

Position Summary

Starr Ranch Sanctuary is a 4,000 acre preserve owned and operated by the National Audubon Society. It is located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains in the mild and semiarid Mediterranean climate of southeastern Orange County, California, approximately 60 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The Ranch lies in unincorporated Orange County and is bordered by the Cleveland National Forest on the north and east, the Ronald W. Caspers Regional Park on the south and the developments of Dove Canyon and Coto de Caza on the west.

Some of the native habitats found in southern California are found nowhere else in the world and, unfortunately, they are disappearing at an alarming rate. Starr Ranch protects, enhances, and restores many of these habitats that are crucial to the ecosystem as well as birds in Southern California.

The Assistant Sanctuary Manager supports the oversight and maintenance of the Starr Ranch Sanctuary. This position will ensure the implementation of restoration, vegetation management, and site maintenance at the Starr Ranch Sanctuary, including buildings. The Assistant Sanctuary Manager will assist with habitat monitoring and stewardship at the preserve. This role will interact with other Audubon staff, neighboring landowners, government agencies, tribes and indigenous organizations, and community partners.

In collaboration with the other staff, the Assistant Sanctuary Manager maintains key partnerships and works to engage with volunteers and members of the community.

The Assistant Sanctuary Manager is required to live on-site in housing provided by Audubon as a condition of employment, and to provide a regular presence at the ranch. The Assistant Sanctuary Manger will be the first point of contact in the event of emergencies. Housing is provided in a recently built single-level cabin. It consists of a living space, including a full kitchen, small living room, one full bathroom and one bedroom.

The employee is required to keep the residence in good condition.  Audubon California will cover all maintenance costs and expenses including utilities.

Essential Functions:

Maintain effective partnerships and working relationships with local Audubon chapters, neighboring landowners, tribal groups, public and private conservation organizations.

Maintain and repair infrastructure including buildings, fences, gates, roads, water control structures, signage, equipment, and interpretive panels.

Operate and maintain tractor, power equipment, and vehicles; oversee maintenance of equipment.

Stay informed on current management for grassland and shrubland habitat as well as local and regional management issues. Attend or present at meetings, seminars and conferences as needed.

Support the preparation and implementation of management plans for restoration, fire prevention, roads, buildings, etc.

Participate in relevant Audubon all staff calls and staff working groups, task forces, phone calls, meetings, and/or conventions as needed.

Support the development of grant and funding proposals and reporting.

Lead tours, educational programs, oversee volunteer and other events as needed.  Coordinate visitor access and tours for other groups and staff as needed.

Assist with monitoring and addressing trespass issues.

Promote the Sanctuary and Audubon’s work on social media platforms and webpage.

Lead the orientation to Starr Ranch Preserve research and management for new staff, visitors, and volunteers and provide essential safety and site training.

Supervise seasonal staff, interns, fellows, and coordinate and manage contracted vendors.

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.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, range management, natural resources, or a related field, and three years of relevant experience in land management, forestry, agriculture, operations, research, or a similar field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of habitat conservation and land-management practices, with the ability to develop detailed knowledge of Starr Ranch Sanctuary’s ecological significance for birds, people, and conservation.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and email, with the ability to learn Audubon software used for billing and reimbursements, human resources, and timekeeping.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt communications for different audiences and build consensus.
• Self-starter with a strong collaborative work ethic and the ability to work independently.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Willingness to live in a rural area.
• Ability and willingness to perform physical outdoor work on uneven terrain and in varying or extreme weather conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability and willingness to travel within California, occasionally travel out of state, and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed to meet operational requirements.
• Experience working with multigenerational audiences and diverse cultural communities.
• Experience overseeing contractors, vendors, volunteers, or staff.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments.
• This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
• National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.
• Fostering Relationships : Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
• Analytical Thinking : Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.
• Creativity and Innovation : Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.
• Facilitating Change : Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.
• Team Leadership : Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.
• 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

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