Reporting to the Center Director, this position is responsible for creating and implementing the Habitat Management Plan and executing habitat restoration and management activities on the 2600 acres at Pine Island Sanctuary and Center.
This role will coordinate and execute all day-to-day onsite field operations and management with maintenance of equipment, grounds, and buildings. The Senior Coordinator will use their ability to work independently and think critically. The position requires strong organizational skills, and knowledge of North Carolina’s native ecological communities to meet stewardship, management, and operational goals and priorities. Furthermore, knowledge and skills in built infrastructure (buildings, etc.) management is required. This position is in-person at Audubon North Carolina – Pine Island Sanctuary and Center, Monday through Friday. Core hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays, with significant evening and weekend work required.
Compensation:
$45,000 – $52,000/ year
Essential Functions
Develop and implement a Conservation and Resource Management Plan in order to restore, maintain and enhance the sanctuaries’ habitats using current best practices. Primary focus is on active management of the extensive marsh/wetland system.
Develop measurable goals and action plans for habitat restoration and management. Monitors and assesses progress towards these goals.
Collaborate with other landowners to effectively manage resources on a larger (regional) scale. Works with other organizations to advance the Sanctuary’s habitat management goals.
Facilitates partner research and scientific projects. Implement Sanctuary initiated research and restoration activities. Example research projects include avian surveys, wildlife and botanical inventories, habitat monitoring and sea-level rise adaptation modeling and adaptation implementation.
Work with the Center Director to support and potentially coordinate the Hunt Program. Tasks include but are not limited to: Maintaining all marsh blinds consistent with regulations set forth by the Currituck County Game Commission. Organize and supervise Donor, Politico, and other influencer hunts. Ensure the Hunt Program operates safely.
Develops and implements avian resource management plans with an emphasis on waterfowl, shorebirds, and marsh birds. Maintain and enhance bird impoundments. Ensure site is managed to maximize biodiversity.
Establish and enforce safety protocols.
Consult with recognized experts about management plans that benefit species of conservation concern. Establish management strategies through independent analysis of past techniques utilized and actual results from the field.
Support our region-wide efforts, e.g. collaboration with partners in the Currituck Sound Coalition.
Supports educational programs and outreach activities conducted by the Sanctuary.
Creates, plans, and coordinates effective long-range development strategies for the land management, coastal resilience, and education/research missions of Pine Island. Emphasis is on strategies associated with coastal wetland management, species conservation and sea-level rise adaptation.
Responsible for the safety and security of the property, especially marsh patrols and hunter safety during waterfowl hunting season to prevent activities that are damaging to the natural resources of the sanctuary.
Create and maintain all signage. Perform general repairs, including basic carpentry, painting, plumbing, and routine maintenance of buildings on the Sanctuary.
Coordinate contracts related to major repairs and maintenance.
Manage contracted janitorial services for buildings to maintain appearance, condition, and sanitary state.
Contract and/or perform landscape maintenance on grounds.
Maintain public areas to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
Maintain in a safe and clean operating condition all equipment, tools, vessels, and vehicles.
Monitor all physical plant aspects of the Pine Island property and facilities.
Supervise seasonals, interns, and volunteers.
Act as the representative for the Sanctuary in professional organizations and meetings pertaining to natural resource management.
Develop measurable goals and action plans, as well as monitoring and assessing progress toward them.
Manage operating expenses and revenues.
Assist with special events as needed.
Assist with the cultivation of supporters e.g., donors, volunteers, members, and others.
Prepare reports as requested by Center Director.
Other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource (wildlife management, biology, environmental science, etc.) or related experience is required.
3 years’ experience with coastal wetland habitat management, science or education is required.
Hunter’s license and safety certification preferred or a willingness to obtain a Hunter’s license and safety certification.
The candidate must be able to work outdoors in a variety of climatic conditions typical of the southeastern U.S. and a coastal environment with or without accommodation.
Budget management skills are desirable. The candidate should also possess good communication skills, both written and verbal.
Must have a passion for conservation of natural resources. Knowledge of these resources (especially birds and other wildlife), coastal habitat management practices, and ecological processes is paramount.
They must be able to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work as part of a team as well as independently.
The individual must be adaptable, pro-active, have a can-do attitude and a tolerant, friendly personality. Good organizational skills and attention to detail are important.
Must be able to stand, sit, or traverse for prolonged periods of time with or without accommodation; lift 50 lbs., bend, twist, push, pull with or without accommodation as necessary in regard to daily operations.
Must be able to operate standard office equipment, landscaping equipment, hand and power tools, motor vehicles and vessels with or without accommodation.
Other equipment experience that is helpful includes operating a tractor with front-end loader, other farm implements, chainsaws, all-terrain vehicle, various herbicide applicators, and prescribed fire equipment.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have experience in operating and maintaining equipment (e.g. tractor, 4wd vehicles, power equipment, etc.) necessary to habitat management.
Ability to operate a motorboat is required.