Audubon South Carolina has a robust working lands program that includes hands on management of more than 30,000 acres of Audubon owned/managed forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Audubon SC also works extensively with private and public land managers and owners in the forested and agricultural landscapes of the state to implement land management practices that enhance habitat for priority birds while promoting flood and climate resilience. Reporting to the Director of Land Conservation, and collaborating closely with other teams, the Working Lands Program Manager will be charged with leading landowner outreach and technical assistance efforts across South Carolina in support of Audubon’s habitat management goals by supporting programs funded by the Forest Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other targeted grants. The position will have a specific focus on priority landscapes identified by Audubon scientists based on land attributes such as carbon, connectivity, and demographic data. The Program Manager will also collaborate with Audubon colleagues, chapter members, and volunteers—as well as conservation allies and partner organizations — to advance the goals and objectives of Audubon’s Flight Plan.
The ideal candidate is an effective project manager with experience fostering collaborative partnerships and/or coalitions related to land management and/or conservation. They are also a creative thinker and inclusive team player, who approaches their work with a commitment to mutual respect and a desire and willingness to learn as much as to teach. The standard workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, however, occasional weekend work is to be expected. This is a remote position based in South Carolina. This Manager may work remotely and/or at one of our offices in Columbia, Charleston, Silver Bluff Sanctuary (Jackson), or Beidler Forest Center and Sanctuary (Harleyville). Frequent travel is expected throughout the state including but not limited to the lowcountry, midlands, and the upstate and around our sanctuaries and project areas.
This position is grant funded, with grant funds available for a two and a half-year position.
Compensation: $63,000 – $68,000 / year
Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, conservation biology, or a closely related field required, as well as a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. Master’s degree preferred and an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Knowledge of forestry and forest management techniques that are employed in eastern forests.
Experience with forest systems and ecosystem services is required.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to build consensus and effectively engage a wide range of audiences.
Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Familiarity with forests, working landscapes, and ecosystems of South Carolina. Knowledge of birds of South Carolina and their habitat requirements a plus.
Experience collaborating with multigenerational audiences and diverse cultural communities and a commitment to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion as a core component of our work.
Passion for and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society.
Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively with landowners, conservation partners and stakeholders.
Proficiency with MS Office applications required.
Experience with ArcGIS preferred but not required.
Ability to traverse uneven and steep terrain with or without accommodation in inclement weather.
Must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle and be able to provide your own transportation.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly within South Carolina (and occasionally out of state) and to work nights and weekends as needed.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.