Conservation Jobs in Helotes, TX (NOW HIRING)

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 at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center (MLAC) is seeking a qualified individual to fulfill the Land & Conservation Coordinator role. The Coordinator will oversee the Plants for Birds gardens and nursery, conservation and restoration projects onsite, the habitat management plan, grasslands and wetlands restoration projects, and general trail maintenance. The Coordinator will serve as liaison to San Antonio Water System (SAWS) Conservation department, and assist center staff in various capacities, including but not limited to community outreach, group habitat volunteer management, and various related administrative duties.

This is a full-time position with weekend hours required as job demands. This is an on-site position located at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center.

Compensation:

$23.77 - $25.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Oversee trail maintenance to include mulching, decomposed granite spreading, removal of invasive plant species, signage repairs and needs, and associated volunteer activities.

• Organize, schedule, and attend Mitchell Lake Audubon Center's Conservation Workdays, including volunteer recruitment and training as needed.

• Support non-native, invasive, and nuisance plant and animal species removal, using a wide variety of tools in conjunction with the habitat management plan for Mitchell Lake Audubon Center.

• Operate, supervise, and train others to use equipment, vehicles, and tools required to maintain gardens, grasslands, and trails in accordance with Audubon's Safety Plan.

• Coordinate with center staff, volunteers, and vendors on tasks related to the grounds and facilities.

• Serve as point of contact and coordinate with external partners to manage onsite conservation projects, including but not limited to grassland restoration and management, wetland restoration, invasive species removal, bird counts, monitoring and research.

• Serve as liaison to SAWS Conservation department and the Center's Water Conservation contract with a focus on the Plants for Birds demonstration garden and program, including but not limited to plant propagation, seasonal plantings, communications and reporting.

• Track and report water conservation metrics for annual reports and progress updates to current or potential funders.

• Monitor water control structures, working with the Center Resource Coordinator on addressing maintenance and/or the need to clear them of debris and vegetative growth.

• Coordinate with center and National Audubon staff in Texas in hiring conservation interns and oversee their day-to-day work.

• Coordinate with Site Hosts and other center staff to prepare for storms, protect property and refuge assets and conduct cleanup and repairs following storm impact. Be available to respond to emergency issues.

• Assist with related public programs, community workshops, and events representing the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center.

• Work with center Director and staff to proactively suggest solutions to operating challenges.

• Perform related data entry tasks, as well as other general administrative duties as needed.

• Assist with site preparation for events and rentals, stakeholder meetings, site tours, etc.

• Assist with periodic prescribed burns and vegetation surveys.

• Work cooperatively and effectively with National Audubon staff in Texas to ensure adherence to conservation priorities and help plan conservation demonstration projects at the Center.

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

• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.

• Collaborate with National Audubon colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.

• Maintain and foster culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, conservation biology, wildlife management, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Experience with facilities or trail maintenance, preferably at a large facility.

• Knowledge of local native plant species, including general seed collection, propagation, and planting needs.

• Knowledge of invasive plant and animal species and recommended removal methods.

• Must be a self-directed problem-solver with organizational and communication skills, with ability to work with a team and independently.

• Knowledge of groundskeeping, native plant gardening, landscaping, and/or trail maintenance.

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions and ability to recognize hazards and act quickly to rectify them.

• Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

• Customer service oriented, with the ability to interact respectfully with various diverse audiences.

• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Desire to continuously improve personal leadership skills.

• Ability to lead walking tours and outdoor programs, including travel on and off established trails, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Must be eager to learn and share knowledge.

• Ability to transport up to 50 lbs. and work outside in extreme temperatures, with or without accommodation.

• Possess a valid driver's license. Experience with UTVs, 4WD vehicles, and the ability to operate a manual transmission is a plus.

• Must be reliable and punctual.

• Experience with active, outdoor work, including hiking and observing wildlife in physically strenuous settings and varying weather conditions, in remote locations, and on hazardous terrain .

• First Aid and CPR certification is preferred.

• Multi-lingual preferred (Spanish, English, ASL, etc.).

• Knowledge of GIS systems/software a plus.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Building Relationships: Establish and nurture meaningful connections and trust with others while fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.

Problem Solving: Find effective solutions to challenges and support decision-making by drawing on critical thinking, creativity, and systematic approaches.

Accountability: Be reliable and trustworthy in fulfilling commitments while recognizing inequities that may impact the ability of others to fulfill responsibilities effectively.

Supporting Change: Adapt to changes and modify behavior in response to new information or unexpected obstacles while considering the diverse needs of others.

Critical Thinking: Take an active approach to analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information or situations objectively and logically to make informed decisions or judgments.

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

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org.This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.