Audubon California Job Opportunities

Ranch Manager, Bobcat Ranch,

Purpose of the position:

Audubon Bobcat Ranch is a 6,800 acre ranch northwest of Winters, California managed for wildlands and cattle. The Ranch Manager will coordinate with neighbors, local partners and Landowner Stewardship Program (LSP) staff to implement the Bobcat Ranch Management plan on the ground. The Ranch Manager will also coordinate volunteer stewardship activities and lead numerous field trips with donors, Audubon Chapters, agencies and other interested members of the public. The manager will live on the ranch.

Essential Functions:

Coordinate implementation of the Bobcat Ranch management plan.
Assist LSP staff with restoration and habitat management planning and mapping projects.
With the LSP ecologist coordinate research identified in the management plan with local research institutions and partners.
Conduct maintenance and restoration activities using appropriate equipment.
Maintain trails, roads and open space areas using appropriate equipment that may include tractor, grader, mower and hand tools.
Use manual or chemical methods to control invasive and non-native plant species.
Oversee general property operations and maintenance of facilities including fencing, buildings, gates and corrals.
Ensure that all activities on the Audubon Bobcat Ranch are consistent with the conservation easement held by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Maintain strong working relationships and communications with neighboring private landowners.
Patrol boundaries and work closely with legal agencies to prevent trespass and poaching.
Post boundaries, clean up litter, and perform other custodial maintenance on preserve as needed.

Additional Functions:

Coordinate grazing lease with lessees.
Develop a network of volunteers and land managers and assist Landowner Stewardship Program and other conservation organizations to coordinate volunteer work days, hikes and other field activities at the Ranch.
Assist with implementation of student field days to implement restoration activities on the ranch.
Develop and build range camp on the ranch
Assist program ecologist and restorationists to develop a rapid ecological assessment protocol and mapping of invasive and native species to prioritize conservation efforts.
Coordinate and supervise building projects consistent with the conservation easement.
Assist on other projects as needed and as assigned by supervisor (e.g. library research, data entry, GIS analysis, field assistance, lab work, or participation on special projects).
Assist with fundraising activities on the ranch.

Relationships:

Internal: Report to Audubon California Landowner Stewardship Program Director. Work collaboratively with other Landowner Stewardship Program staff.
The Ranch Manager will be required to live on the Bobcat Ranch
External: Work with partner agencies, organizations and individuals including: Local ranchers and neighbors, Department of Fish and Game, Bureau of Land Management, Yolo County Resource Conservation District, Yolo County Department of Natural Resources, Center for Land-Based Learning, U.C Davis, U.C. Cooperative Extension, Yolo and Solano Land Trusts and Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee.

Equipment

Ability to operate 4-wheel drive, manual transmission vehicles and farm machinery and chainsaws, and experience in general maintenance of equipment.
Proficient with the use of GIS/GPS technology and data and willingness to explore new technologies.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, Miradi, video editing software and other programs as needed.
Good research skills; fluency with internet information searches.
Valid Driver's License.

Qualifications

Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher degree in ecology, range science, biology, life sciences or related field.
Minimum of three years related work experience in ranch management, restoration ecology or biological field work or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the skills knowledge and ability necessary to perform the position as described.
Must work effectively and independently to accomplish ranch management plan annual objectives.
Demonstrated knowledge of ecology, natural history, field research, conservation, stewardship and restoration.
Knowledge of California’s native ecological communities and their natural processes desirable.
Restricted use herbicide application license or willingness to obtain.
Ability to work cooperatively with a wide variety of people in stressful conditions and maintain a positive attitude, follow assignments closely and work independently of supervisor.
Ability to keep organized and accurate records and work efficiently without direct supervision.
Innovative and creative problem solving skills when working independently.
Strong communication and writing skills; comfortable with diverse audiences, including public land managers, environmental regulators, and volunteers.
Demonstrated supervisory experience including the ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance of staff, volunteers, field crews and researchers.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, ecological land management, and natural resource preservation.
Some knowledge of construction, plumbing, electrical and building maintenance.
Ability to work flexible hours. Willingness to work weekends when needed.
Ability to travel when required for research and training.
Commitment to Audubon mission.

Physical Requirements
The Ranch Manager may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physical demanding circumstances.
These conditions include

Ability to perform hard physical work for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions and in all extremes of weather.
May require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
Requires the ability to lift up to 60 pounds.

Application
Please review the Landowner Stewardship Program website at http://ca.audubon.org/lsp and send resume to Vance Russell, . No calls please.

The mission of Audubon California is to conserve and restore California's natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. By connecting people with nature, Audubon California is an emerging leader in creating a powerful California voice for the environment, deeply rooted in and broadly drawn from all parts of our population.