Field Manager

Position Summary:

The Starr Ranch Field Manager will work closely with the Research, Education and Land Management Director to ensure the smooth functioning of upland and riparian non-chemical exotic species control and rare habitat restoration projects for the 4,000-acre Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary. The Field Manager will lead invasive plant species control, restoration, and research.  The Field Manager will supervise the mechanical and physical control of invasive species and all aspects of invasive species control and restoration including native seed collection and planting, experimental tests of weed removal, restoration techniques, and quantitative monitoring. The Field Manager oversees data collection, entry, and storage and helps summarize data from monitoring and experiments using Microsoft Excel or GoogleEarth and GIS. The Field Manager supports research proposals, reports and is responsible for the care and maintenance of equipment, including brush cutters and similar equipment. All such work at Starr Ranch is non-chemical (no herbicides used) and guided by research that is executed on site.

This position is located in Trabuco Canyon at Starr Ranch, with optional housing provided, on our 4000-acre Sanctuary.

Targeted start date for this position is August 2025 and runs 1 – 1.5 years from start date with possibility of extension, depending on funding.

Compensation:

$70,000 - $75,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Lead all efforts & staff in invasive plant species control, restoration, and research.

• Work with the Land Management Director to schedule invasive species control and restoration work.

• Supervise the mechanical and physical control of invasive species and all aspects of invasive species control and restoration including native seed collection and planting, experimental tests of weed removal, restoration techniques, and quantitative monitoring. 

• Oversee data collection, entry, and storage and help summarize data from monitoring and experiments.

• Responsible for efficient operation of weed control, restoration, and data collection activities, ensuring rigorous implementation of protocols; and maintaining high standards of data collection.

• Support research proposals and reports by using GoogleEarth and GIS to produce maps of project locations and progress.

• Responsible for the care and maintenance of equipment, including brush cutters and similar equipment.

• 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 biological science or related field required. Five years of experience in the field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Demonstrated experience with data collection and analytics.

• Experience in outdoor physical work and plant sampling in the field is desirable.

• Demonstrated leadership potential and experience

• Knowledge of plants and birds of southern California preferred

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

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

• Experience using GoogleEarth and GIS to produce maps of project locations and progress.

• Basic mechanical skills for the care and maintenance of equipment.

• Able and willing to operate a tractor and heavy equipment, with or without accommodation.

• Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions and on varying terrain, with or without accommodation.

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 wit