Grassland Bird Trust Career Opportunities

The Grassland Bird Trust, Inc. (“GBT”) is seeking a passionate and self-motivated Stewardship & Outreach Manager to help increase grassland bird habitat for endangered, threatened and rapidly declining grassland birds.  

 GBT’s focus is on 102,000 acres in the NYSDEC Washington County Grassland Bird Conservation Center (GBCC) that extends from southern Washington County north to the Adirondack Mountains. Notably, the Audubon-designated Fort Edward Grasslands Important Bird Area (IBA) is located in the heart of the GBCC. The Washington County GBCC constitutes one of the largest remaining grassland areas in New York State. GBT owns 78 acres in the IBA, 2.5 miles from a 478-acre Wildlife Management Area owned and managed by NYSDEC.  

 The Stewardship & Outreach Manager is critical for achieving GBT’s mission and is responsible for the stewardship of GBT’s land, initiating projects with private landowners to increase grassland habitat for the benefit of grassland birds and identifying opportunities to acquire more land. This person will also assist with educational events to increase GBT member and community engagement. Initially, this will be the only full-time staff position so the employee will need to perform with limited supervision and be able to communicate effectively with the Board of Directors, members, volunteers, other conservation organizations and the birding community.   

Principal Responsibilities:    

• Oversee stewardship of GBT’s preserves including working with the current volunteer Stewardship & Conservation Chair (“S&C Chair”) to implement management plans, including invasive species management, land stewardship and public access. 
• Prepare management plans for new conservation properties according to Land Trust Standards & Practices.  
• Complete GBT’s annual monitoring obligations ensuring that reporting responsibilities are met and that compliance issues are tracked and resolved by the Board.  
• Work with the GBT Board to assess parcels of interest to GBT for potential habitat management projects, and for purchase by GBT or renewable energy firms seeking land to fulfill grassland mitigation requirements under New York State site permitting regulations.  
• Work with the GBT Board to identify land parcels in the Washington County Grasslands for potential purchase by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 
• Launch a pilot habitat management program for grassland birds on private lands including program design, outreach, education, site assessments, monitoring for bird activities and mowing practices, and collaborating with landowners and volunteers with the goal of expanding the program in subsequent years.   
• Organize and coordinate volunteers for stewardship, habitat management and outreach activities.  
• Assist with member and community educational events, including winter raptor surveys, breeding bird surveys, birding walks, and educational workshops and programs both in person and online.   
• Assist with grant writing and seek out new grant opportunities to fund GBT’s stewardship and habitat management projects and assist with grant administration.  
• Collaborate with partners and represent GBT at relevant local and regional meetings, workshops and other appropriate events. 
• Maintain a commitment to Land Trust Standards and Practices, including documentation and project file completion.  

  Qualifications: 

• A demonstrated strong interest in birds, bird identification skills and bird habitat.  
• A four-year degree, preferably in biology, environmental sciences, natural resources management, or related field. A master’s degree is preferred.  
• At least one year of experience with a land trust, environmental education organization, conservation organization, or other related organization.    
• Some experience using and managing GIS data.   
• Some experience with field research, including collecting and analyzing ecological data.  
• Strong organizational, writing and interpersonal communication skills.   
• Computer proficiency, including but not limited to experience with Microsoft Suite and data management. 
• A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle. 

Other Desirable Skills: 

• Experience conducting education programs.  
• Experience organizing and leading volunteers.  

Schedule: 

An average of 40 hours per week with a flexible work schedule, which may include occasional longer field days, evenings or weekends to assist or lead events such as volunteer work sessions, guided hikes, or other community outreach programs.   

Compensation & Benefits:  

This position is full-time with a salaried pay range of $55,000 – $60,000 per year. GBT provides a stipend to help cover health care insurance costs. Paid Time Off is allotted annually and includes two personal days, two weeks of vacation, and 13 Federal/State Holidays. An additional vacation day will be added for each year of service up to a total of four weeks. Family Leave complies with New York State policy.  

To Apply:  

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to info@grasslandbirdtrust.org with the subject line “Stewardship & Outreach Manager.”   

 GBT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.