Position Description
Director of Conservation Science
Audubon California
Audubon California was formed in 1996 with a simple purpose: To build a better future for
California by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy, and protect birds and nature. We
are a statewide conservation organization representing over 100,000 members and
supporters and 48 affiliated Audubon chapters, part of a nationwide Audubon network that
includes chapters, state field programs, and a national office. Audubon California operates
nine nature centers and sanctuaries throughout the state, where we manage 18,000 acres for
the benefit of birds and other wildlife. We have offices in Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay
Area, and Los Angeles.
Audubon California is increasing its work at a regional scale and doing more to integrate its
conservation activities within the context of the Pacific Flyway and California Current. In
addition, we are participating in the development of cross‐cutting conservation strategies
with Audubon partners across the country and hemisphere.
In our first 15 years we have grown tremendously. We now have a staff of 55 and an annual
operating budget of $7 million, and in recent years have emerged as a significant
conservation player making a difference in California with unique strengths that set it apart
and make our organization successful:
 A proven collaborator: From our role bringing developers and conservation groups to
the table to finalize the landmark Tejon Ranch Conservation Agreement to our efforts
to bring farmers, public agencies, and conservation groups together to protect
threatened Tricolored Blackbirds – Audubon California repeatedly demonstrates its
ability to forge nontraditional partnerships that result in major conservation victories.
 A catalyst within Audubon: Our organization draws both on the experiences and
resources of the National Audubon Society, and play a substantial leadership role in
the organization throughout the Pacific Flyway. We seek to have programs initiated in
California blend seamlessly with Audubon programs throughout the United States and
beyond through our partnerships with BirdLife International.
 Boots on the ground: With members, chapters, centers and sanctuaries, a state
program, a national program and a network of Important Bird Areas, Audubon has the
ability to work effectively at nearly every level, be it local, regional, statewide, or
national.
Position Description 2
The Director of Conservation Science will:
 Help Audubon California focus on the highest priority conservation challenges facing
birds in California and the Pacific Flyway. Ensure that Audubon is prepared to
address important bird conservation issues such as trends in bird populations and
threats to birds and their habitats.
 Be responsible for bringing the best possible science to guide Audubon California’s
work. Identify science gaps that are constraining conservation action and determine
how best to address those gaps. Advise program staff and ensure that best possible
science is informing project goals and strategies. Assist and lead in solving complex
conservation problems.
 Serve as a science ambassador and networker connecting Audubon with conservation
leaders and partners, building partnerships and staying current with developments in
conservation science to ensuring that the best ideas and practices are incorporated
into our work.
 Serve as a spokesperson and a representative for Audubon in the media, before the
legislature and at conferences. Interact with Audubon California Board, donors, and
Audubon chapters.
 Help strengthen the Audubon network throughout the Pacific Flyway and California
and build ties to Audubon chapters and the birding community to help encourage
citizen science involvement in bird and habitat conservation.
 Report to Audubon California’s Executive Director. The Director will hire additional
staff as needed and as funds are identified. S/he will also supervise conservation staff
and programs and be responsible for managing budgets.
Qualifications
Ph.D. scientist with degree in biology or equivalent with emphasis in ornithology, and
publications. 7+ years experience solving real conservation problems. Good knowledge of
environmental laws and natural resource management agencies. Expert knowledge of
western North American bird life and strong knowledge of world avifauna a plus. Excellent
field identification skills and proven field work experience. Proven ability to interpret bird
life enthusiastically to the public and the media. Strong interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal
and written communication skills. Working knowledge and experience with bird census
methodologies, spatial and ecological modeling and statistical analysis. Comfort with
working in an advocacy organization and passionate in seeing conservation outcomes
achieved. Must be willing to travel and possess valid driver’s license for state and regional
travel. Physical ability to lead trips and carry equipment over rough terrain.
Position Description 3
Compensation
Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Audubon full‐time employees receive
holiday, sick, and vacation leave, generous retirement benefits, health and dental insurance
plan.
Application
Please only submit your application to:
https://careers‐audubon.icims.com/jobs/1134/job