Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action.  By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive.  And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level.  What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country.  Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

The Salton Sea Program Associate will work closely with the Salton Sea Program Director and other identified staff on Audubon’s Salton Sea Program. The associate will play an instrumental part to coordinate and implement the Salton Sea community science and engagement program and help organize community meetings, events, tours, etc. This person will also help identify, monitor, and help track habitat projects at the Sea, and work to help form a round table of committed leaders to discuss the future solutions for the sustainability of the Salton Sea. They will work closely with a wide diversity of partners such as academic institutions, faith-based groups, high schools, environmental justice partners, chambers of commerce, etc.

This position will be located in: Palm Desert CA which is in the Coachella Valley.

• Coordinate conservation partnerships between the various groups mentioned above and Audubon California Salton Sea Program.
• Implement and oversee a community science and engagement project, “Eyes on the Sea”.
• Identify, recruit and coordinate students, volunteers, community members and partner organizations to execute an “Eyes on the Sea” community science and engagement project. Data collected will likely include water, soil,  habitat and bird surveys.
• Assist in the preparation of required trainings for the community science program.
• Compile data collected; write reports and summaries for technical, media, and other uses.
• Collaborate with Audubon’s communications and policy departments to share stories from “Eyes on the Sea” program and about the Salton Sea more broadly. Provide regular communication material from the ongoing program activities to be implement in the overall communications and policy campaign.
• Assist in the formation of a round table of leaders from various sectors who would discuss the viable solutions for a sustainable Salton Sea.
• Coordinate logistics for field trips, media events, and meetings, as needed, for the Salton Sea Program.
• Work closely with Salton Sea Program Director to identify grant and donor opportunities to the Salton Sea Program and Audubon generally.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, communications or related field preferred
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience with volunteer coordination and management, including recruiting and training.
• Strong communication and organizational ability.
• Experience with monitoring and data collection is helpful but not required.
• Strong interest and participation in wildlife and conservation issues
• Knowledge of the Salton Sea geography
• Strong capacity-building skills
• Demonstrated project management skills, including ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize key areas of focus
• Ability to work independently and as part of team-oriented
• Positive attitude, flexibility and strong people skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other web-based communications
• Willingness to travel and work weekends when needed
• Must have a valid driver’s license