Conservation Ranching Intern

Audubon’s Conservation Ranching is a certification program that provides incentives and technical assistance to ranchers who maintain and improve bird habitat and other ecosystem services through management protocols and the use of monitoring and a third-party verification system.  The program is available in 18 states throughout the United States. In California, the Program is growing rapidly with more than 25 certified ranchers operating in 16 different counties.  

The Intern will work with Audubon’s Conservation Ranching team in California team on various aspects of the ACR Program, including communications, data collection, coordinating events, and the possibility of assisting in rangeland conservation and management activities. The intern will be supervised by the ACR California Program Director and will interact with Audubon programmatic staff, including staff from the Working Lands Program. This is a paid internship and eligible for credit at American River College. This position can be conducted remotely with frequent travel to Audubon’s Sacramento office and occasionally throughout Northern CA.   

Essential Functions

• Help coordinate logistics for outreach events and presentations on various topics related to the ACR Program. 
• Increase engagement with Audubon chapters. 
• Utilize blogs, social media, and other digital media to communicate Audubon’s ACR message to partners and community members.  
• Attend meetings with stakeholders related to the Conservation Ranching Program. 
• Work with the ACR team to coordinate data collection, surveys, and reports. 
• Assist in expanding the reach of the ACR program by fostering a diverse audience and building inclusive partnerships with a dedicated emphasis on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging values.
• Conduct assignments in the field (i.e. site visits).
• Other activities assigned by Audubon Staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of college-level coursework in communications, agriculture, conservation, ecology, or natural resources management. 
• Writing experience preferred. 
• Confident in leading a group and initiating activities, working independently, and team teaching.  
• Comfortable with public speaking to small or large groups. 
• Strong work ethic, self-motivated self-motivation, flexibility, a desire to learn, and the ability to work well with others.  
• Positive attitude and commitment to environmental stewardship. 
• Interest in the mission, values, and programs of the National Audubon Society. 
• Ability to work independently in an office setting with the potential for outside work in variable conditions and rugged terrain. 
• Experience with basic Microsoft computer programs. 
• A current driver’s license or state-issued ID; reliable transportation is preferred.