Audubon Vermont and Lake Champlain Sea Grant are jointly hiring a Conservation & Research Fellow who will collaborate with Audubon Vermont Senior Conservation Biologists and University of Vermont faculty to improve watershed resiliency through on-the-ground habitat restoration efforts in an agricultural setting. The fellow will work with Audubon Vermont and Lake Champlain Sea Grant to research and develop habitat enhancement practices, workshops, demonstrations, and evaluation techniques that will become the foundation for increasing the level of impact of these restoration activities in Vermont. This two-year grant funded fellowship is designed to provide a young professional a range of administrative and programmatic experiences with a focus on habitat restoration in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.

Over the course of the fellowship, the Fellow will gain valuable experience interacting with professional biologists, educators, and leaders at Audubon and Lake Champlain Sea Grant, as well as with private landowners and other environmental professionals in Vermont. This position will contribute to the goals of Audubon Vermont through supporting one or more strategic conservation program areas including Working Lands and Climate.

This fellowship is set to begin in late winter of 2021 and continue through late winter of 2023; it is full-time with a 35-hour work week and includes benefits.

• Research to support creation of a repository of resources and information about the impacts of bird-friendly habitat enhancements – especially in riparian areas – on farms, watershed health, and water quality.
• Using existing Riparian Gap Analysis, avian habitat, and Conservation Design models to identify areas where priority bird habitat aligns with improved watershed health.
• Research, evaluate and develop a compendium of land management practices that both enhance bird habitat and watershed resiliency.
• Develop outreach materials for farmers and other landowners that is shared with a diverse array of landowners, including previously underserved farmers.
• Work with partners and landowners to develop demonstration sites that implement recommended practices that are evaluated over time to assess the effectiveness of the practices.
• Assist in any additional conservation activities performed by Audubon Vermont as needed.
• Draft factsheets, blogs, webpage content and other outreach materials to support Audubon Vermont’s conservation programs.
• Attend meetings with public officials, environmental leaders, scientists and volunteers to support Audubon Vermont’s participation and contributions.

• A recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, conservation, natural resources or related field required; advanced degree a plus.
• Familiarity with and proficient identification skills of Vermont’s tree, shrub (including non-natives), and bird species.
• Ability to research and compile a variety of information from the scientific literature.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS software.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Well organized and detail-oriented with the ability to work independently, as well as, part of team.
• Must have a strong work ethic.
• Genuine interest in environmental protection, conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and social and environmental justice.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of challenging conditions with or without accommodation.
• Appetite for learning and growth and a dedication to and excitement about working in a dynamic, fast-paced nonprofit organization.
• Valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation.