Job Tag: Conservation

Riverbend Environmental Education Center connects people to nature. Our Nature Camps are core to Riverbend’s identity as a caring team of environmental educators – empowering children and adults to take action to conserve Earth’s resources. We are motivated by extensive evidence showing that when children spend time in nature, they think more creatively and critically; are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying; feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish; and increase their physical health.

Riverbend’s nature preserve is situated on 30 acres in Gladwyne, PA, and is home to walking trails, ponds, woodlands, an aquaponics greenhouse, a meadow habitat and a stream. During the school year, students from across the region visit on field trips, and we travel to bring schools Riverbend’s award-winning education programs. Last year, 68% of our programs were delivered for free to children in low-income schools.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Habitat and Volunteer Manager is a vital member of the Riverbend team and is the primary steward of Riverbend’s 30-acre preserve. In this role, you’ll maintain the preserve as Riverbend’s “living, outdoor classroom” where students of every age engage with the natural environment. The Habitat and Volunteer Manager will also, recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, partner with our education team to find collaborative growth opportunities, and manage relationships with external partners and stakeholders.
Duties:

Collaborating with:

The Director of Operations and Executive Director on property, master site plan, and property initiatives.

The Director of Operations relative to maintenance responsibilities and special projects
Participating as a staff representative on the Board of Directors Property Committee.
Create and supervise meaningful and mutually beneficial volunteer experiences for:
Individuals, corporate groups and school groups, including Shipley Senior Intern
Manage summer habitat interns
Manage Summer Teen Volunteer Program
Cultivate relationships with local scout troops to engage Eagle Scouts in potential projects.
Habitat Work
Manage and implement IPM strategy to maintain habitat and control of invasive species
Manage relationship with C & V (grass-cutting vendor)
Manage relationship with Weeds, Inc.(invasive weed control vendor)
Firewood is adequately supplied (more regularly in Spring, Summer, and Fall)
Plant trees, shrubs, etc.
Remove invasive plants
Clean parking lot grates
Fill Bird Feeders
Inspect deer fence
Survey grounds, including parking lot, outdoor classroom, pavilion, and trails to make sure all trash is picked up
Inspect ponds and fill them with water as needed
Check public access areas for wasps, etc., and spray
Special projects as approved
Work to keep storage room, garden shed, and Little Barn organized and clean.
Maintain and care for all tools and garden supplies.
Check on Latches Lane (monthly)

Qualifications/REQUIREMENTS:

Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the natural world – gardening, ecology, botany, environmental studies, conservation, or landscape architecture.

Ability to work independently and as part of a group.

An outgoing leader who can comfortably supervise volunteers of all ages.

Ability to handle strenuous manual labor associated with outdoor work and ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and on hilly terrain with occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, etc.

Commitment to natural, native gardening.

Child Abuse and Criminal Background checks

Current driver’s license

Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Ability to work outside of normal business hours to lead volunteer events.

The Habitat and Volunteer Manager works a flexible schedule. The manager will be required to attend weekly staff meetings on Wednesday afternoons. The manager will also need to have a flexible schedule that allows for leading volunteer events during non-business hours.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

$36,000 (Part-time, 20hrs/week)

Short and long-term disability insurance

Flexible schedule

Life Insurance

Professional development assistance

Employee discount
Generous paid sick time and vacation policy, plus 8 paid federal holidays

The natural world is in trouble, habitat loss and climate change are making it harder and harder for our native species to thrive! To meet these challenges, the Missouri chapter of TNC is developing regionally based habitat teams that can work across political and jurisdictional boundaries to improve habitat at the landscape level. The Grand River Grasslands Fire and Stewardship Coordinator (GRGFSC) will work as part of Missouri TNC’s Fire and Stewardship team and will play an instrumental role in the saving some of the last great places on earth!

The Grand River Grasslands Fire and Stewardship Coordinator’s primary work location will be in Harrison County, Missouri, but they will also assist in efforts on other natural areas across the state. This position will require strategic thinking, communications, and planning skills as well as the ability to work well with a team to establish and expand stewardship and outreach efforts. Duties will include coordinating with conservation partners; leading seasonal and volunteer work teams to conduct prescribed fire, invasive species control, and other habitat enhancement/restorations; tool and equipment maintenance; fencing and infrastructure repairs; and management planning for TNC preserves, state/federal lands, and priority private lands throughout northwest Missouri. Utilization of various types of equipment including but not limited to trucks, tractors, trailers, chainsaws, brushcutters, fire equipment such as drip torches, water tanks, pumps, and herbicide handling equipment such as backpack and UTV-mounted spray tanks is required. Experience preferred but, training will be provided for any unfamiliar tools to the selected candidate.

The GRGFSC will be TNC’s representative in this region, working with private landowners, partners, and community stakeholders to engage them in conservation. They are expected to work together with conservation partners to develop/assist in management goals and direct work teams to achieve those goals.

It is highly desired that the GRGFSC will be increasing their fireline leadership skills and qualifications over time towards the goal of becoming a NWCG RxB2 (Burn Boss). The GRGFSC should also be trained on the safe application of herbicides to control invasive/non-native species and/or woody species that are impairing natural systems.

This is a term position to be filled as soon as possible and guaranteed through December 31st, 2027. It is our intention to maintain this position into the future.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING

BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with natural systems.

• Experience in ecological land management principles.

• Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.

• Must have a valid driver’s license. Please indicate this in your resume.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.

• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.

• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.

• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).

• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).

• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally with varied audiences.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $40,000-$45,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 54359, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 10:59 PM CST on December 13, 2023.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Manager, Gillmore Sanctuary oversees all aspects of sanctuary operations. They will work to protect, enhance, and restore habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as manage habitat and wildlife resources as part of the Great Salt Lake Complex. This position will work closely with Audubon’s science and other NGO partners to help identify and implement research and conservation projects at the site. They will also work in the local community to establish relationships with individuals, state and regional government, businesses, and community groups that are partners and/or supporters of Gillmor. They will coordinate and collaborate with other staff to respond to conservation issues of local and regional concern. They are responsible for the care and maintenance of our physical facilities (dikes, etc.) and equipment located at the sanctuary.

This is a full-time position and will require travel to the sanctuary several days a week, depending on the season, where work will be performed.

Compensation:

$75,000 – $80,000 / year
Essential Functions

Working closely with the Rockies Executive Director, develop, and implement a vision for Gillmor, that encompass Audubon’s Flight Plan strategies.
Manage and develop land and aquatic conservation activities, habitat restoration projects, research programs, public outreach, invasive species monitoring and management, population studies, wildlife inventory, and project monitoring activities.
In Collaboration with the Executive Director, Gillmor and Saline Lakes program staff, local, state, and Federal agencies and other external partners, create and apply long-range plans for the management of the Sanctuary’s natural resources.
Collaborate with Audubon state and national science staff in the development and application of conservation science and science products to inform conservation and ecosystem resilience on local, and regional scales (Gillmor and Saline lakes systems).
Maintain close contact with area landowners and other environmental organizations in the region, including attendance at meetings, seminars, and conferences. Act as liaison with local elected and appointed officials and local boards and commissions to advance the programs and activities of the Gillmor Sanctuary.
Work with the Executive Director and Audubon fiscal staff to ensure sound fiscal management. Manage income and expenditures throughout the year to reach goals and maintain a balanced budget.
Identify and secure new private and public funding sources to support the Gillmor Sanctuary. This will include writing public and private grants, participating and, in some cases, leading donor events, and conducting donor visits around the Salt Lake City region. Maintain excellent relationships with existing donors. Conduct sanctuary tours to support development as needed.
Manage project budgets, reporting requirements, and third-party contracts, following Audubon’s internal grant tracking, contracting, and reporting procedures.
Serve as a public representative of Gillmor Sanctuary and Audubon Rockies, which may include presentations, public speaking, meeting participation, and/or other interactions with agencies, NGOs, Audubon chapters, and landowners to both gather and disseminate information.
Hire, manage and train sanctuary staff.
Identify, hire and supervise contractors for necessary repairs and structure replacement. Maintain equipment and vehicles.
Maintain property signage along sanctuary boundaries and interior boundaries.
Maintain proper operation of water control structures.
Monitor property for trespassing and implement appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized persons from trespassing on the property.
Work cooperatively and effectively with National Audubon staff to ensure adherence to policies and procedures and to represent National Audubon Society as requested.
Provide dynamic, collaborative leadership for the Sanctuary’s mission, strategy, core conservation goals, consistent with National Audubon’s strategic plan.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences or related field. An Equivalent combination of education and professional experience will be considered
Seven years’ experience in the land management field and at least 3 years’ experience managing staff.
Must have in depth knowledge of the geography and landscape of saline lake ecosystems, including plant and shorebird ecology, soil science, hydrology, restoration ecology, invasive species management, and land management & conservation.
Able to use and maintain a variety of field and laboratory equipment such as audio and video recording devices, still photography equipment, land survey equipment, GPS devices, water metering devices, sampling equipment, etc.
Ability to manage and operate a wide variety of equipment necessary to conduct work on sanctuary grounds, including but not limited to ATV’s.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Tech-savvy with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Strong organizational and relationship-building skills with excellent attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to partner with key stakeholders such as community and agency personnel.
Ability to think strategically and creatively while managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Self-motivated with willingness to work in a flexible, non-structured environment.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrains. Able to lift up to 75 lbs. with or without accommodation.
Flexible availability with a willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Must have a valid Driver’s License.

The Gulf Program of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) seeks a part time Sea Turtle Intern for a three-month internship to help implement work on sea turtle model lighting ordinances, wildlife friendly lighting outreach program, and associated sea turtle conservation activities. Artificial light from sources like homes, businesses, roadways and pools disrupts these natural nesting and emergence cues, which can lead to harmful impacts on both nesting females and hatchlings. Adult females are often deterred from nesting on heavily lit beaches, resulting in fewer nests or the selection of poor sites to lay eggs. For those that do try to nest on these artificially lit beaches, artificial light can cause false crawls (non-nesting emergences) and disorientations (inability to successfully locate the water) of both nesting females and just born sea turtles, which can result in death. This project aims to build awareness about sea turtles, their habitat, how to protect them, and how to improve lighting conditions for nesting sea turtles.

The primary responsibilities of the Sea Turtle Outreach Intern will be to draft educational materials, implement our lighting display program, identify stakeholder groups to present existing lighting resources to, compile nesting and disorientation data, and to provide audience-specific messaging to three targeted groups along the FL Gulf Coast:

Targeted Florida Gulf Coast residents and coastal businesses (via outreach to Neighborhood Associations, Property Managers, Condo Associations, Rental Properties, etc.)
Local governments
Interested public (via blog creation, op-ed drafting, etc.)

This position will report to the Outreach Associate based in Florida. The selected candidate must have a permanent address in one of NWF’s working states and be based in the Tampa Bay region.

Job Duties:

Assist with development and design of wildlife friendly lighting display
Contact (email, phone, in-person) hardware stores, visitor centers, and other coastal businesses to promote wildlife friendly lighting displays
Engage targeted stakeholders with educational resources and online tools
Join regular partner meetings to discuss lighting ordinance changes
Attend relevant meetings and conferences
Draft content for social media, blogs, op-eds and other venues to promote sea turtle conservation
Shadow partners for sea turtle monitoring and lighting assessments
Review lighting ordinances
Other duties as assigned

This position requires walking moderate distances, up to half a mile, in the warm and humid climate of Florida; remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

This full-time position supports the restoration, protection, enhancement, and maintenance activities and projects for Raritan Headwaters Association’s fee-owned preserves, including RHA’s headquarters at Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, Bedminster, as well as off-site. Easement monitoring and reporting annually for Land Trust Accreditation is part of this position. In addition, this position includes organizing and implementing community outreach activities such as tree plantings, invasive removal, trail maintenance as well as group volunteer and community outreach events.

Responsibilities:

Implement stewardship strategies identified in Management Plans
Maintain, coordinate, and implement government funded (NRCS) habitat restoration/ improvement/enhancement conservation grant projects and help identify other funding sources for stewardship projects on RHA preserves
Track stewardship program budgets, invoices, spending and payments
Contribute to stewardship-related communications and website content
Conduct inspections at RHA’s fee-owned properties and conservation easements and update reports annually
Work with the Science Director and partners to identify and develop stewardship projects on RHA properties and off-site, and oversee and manage these projects—which may include tree plantings/buffer restoration, invasive control, green infrastructure, and wetland restoration
Maintain trails and signage on fee-owned properties, including Fairview Farm
Perform Green Acres Tax Exempt filings every third year (next cycle is 2025)
Supervise contract services deemed necessary on fee-owned properties
Oversee RHA’s deer management program and data on deer densities on fee-owned properties, including Fairview Farm
Implement and update Land Management Plans for RHA properties with direction from RHA’s Science Director
Develop and maintain relationships with local, county, state and private non-profit partners, and consultants
Monitor and maintain restoration activities such as tree plantings and invasive plant control
Attend stewardship-related conferences including the NJ Land Conservation Rally and trainings on an ad hoc basis
Serve as liaison to RHA’s Stewardship Committee including working with Science Director and Committee Chair to develop quarterly meeting schedule, agendas, minutes
Oversee seasonal intern(s) and core volunteers
Stewardship volunteer engagement and assistance with other volunteer activities (e.g., corporate events)
Work with individual Scouts and Scout groups on projects
Develop and lead community engagement initiatives, including guided nature hikes and educational workshops, to foster stewardship and appreciation for local ecosystems among community members of all ages

Requirements:

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree (and 2 years work experience) in ecology, environmental science, conservation, or a related field
Knowledge of regional native flora and fauna, habitat management, and conservation issues
Demonstrated project management skills
Strong interpersonal, organizational, writing, and public speaking skills
Independent, self-motivated, professional performance
Willingness to obtain a certified pesticide applicator license
Experience with ArcGIS, Microsoft Access, and Excel a plus
Passion for the conservation mission of RHA

Compensation: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) conserves and restores the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.

PEC is seeking to hire a Community Farm Specialist to support operations at the Community Farm a Roundabout Meadows in Loudoun County, VA. The Community Farm Specialist will possess experience and knowledge of vegetable farming with an interest in working with a diverse community of volunteers and community members. The farm specialist must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively and proactively as a member of the farm team, with volunteers and visitors, as well as PEC staff. The Community Farm Specialist will have an integral role in the full farm operation, providing assistance to the Community Farm Coordinator in regard to all farm operations.

Typical activities include:

Vegetable and fruit production to meet the needs of our local food pantries
Operating a tractor using a variety of implements
Mowing, bed preparation, seeding, planting, weeding, irrigating, harvesting and washing crops
Organizing, educating, and working alongside diverse volunteers, teaching and speaking publicly about agriculture and the Community Farm program
Assisting in the preparation and implementation of educational programming for field trips and workshops
Grounds, equipment and building maintenance
Assuring safety protocols and best management practices are met
Assisting with broader property management tasks throughout the Roundabout Meadows and Gilberts Corner Farmers Market properties as assigned. Tasks may include but are not limited to:
Soil sampling
Trail maintenance
Tree planting
Fence maintenance
Other duties as assigned

The Community Farm Specialist reports to PEC’s Gilberts Corner Farm and Land Manager but will also work closely with and be provided day-to-day supervision by the Community Farm Coordinator. In addition, the Community Farm Specialist will collaborate with other PEC staff, departments within PEC and members of the PEC Board of Directors.

This position will be based at PEC’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows (39990 Howsers Branch Dr. Aldie, VA 20105) with occasional travel to the headquarters office in Warrenton, VA.
Required Qualifications

Minimum two years of vegetable farming experience
Experience working with volunteers, school groups, and individuals of all ages and skill levels.
Ability to organize, coordinate, and manage diverse activities and deadlines.
Ability to make decisions and solve problems independently, effectively, and creatively with minimal supervision.
Mission-minded with strong interest in conservation, sustainable agriculture, education, and community development.
Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability and desire to build relationships with a diverse constituency including local political officials, non-profit representatives, donors, neighborhood associations, businesses and individual citizens with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Demonstrated strong communication skills (written, oral and social-media focused) to develop written/photographic/video materials for use in communicating goals and stories.
Familiarity with the operation and maintenance of small machinery, power tools, and hand tools.
Familiarity with and ability to carry out maintenance of farm-related structures.
Familiarity with computers and the use of online tools, such as the Google Suite, Microsoft Office, social media platforms, etc.
Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions, with limited facilities.
Willing to work weekends and evenings as necessary.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Commitment to service and community and a willingness to participate in practices of
justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI).

Preferred Qualifications

3-5 years of farming experience.
Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, or related field.
Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
Experience using tractors with a variety of implements.

Compensation

This position is a non-exempt / hourly position with benefits. Salary range of $22 to $26.44 per hour (equivalent to $45,000 – $55,000 annually), depending on qualifications.

National Park Trust seeks an energetic self-starter with a passion for our national parks. The Land Preservation Specialist will report to the Park Trust’s Director of Land Preservation, an NPS veteran who has completed many important land projects for the Trust. They will assist in the negotiating and completing transactions as we embark on new and expanded initiatives utilizing funds available from our Treasure Forever Fund and our Land Preservation Fund, in tandem with opportunities for park land expansion like those created by the Great American Outdoors Act. Since our office is in Rockville, MD, candidates must be willing to relocate if they do not reside in the DC metropolitan area.
Skills & Qualifications

The minimum education requirement is a 4-year college degree; advanced degrees are a plus.
Solid research and organizational abilities, ability to multi-task, polished written and oral communication and presentation skills are a must.
Experience with negotiations; contract preparation; familiarity with conservation land acquisition and/or National Park Service operations or federal or state land acquisition programs; and real estate transactions is a plus.
Applicants should be proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as Adobe Acrobat.

Responsibilities

Maintain contact and liaison with National Park Service regional lands and resources offices to discuss ongoing land acquisition priorities and restoration projects.
Establish contact and cooperate with individual Park Superintendents and their staff where the Park Trust intends to pursue a particular acquisition or restoration project.
Coordinate and communicate with all involved parties, including land owners, environmental assessment contractors, title companies, and appraisers, throughout the implementation of projects.
Conduct research on environmental mitigation situations to identify opportunities in which the Park Trust may be able to help direct environmental mitigation funding to restore or add lands in or around units of the national parks.
Work closely under the direction of our Lands Director and the Board’s Lands and Land Preservation Committee to receive guidance and implement initiatives on projects.
Assist our Executive Director and Director of Development in finding potential funding or acquisition partners and developing fundraising strategies for selected projects and potential donors/funders.
Participate in presentations to the board, National Park Service, potential donors, funders and partners.
Maintain updated digital and physical records in organized files of all projects.
Regularly brief the Lands Director on assigned tasks – and when needed other members of the staff and board.

With the mentorship of our Lands Director, the Specialist will have the opportunity to expand their expertise in meeting the above responsibilities as well as in doing the following:

Analyze project requirements and propose appropriate roles and activities for Park Trust.
Develop budgets for each project including staff, transactional, and other real estate and support costs.
Negotiate and prepare agreements with NPS or park units, the Park Trust, and any funder/partner/donor for projects, addressing each party’s role, expectations, and costs.
Prepare and ensure appropriate review, signature, and submission of all legal and transactional documents required by a project.
Prepare written materials on projects for briefings, newsletter articles, website and annual reports.
Become proficient in identifying properties for acquisition by NPS, researching land and real estate records

Special Requirements

The minimum education requirement is a 4-year college degree; advanced degrees are a plus. Position is located in the Rockville, MD office, and though some remote work is possible, incumbent must be within commuting distance of Rockville.
All staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. National Park Trust provides reasonable accommodations for medical reasons and sincerely held religious beliefs consistent with legal requirements.
Applicants should be proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as Adobe Acrobat.
Local and overnight travel may be required.
Valid driver’s license and access to a car.

The Manager of Environmental Programming is a full-time, salaried position with traditional weekday office hours and some evening meetings, travel, and events outside of regular office hours. Primary duties include developing, coordinating, and implementing programming and planning initiatives that protect and enhance the environment’s built and natural resources within the region. This position is responsible for managing and overseeing the environmental program’s technical staff and deliverables and providing technical assistance to regional entities, local governments, and agency staff.

The Manager of Environmental Programming’s relationships with planning partners, funding agencies, agency leadership, and subordinates play a significant role in determining the success and sustainability of staff performance and programming. The Manager of Environmental Programming must be an effective manager of the agency’s environmental program and staff while also being intuitive to the sensitivities of Board policy, leadership priorities, and regional viewpoints.

This position reports to the Deputy Director and directly supervises two people.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education

A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred. A degree in environmental science/sustainability, urban planning, or a related discipline is desired.

Experience

This position requires a minimum of three years’ progressive management and leadership experience. Professional experience directly related to environmental science; municipal, urban, or regional planning; public engagement or education; or related fields preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required

Proven experience as supervisor or relevant role; ability to learn on the job, apply knowledge, and understand a variety of job duties

Exceptional leadership qualities and critical thinking skills; demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate, foster collaboration, and stimulate effective communicate with staff

Working knowledge of local, state, and federally funded grant opportunities and environmental programs; familiarity with environmental conditions and challenges affecting the region and industry

Outstanding relationship-building and interpersonal skills; ability to represent the agency in a courteous, pleasant, helpful, and professional manner within various informal/formal and virtual/in-person settings with office staff, elected officials, community partners, and the public; passion for building community support

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; thorough knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation for the preparation of professional written reports, projects, and plans; ability to make effective presentations at meetings of governmental groups and at public events

Exceptionally well organized and able to meet and coordinate deadlines; ability to manage multiple projects and issues simultaneously and complete them on time with minimal supervision

Strong background in research and data analysis, report development, and/or project management

Experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping technology and associated data presentation formatting through online applications

Experience working with local, state, or federal governments; ability to communicate complicated topics to public groups

Ability and willingness to provide, accept, and apply constructive feedback and respond positively and with an open mind

Experience administering municipal, state, and federal funding programs

Maintains a professional, non-partisan public profile consistent with organizational values and the agency’s role as a neutral facilitator

Creative and effective problem-solving skills; ability to gather and interpret data and information to solve practical problems

Proactive and self-motivated; willingness and desire to improve and learn new processes

Collaborative, flexible team player

Detail oriented and passionate about quality

Ability to perform on-site field work as needed

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Experience with Adobe software preferred (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)

Professional planning/related certification a plus (e.g., AICP, GISP, PTP, CEcD, PE, PG)

Ability to maintain a remote work setting that is conducive to an effective working environment and successful time management, including technical requirements such as internet access

A valid driver’s license, reliable method of transportation, and willingness to travel on business

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America’s largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state and territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

National Wildlife Federation (NWF)’s Sustainable Agriculture Program works with agricultural communities to break down the culture barriers to adoption of sustainable agriculture practices. The program works from a ground-up approach, directly working with leading farmers and ranchers, as well as conservation outreach professionals. We provide communications and message training to better equip innovators with the skills to reach non-adopters. NWF works with other leading conservation organizations through coalitions and multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance support for sustainable agriculture production, sourcing and financing.

The Specialist will report directly to the Director of Agriculture Outreach, and work in conjunction with the rest of the Sustainable Agriculture team.

In this role you will:

Take the lead in providing training and guidance to NWF Conservation Champions, including development of messaging and communications strategies
Take the lead in managing the NWF listserv, online media for Champions, and increasing program participation and expansion into new regions
Participate in Grow More trainings around the country to increase outreach effectiveness of Conservation Outreach Professionals
Help research issues related to agronomy, soil health, crop insurance and other on-farm experiences to better advise the agriculture team
Attend conferences and events to network and elevate profile of agriculture outreach programs
Communicate and build relationships with farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural stakeholders across the country to stay up to date with challenges and opportunities
Assist in strategic planning of new programmatic objectives and opportunities to increase our program breadth
Write grants and pursue fundraising opportunities for the outreach programs

Qualifications:

Direct, on-farm experience preferred.
At least 3 years of professional or educational experience in agriculture, outreach/education, and/or program implementation in a work or research related environment
Knowledge/experience in working with, or conducting outreach to, agriculture producers and other stakeholders required.
Experience working with historically underserved agricultural communities desirable
Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to translate complex information into easily understood information
Ability to process and utilize social science research and concepts to inform and develop practical, effective programming to advance culture change in the space of agriculture
Demonstrates awareness of group identities and consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to interactions
Interpersonal communication skills; proactively builds and sustains robust, authentic, productive working relationships with colleagues and community partners across race and other group identities
Ability to multitask and prioritize work
Self-starter, ability to work independently within a team context

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) and the Global Resource Systems (GRS) program housed in the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University seek applicants for an Assistant Professor in global wildlife conservation or a closely related field. The position is a 9-month, tenure-eligible appointment and has responsibilities in research (45%), teaching (45%), and service (10%). The successful candidate will have a majority appointment in NREM and a minority appointment in GRS in the Department of Horticulture.

We seek an individual who works in the area of wildlife conservation broadly defined in a global context. The candidate will develop an externally funded research program in their scholarly discipline, which could include wildlife ecology, conservation planning, human-wildlife interactions, conservation and community engagement, or another closely related field. Potential areas of emphasis might include but are not limited to conservation biology, conservation planning, habitat management, population ecology, or human-wildlife interactions. Mentoring graduate students in research is expected. The candidate will teach one elective undergraduate course in NREM (Controversies in Natural Resource Management), one graduate course in GRS (Global Resource Systems and Analysis), and a course to be determined by their particular expertise and NREM departmental needs.

The candidate will provide service to the departments, institution, and profession through committees and student-focused programs. All three responsibilities (research, teaching, and service) will require the successful candidate to have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. or equivalent in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a closely related field by the hire date

Preferred Qualifications:

Peer-reviewed publication record in wildlife ecology, conservation, or closely related fields

International research and/or teaching experience

Experience conducting applied research that informs conservation, management, and/or policy decisions

Post-doctoral experience

Experience teaching at the college level

Experience supervising/mentoring staff and/or graduate and undergraduate students in conducting research

Demonstrated experience writing grants and obtaining external funding support for research activities