Job Tag: Conservation

The Ausable Freshwater Center (AFC), a non-profit environmental conservation organization based in Wilmington, New York, is seeking a qualified individual to provide face to face education and outreach to recreational users of the Ausable River from May to September 2025. Applicants with availability through October 2025 are strongly encouraged to apply. The river steward’s primary responsibility will be interacting with anglers and the public to educate them about aquatic and terrestrial invasive species and proper cleaning methods for their recreational equipment. Collecting survey data, identifying and removing invasive species along the river corridor, and attending public events as an ambassador of the Ausable River, the river steward will support AFC’s science-based conservation mission to help communities protect Ausable streams and lakes. In addition to outreach duties, the steward may have opportunities to assist AFC’s staff with field-based research in our biological, water quality, and stream health programs.

Position Overview
Status: Full or part-time, temporary seasonal employee, 25-40 hours/week
Compensation: $17 to $20 per hour, dependent on experience, mileage reimbursement up to $1,995.
Hire Timeline: Applications no later than 28 February; position runs May to September, (possible extension to October), with some flexibility

Position Description
The Ausable River is nationally and internationally known for its trout fishery, spectacular scenery, and exceptional recreational opportunities. A host of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species threaten these valued resources. The river steward helps AFC and our partners protect the region from these invaders by educating river users and the community about invasive species threats and spread prevention. Supervised by AFC program staff, primary duties of the river steward include:
• riverside education of anglers and river users about invasives and how to clean their gear
• collecting and managing river user survey data
• maintaining equipment cleaning stations (wader and boot wash)
• tabling at regional events to educate the general public
• identifying and removing invasive species along the river corridor and watershed lakes
• extensive written and social media reporting of activities and results
• data analysis and report on river stewarding efforts
The river steward will work with AFC staff to develop a work plan that meets the needs of the program and complements the steward’s skill set and learning objectives.

Qualifications
Qualified candidates are well-organized self-starters enthusiastic about working directly with the public; able to communicate effectively in person and in writing; capable of performing duties independently and as directed by a supervisor; eager to work outdoors in all normal weather conditions; and attentive to detail. Proficiency with Excel and Word programs is essential, as is comfort and enthusiasm with public interaction, data collection, and reporting. Experience working with and educating the public is a plus. A successful candidate will, minimally, have completed, or be near completion of a degree in natural resources, biology, environmental science, or a related field. They will have demonstrated a commitment to conservation. The ideal candidate will meet the above qualifications and have a knowledge of fisheries, aquatic ecosystems, and invasive and native species. The steward must have a reliable cell phone (Verizon is best in this area), hold a valid driver’s license, and have regular access to a reliable vehicle.

Lodging is NOT provided. Candidate must be available to work holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day) and weekends on a regular basis throughout employment. Evening, morning, and weekend work is required. Position runs from May 9th to September 9th at a minimum, with likely extension to mid-October 2024. Position will be 25 to 40 hours per week, depending on availability.

The Manager – Conservation that is responsible for Outdoor Conservation Initiatives and Conservation Policy Management. Some of the programs and staff under this position include: Conservation Consultations for Residential Customers, Commercial Consultations, Residential Customer Education & Outreach Initiatives, Contracts with Education Partner Organizations, the WaterSaver Landscape Coupon Program, the Outdoor Living Rebate, the Smart Controller Rebates for Commercial and Residential Customers, the GardenStyleSA.com website, the GardenStyleSA.com weekly e-newsletter, and on-line education initiatives such as webinars and on-line courses currently in development. This position will become the SAWS lead on issues pertaining to state, local and SAWS regulations that pertain to water usage and will address policy questions as well as initiatives to update local ordinance and utility service regulations. Supervises planners and field staff engaged in the implementation and development of outdoor conservation programs to support the Company mission, including project management, budgeting, long-range planning, public participation, customer development, policy development and coordination, and resource allocation. Helps ensure employees obtain appropriate licenses and keep up with required CEU credentials. Works collaboratively with two other Conservation Managers and the Vice President of Conservation to set long-term and annual goals and evaluate progress on meeting goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

All Specialties

Supervises, selects, develops, trains, and evaluates personnel.
Develops, recommends, and implements division policies and procedures.
Develops measures to analyze and improve division’s overall efficiency.
Forecasts, allocates, and monitors human, physical, and financial resources for the assigned area.
Develops and participates in conceptual planning efforts.
Presents technical and non-technical program information to a variety of audiences.
Utilizes team building and consensus building skills to facilitate public participation and involvement.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and public relations.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Conservation

Leads the effort to create and market cutting-edge water conservation programs in program areas that address outdoor uses of water for commercial and residential customers.
Oversees and implements an efficient program management structure and decision-support system through analysis of customer data, program participation, and program impacts, while coordinating and integrating input from advisory groups, customers, internal department, and industry stakeholders.
Develops and deploys resources needed to conduct education and outreach activities in effort to develop and maintain relationships with industry stakeholders. This may include development of sophisticated communication strategies, conference participation, serving as primary liaison with professional associations, and demonstration project development, among other activities.
Ensures program implementation and reporting is completed in compliance with applicable municipal, state, and federal regulation.
Resolves policy concerns regarding costumer eligibility for program participation, rebate levels, and ordinance enforcement. If necessary, recommends adjustments in policies for conservation programs to the Vice President – Conservation.

DECISION MAKING

Directly supervises 5-25 employees.
Works under limited supervision and guidance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency in Environmental Management, Urban Planning, Public or Business Administration, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Information Systems, Geography, or applicable related field.
Six years’ experience, including three years of supervising personnel in utility or municipal planning, conservation, and/or GIS and CADD mapping systems.
Professional certifications in related field.
Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
All Specialties

Supervises, selects, develops, trains and evaluates personnel.
Contacts with internal and external customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Communicates effectively, verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions are primarily in an office environment and performs occasional to field visits. Operates a company vehicle on an occasional basis.

Under general supervision of the Naturalist, assist in carrying out conservation/environmental education programming for the Johnson County Conservation Board. Provide programs and field trips for a variety of audiences; create and improve displays, write articles, provide public service announcements and write press releases. Duties will also include the maintenance of live animal displays and working with volunteers. Assist Conservation staff with work activities and special projects.

Knowledge of & Ability to

Flora, fauna, and ecosystems, especially those in Iowa and on the land owned by Johnson County and managed by the Conservation Board
Basic natural sciences and natural history
English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and punctuation skills.

Ability to:

Learn, apply, and articulate departmental policies and procedures
Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fish & Game Officers, State Fisheries & Wildlife Biologists, area educators, and members of the public
Communicate and work well with persons of various age groups representing diverse backgrounds
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing biases
Organize, publicize, and maximize public participation in events furthering conservation education
Work in all types of weather conditions
Collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports
Use a computer for purposes of data entry and word processing
Operate common office equipment such as typewriters, calculators, fax machines, scanners, photocopiers, and telephones
Understand and follow written and oral instructions
Handle low to moderate levels of stress and solve problems appropriate to the position
Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing which permits effective communication
Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, squat, bend, twist, reach, and crawl
Have sufficient vision which permits keen observation as well as production and review of materials in electronic and hardcopy form
Have sufficient manual dexterity to make legible handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse.
Occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds
Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various county areas
Occasionally work weekends and night hours

Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements

Enrollment in a post-secondary biology, natural history, outdoor recreation, animal ecology, forestry or related curriculum; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Natural history related work experience preferred.

Special requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage. Must pass background check.

The CT DEEP Wildlife Division is looking for a seasonal assistant to work at the beautiful Belding Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Vernon. This seasonal position is a great opportunity to work outside and learn about a wide variety of Connecticut’s wildlife, and to get hands-on experience managing their habitats. With over 100 species of birds, Belding WMA has been identified as a Birding Hotspot on the Cornell Lab’s eBird.org website.

The goals of Belding WMA are to manage a variety of wildlife and fisheries habitats, to provide environmental education and to provide low-impact recreation. Visitors are introduced to wildlife and natural resources management through various educational programs, demonstration sites and self-guided interpretive trails. Teaching the public about wildlife is a rewarding aspect of the job as well as a great way to learn more about the wildlife of Connecticut.

Starting March 2025. The position is thirty-five (35) to forty (40) hours per week and occasional weekend and evening work may be required. There are no benefits with these positions, except paid holiday leave after 90 calendar days of employment. Position is limited to 1040 total hours, approximately 6 months if full-time.

Duties may include the following:

Weed/invasive plant control (applying herbicides, cutting, pulling and mowing);
Trail maintenance and signposting;
Planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers;
Fixing, installing, and maintaining signs and fences;
Trash removal;
Species monitoring (birds, amphibians, invertebrates);
Conducting educational programs;
Constructing, installing, and monitoring nest boxes;
Coordinating and working with volunteer assistants;
Data entry;
Boundary posting;
Mowing footpaths; and
All other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

College degree in wildlife management or related field;
Ability to identify local plants and animals;
Ability to identify local birds by sight and sound;
Experience with GIS/GPS;
Knowledge of habitat management practices for wildlife;
Invasive plant identification; and
Experience in providing environmental education.

Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.

Job Summary:

Primary responsibilities are tending to the medical and husbandry needs of the animals within the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center (STCC), supervising volunteers and interns, and conducting public speaking engagements and facility tours.
Essential Functions:

Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies & Procedures.
Able and willing to be reached during non-working hours for emergencies.
Work closely with Veterinarian team and STCC Manager to evaluate animal health and environmental requirements.
Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures.
Administer prescribed medications and treatments to animals.
Stock and maintain medical and hospital supplies.
Help develop, prepare and distribute proper nutritional diets.
Maintain proper water quality and functioning life support systems.
Help coordinate animal releases and internal/external transports.
Supervise Volunteers and Interns.
Keep accurate records.
Maintain hospital aesthetics and perform periodic renovations as needed.
Support, conduct and help coordinate behind the scene tours for V.I.P.’s and donor relations.
Help support the Marketing & Strategic Communication Division by providing content for media related requests and social media platforms.
Provide public engagement with the Aquariums’ guests in virtual, formal and informal settings.
Assist with educational outreach programs for community groups, schools and other organizations.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Support the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis.
Seek, develop and practice cost savings strategies and improve overall efficiency.
Communicate internally and externally, on a regular basis, developments regarding the SCA STCC and/or related sea turtle conservation.
Attend and be a productive member of approved meetings, committees, workshops, conferences, etc.
Participate in field work and research activities approved by STCC Manager.
Participation on the Emergency Ride Out Team is required as directed, possibly with short notice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to work under pressure in emergency situations.
Must have excellent oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to understand the mechanical equipment necessary to maintain Sea Turtle Hospital.
Knowledge and demonstrated skill for minor plumbing and carpentry work.

Education and Experience Required:

BS in biology, aquatic biology, a closely related field.
Previous experience with sea turtles and/or animal rehabilitation.
Proficient in Microsoft Office

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record

Supervision of others:

Volunteers
Interns

Physical Requirements:

Requires average walking, standing, bending, stooping, and crouching, climbing ladders, sitting, kneeling, balancing, pushing and pulling, crawling, working with tools, computer tasks and phone usage; should be able to lift/carry at least 50 lbs.; requires driving Aquarium vehicles.

Hazardous Requirements:

Average exposure to minor or severe cuts; falls; falling objects; hazards to eyesight, hearing and sense of smell; and tight spaces. Often requires use of personal protective equipment due to exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, ozone, and handling of animals.

Working Conditions:

This position requires works in both an office environment and outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather including both hot and cold; requires weekend and late night work as needed; requires contact with customers, the general public, and outside vendors; requires carrying a cell phone and radio; requires occasional travel.

Under minimal supervision, the Open Space Specialist – Natural Resources coordinates natural resource related maintenance and restoration on Parks, Golf, and Open Space Division natural lands. Responsibilities include seasonal supervision, daily coordination of activities, and performing a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the areas of natural lands maintenance, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), wildlife management and equipment operation, and to perform related duties as required. This position is responsible for developing requests for proposals (RFP), defining scope of work, and managing contractors performing natural resource management work for the Division.

This position requires a high degree of technical knowledge pertaining to invasive species management, native grass ecosystems, project and contractor management skills, and supervisory skills.

The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES/GENERAL COMPETENCIES

The City’s work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).

This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational and informational services and resources; and acquiring, developing and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space and recreational trails. This position works towards the accomplishment of the Departments mission: “Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness and literacy.”

Every employee is accountable to:

Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is apriority
Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied, and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization’s mission and vision
Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior
Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner
Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility, and take calculated risks when appropriate
Participate in personal growth opportunities, and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity, and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences

GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Citywide – Every employee in this position is accountable to:

Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses, and target areas for personal self-development
Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
Achieve goals, and handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently
Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
Demonstrate accountability for work, and take ownership in job performance
Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product

Job Specific – Every employee in this position must be able to:

Apply applicable safety rules and procedures
Identify native and invasive plant species
Conduct monitoring and mapping operations utilizing GIS tools
Oversee contractors, including writing Requests for Bids and contracts
Maintain accurate records
Supervise seasonal employees; training, directing work and monitoring employee safety
Preserve Open Space lands and facilities
Operate light and heavy equipment, tractors, and City vehicles with trailers
Perform facility and grounds maintenance on open space areas
Remove snow at public facilities when necessary
Must be able to work a flexible schedule including some weekend days and scheduled on-call shifts
Attend meetings and work at division sponsored special events
Demonstrate knowledge of equipment, material, and practices used for general open space maintenance, construction, and trail work

JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks
1. Develops, implements, and monitors an integrated pest management plan for all POST lands

Ensures that the Parks, Golf, and Open Space Division is following all state mandates pursuant to the Colorado Weed Act, and supporting other divisions in meeting these mandates
Conducts field surveys to inspect for, identify, document, and map invasive species
Prepares and administers service contracts for invasive species control projects
Plans, organizes, implements, and monitors invasive species control projects including but not limited to chemical control, mechanical control, biological control, cultural control, and education and outreach
Assists in budget development for POST invasive plant management

2. Implements Russian olive and tamarisk removal project, including working with contractors and youth corps to eliminate trees on POST lands
3. Conducts and oversees the collection of data for resource monitoring projects, including:

Coordinating with GIS staff to create and maintain monitoring databases
Maintaining electronic and paper copies of monitoring protocols, monitoring data, as well as monitoring reports and presentations
Utilizing GPS technology to collect data points in the field and uses data to create maps with an ArcGIS program
Supervising and training seasonal staff in data collection activities, assists, as necessary, with data collection in the field

4. Works closely with the open space volunteer coordinator to establish volunteer projects for invasive plant control
5. Ensures all safety procedures are closely followed
6. Maintains regular and punctual attendance

Other Duties and Responsibilities
Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications
Required:

Degree in Natural Resource Management, Botany, Rangeland management or related field from an accredited college or university; or equivalent experience
Demonstrated experience identifying native and non-native plant species of the Colorado Front Range
Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge of natural lands, wildlife and IPM management with an emphasis on project management, prairie dog techniques and invasive species control practices
Experience with GIS/GPS mapping, and report writing
Experience in invasive plant control, open space, trails, or native land maintenance
At least one (1) year of experience supervising seasonal employees in the invasive plant management
Possess and maintain a State of Colorado Pesticide Applicator’s License at time of hire, and Qualified Supervisor level prior to, or within six (6) months of employment
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record throughout employment, with a valid Class B Commercial Driver License obtained prior to, or within six (6) months of employment

Preferred:

Experience writing RFPs and supervising contractors
Current State of Colorado Pesticide Applicator’s License at time of hire, and Qualified Supervisor level

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.

The Octoraro Watershed Restoration Coordinator (“Coordinator”) will provide technical and administrative assistance to stakeholders (e.g., county conservation districts, NGOs, local governments) in the Octoraro watershed to accelerate Conowingo Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) progress. The Conowingo WIP is a partnership among the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York that takes a two-tiered approach to implementation:
•The first tier consists of state-wide pay-for-success programs in MD and PA to implement the most cost-effective restoration projects in the Susquehanna Basin.
•The second tier uses a more traditional technical assistance and grant application approach in targeted interjurisdictional watersheds (e.g., Octoraro Creek, Deer Creek, NY/PA upper Susquehanna River watershed).
As part of the second-tier approach of the broader Conowingo WIP effort, the coordinator will play a central role at both a local scale and in collaboration with state partners. This position will work closely with a range of stakeholders in the Octoraro watershed to connect them to additional resources and eliminate technical and administrative barriers to implementation. To learn more about the Octoraro Watershed, visit the State of the Octoraro Creek Watershed story map.
This position will build capacity in the Conowingo WIP targeted watershed in partnership with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Maryland Department of the Environment, and New York Department of Environmental Conservation. An important aspect of the position is effective engagement with key stakeholder groups, with a particular focus on communities with environmental justice concerns, in cross-jurisdictional sub watersheds to identify priority capacity and technical assistance needs. The coordinator will use Environmental Protection Agency’s most-effective basins and disadvantaged communities tools (see Octoraro story map) and mapping applications to screen candidate communities/geographies, work with the jurisdictions and local partners to ground-truth and refine, and conduct listening sessions with priority stakeholders to assess capacity and technical assistance needs and barriers to implementation.
Essential Duties

Partner with local watershed groups to help identify communities that are experiencing heightened environmental impacts related to water quality impairments, flooding, and other environmental hazards.
Attend and contribute to collaboratives and work groups, e.g., Octoraro Source Water Collaborative (OSWC).
Identify and define technical and administrative challenges and work with stakeholders to recommend solutions.
Identify funding opportunities appropriate for the needs of the communities and develop grant applications to submit to eligible funding.
Identify and engage with communities that are historically underserved and have environmental justice concerns.
Engage with underrepresented groups and watershed stakeholders to expand partnerships and input on needs and challenges.
Conduct outreach to local leaders, soil and water conservation districts, and others who have existing connections to communities to begin building relationships.
Conduct listening sessions with local communities to help identify their greatest capacity and technical assistance needs.
Conduct educational workshops to provide information on grant opportunities and provide grant writing assistance to those interested in pursuing funding for capacity building, additional technical assistance, and water quality project implementation.
Assist with and participate in plain sect farmer education, e.g., working with Pennsylvania State University and pesticide credit meetings, OSWC Ag Liaison program, etc.
Summarize findings of outreach efforts and report back to CWIP leadership team on a regular basis.
Track progress and resources (staff, funding, informational, coordination, etc.).
Develop resources to fill identified technical gaps or coordination needs within the watershed.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, two years of job-related experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with building coalitions, community organization, and tracking resources.
Comfortable when speaking with diverse stakeholders, including farmers.
Knowledgeable of farm conservation to encourage farmers to engage in the process with other organizations.
Skilled in organizational strategy and stakeholder management to connect the dots with NGOs, volunteers, and stakeholders while also having a good understanding of the current work across the watershed and water use sectors (agricultural and otherwise).
Knowledge of aquatic biology/ecology, wetlands, and natural stream channel design.
Ability to work outside in adverse conditions and traverse difficult terrain.
Easily adapts to changes in the work environment.
Accurate and detail oriented with strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team and proceed with objectives.
Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple projects and tasks to completion
Able to use common sense judgement to carry out written or verbal instructions.
Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks.
Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the environmental or natural resources field.
Three or more years of job-related experience.
Experience writing grants, budgets, and reports.
Experience with water quality monitoring equipment and methods.
General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the world’s leading wetland and waterfowl conservation organization, seeks a self-motivated, experienced individual to lead conservation programs across the southern portions of the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. The successful applicant will join a highly motivated conservation team responsible for DU’s various conservation programs across 13 southern states. The position is based in the regional headquarters in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Qualifications

Candidates must have, at minimum, a M.S. in a natural resource discipline and at least 10 years of progressively responsible work experience, including budget, project, and personnel management. Candidates must have an in-depth knowledge of various conservation delivery programs and business practices. Demonstrated adaptive leadership and oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential. Candidates must be self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work across the organization.

Overall Responsibilities

The Managing Director of Conservation Programs performs a full range of duties that include supervision and oversight of regional-level programs and staff. This position will lead a team of 4 directors responsible for an annual budget of $75M. This position will be part of a regional leadership team reporting to the Director of Operations. The successful applicant is expected to operate with a significant level of autonomy to provide leadership and vision across disciplines and programs in close cooperation with their peers in fundraising and development, as well as the Director of Operations. Communication between and across roles will be imperative, as will supporting the team’s relationships with federal, state, and corporate partners. In addition, a close working relationship with internal and external partners will be essential.

Specific duties include:

There are four Directors of Conservation Programs (DCP’s) across the geographies of the Southern Region. The principal duty is to lead the Southern Region DCP team, resulting in regional-level strategic planning regarding allocation of staff resources, staff efficiencies, growth strategies, accountability, financial optimization, and other business strategies.
Lead the development and execution of annual budgets in close coordination with staff across multiple disciplines, especially the Managing Director of Conservation Services, the Manager of Conservation Services, the Directors of Conservation Programs, and the Director of Operations.
Provide leadership, supervision, and coordination of innovative programs and initiatives by developing teams within and across regions.
Collaborate with development staff (primarily three Managing Directors of Development and two Directors of Foundation Relations) to address philanthropic fundraising goals and alignment of use of philanthropic dollars in current year budgets and planning for future fiscal years.
Collaborate with three Directors of Fundraising and Volunteer Relationships to address fundraising opportunities and align staff participation at event-based fundraising events.
Collaborate and coordinate with the Director of Public Policy and the broader DU policy team to support optimized conservation-friendly legislation and administrative policies.
Collaborate with regional and national communication staff on broad and directed communication strategies addressing external communication, advertising, and program-directed marketing.
Coordinate work products and develop processes with all departmental disciplines within the region, across regions, and with NHQ staff.
Act on behalf of or in conjunction with the Director of Operations as a member of the conservation leadership team at meetings with conservation partners, corporations, foundations, public policy partners, volunteers, board members, and other stakeholders as assigned.
Serve as a member of the Regional Leadership Team.

Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is seeking a full time Field Coordinator to work as part of our field stewardship team. This position will be the primary point person for our infrastructure-related work, including trail building & maintenance, maintaining & coordinating repairs to our machines, and building and repairing historic & manmade structures. We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented person with previous experience in these areas, as well as a friendly, outgoing personality that can work with other staff members and lead a diverse group of volunteers. Considering the often changing nature of the field work we do, this person should be able to plan, keep to deadlines, while also staying flexible to last minute changes. While this position is largely field-based, applicants should be comfortable with technology, data collection, and electronic communication. Ideal candidates will have similar work experience, strong interpersonal and communication skills, be motivated, and able to work successfully as an individual and as part of a team.

Schedule: This is a full-time (40 hour per week) position that works a Tuesday-Saturday schedule. Weekly schedule is typically 8:00-4:00, with some variation depending on morning or evening events.

Salary: $50,000-$55,000 The upper range of salary should have demonstrated experience with natural surface trail building.

Reports to: FOW’s Director of Field Stewardship

Primary Responsibilities:

Working and collaborating directly with other FOW field staff members.
Assessing, planning, and coordinating trail improvement projects on a 50+ mile network of multi-use trails.
Assessing, planning, and coordinating structure improvement projects, including park signage, fencing, benches, and footbridges.
Assisting with removal of downed trees from natural surface trails.
Coordinating and leading specialized volunteers on trail work and structure repair projects.
Co-leading Volunteer Service Days with other FOW staff members.
Coordinating ongoing maintenance with contractors for composting restrooms.
Planning, coordinating, and leading volunteer training.
Coordinating regular maintenance and service of our vehicles including a pick-up truck, a van, and a gator.
Coordinating regular maintenance of our trail machines such as a Ditch Witch SK750, a canycom, mini canycom, and plate compactor.
Overseeing maintenance of our power tools.
Transporting machines and materials to work sites.
Keeping our workshop and lumber storage clean and organized.
Speaking directly with park users, neighbors, partners, and volunteers about FOW’s mission and work.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or three years of relevant work experience.
Excellent administrative skills such as planning, organizing, and implementing.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge and several years experience of building and maintaining sustainable multi-use trails.
Knowledge and experience with general carpentry and using power tools.
Some experience using trail building machines.
Experience working with volunteers in a natural setting, and comfortable using general hand tools including loppers, hand pruners, shovels, rakes and hand saws.
Must be able to communicate with a community of individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency in technology, such as email, Microsoft Office suite, Google Apps, database software.
Comfort with driving a heavy duty pick-up truck and attached trailer.
Collaborative attitude and ability to work in a team environment, as well as working alone and able to self-prioritize.
Proof of Covid-19 vaccination.
Valid Driver’s License, clean driving record, & reliable transportation.
Willingness to obtain a Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse History Background Check.

Desired Qualifications:

A passion for connecting people to outdoor public spaces
Experience and training with using chainsaws.
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Knowledge of Wissahickon Valley Park and/or similar watershed parks

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions: This position is largely a physically active and outdoor position. They must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and carry this weight over long distances working in all kinds of weather and walking over uneven terrain. This position will be required to wear appropriate attire for an outdoor setting. Boots and appropriate pants are required. FOW will provide some clothing items, including shirts, hat, and work gloves.

The UVM Extension Forestry Program is committed to providing science-based outreach, education, technical assistance, and research findings to promote knowledge transfer, ecological stewardship, and climate-focused decision-making on forested lands across Vermont and the region.

The Extension Forestry Outreach Coordinator will provide outreach, program and partner coordination, and technical assistance related to the ecological functions of forests, climate change impacts, carbon benefits, biodiversity, and sustainable management. This position will provide coordination and support to the Extension Forestry program and its many partners, help create educational and outreach materials, oversee website and social media content, and assist landowners, conservation commissions, foresters, non-profits, loggers, and others interested parties find relevant information and connect with programs.

Applicants should have the following or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related field and two years relevant experience.
Strong writing and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently, as well as collaborate with others, and to be innovative in solving problems.
Experience communicating scientific information to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with diverse constituencies.
Knowledge and familiarity in using various web-based tools and programs, and the Microsoft program suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS, Teams, and Outlook.
Ability to provide own transportation to and from various work sites and locations.