Job Tag: Conservation

The Director, Conservation Planning and Evaluation, is dedicated to advancing the Foundation to continually improve its planning and evaluation. Under the leadership of the Chief Conservation Officer, the Director is responsible for working with the Foundation’s staff and Board of Directors, federal agencies, and other conservation partners to update and implement an outcome-based investment and impact monitoring and evaluation framework and strategy for the Foundation’s conservation programs. The Director will use their facilitation skills to build consensus among many stakeholders and expand NFWF’s role as a convener among broader regional and national conservation communities. In collaboration with other members of NFWF’s Science and Evaluation team, the Director will serve as a spokesperson and will work to advance the Foundation’s conservation planning.

The Director will work closely with other Science staff to ensure that the Foundation’s core portfolio of programs are designed to achieve long-term impact with measurable outcomes. The Director will serve as a catalyst within the Foundation to create new combinations of people, processes, methodologies, and ideas that will lead to efficient and effective approaches to planning and measuring the outcomes of the Foundation’s programs by working with partners to create a strong culture of conservation impact assessment. The Director will manage and oversee the work of the Conservation Planning and Evaluation team and will work closely with Science and Program staff to develop and institutionalize standardized impact monitoring and program evaluation protocols that evaluate our grantmaking impact in accordance with the Foundation’s vision and strategic plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Institutionalizing Planning and Evaluation into NFWF Processes

• Through engagement with staff and key partners, update and build planning, and evaluation as core components of NFWF grantmaking to achieve and measure conservation outcomes.

o Lead the Conservation Planning and Evaluation staff to update the Foundation’s conservation strategy framework, conservation planning processes, and goal development, making them more adaptable to change and emerging opportunities, while remaining outcome focused.

o Work with NFWF’s Data Science team to develop, implement, and refine NFWF’s program evaluation and impact monitoring strategy to help ensure we have standard processes for measuring progress across multiple scales of grant making and for providing quality information for both program improvement and accountability purposes.

o Build understanding among Foundation staff, grantees, and external partners of the importance for using rigorous impact monitoring and program evaluation for learning and adaptive management.

o Improve integration of conservation planning, assessments, program evaluation, with reporting of results.

o Contribute to team effort by offering information and opinion and accomplishing special projects as needed.

Lead Conservation Planning

• Lead coordination of conservation planning efforts, decisions, and timelines with the Chief Conservation Officer, Regional Directors, and Board of Directors.

• Facilitate the design and development of programmatic plans and strategies that achieve broad support within the conservation community and are adaptable to emerging needs and opportunities.

• Ensure that NFWF priorities remain relevant and impactful, and plans are nimble enough to capitalize on new opportunities that align with goals for conservation outcomes.

• Support the Data Science team in their efforts to develop internal data collection and reporting systems for more efficiently compiling, aggregating, and disseminating project and program outcomes to both internal (staff, Board) and external (funding partners, grantees, etc.) audiences.

Oversee Assessments, and Evaluations

• Supervise the Senior Evaluation Officer conducting internal assessments of conservation programs as well as cross-program priorities to inform future decision-making and assist Regional Offices in the development of plans to implement assessment recommendations.

• Support the Senior Evaluation Officer in the development of monitoring and evaluation plans for guiding and tracking progress towards conservation plan goals.

• Oversee the development and implementation of third-party evaluations.

• Conduct site visits in accordance with Foundation policy.

Share Learning

• Foster NFWF as a thought leader in conservation planning and measurement.

o Share NFWF’s planning processes and system for Foundation-wide program evaluation and impact monitoring with external partners and prospective funders.

o Disseminate results and lessons learned from NFWF assessments to various internal and external audiences.

o Respond to requests for planning and evaluation assistance from key federal, corporate, or foundation partners.

• Communicate with Foundation staff and Board of Directors regarding assessments of our conservation impact to ensure strong understanding and use.

• Assist in the preparation of briefing materials and recommendations to support decision making by the Foundation’s Board.

• Represent the Foundation at appropriate meetings, conferences, including the Conservation Measures Partnership and American Evaluation Association.

Management

• Manage Conservation Planning and Evaluation staff to support the Foundation’s core conservation planning, program evaluation, and impact monitoring needs.

• Mentor Conservation Planning and Evaluation staff to develop staff’s technical, communication, and leadership skills.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the development of public and private partnerships to secure operational and programmatic funding for Science and Evaluation in coordination with the Chief Conservation Officer, External Affairs Staff, and Regional Offices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS)

• PhD or Master’s degree with equivalent experience. Eight years professional experience developing regional or national conservation plans that include impact monitoring, program evaluation and effectiveness reporting is required. It is highly desirable that this experience be in a natural resource-oriented organization. Demonstrated knowledge of participatory facilitation processes, contemporary evaluative techniques, and adaptive management.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with internal staff to create and maintain a highly integrated and effective conservation planning department.

• Experience as a facilitator of groups of varying sizes containing a diversity of stakeholders with contrasting viewpoints and priorities.

• Demonstrated experience in the human, social, or economic dimensions of conservation preferred.

• Ability to organize and prioritize work on multiple simultaneous tasks and meet deadlines.

• Strong speaking and writing skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• High proficiency in software used to compile, partition, and analyze large datasets (spreadsheets, relational databases, R)

• Willingness to travel.

The Conservation Program Coordinator facilitates the overarching management of conservation projects and programs including contracts, budgets, objectives, and deliverables. Additionally, the Conservation Program Coordinator supports collaborative conservation programs, projects with partners in industry, universities, and government agencies.
Essential Functions

Support ISA Research and Conservation Leadership and Amplify Association Management Leadership: Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) Executive Director and Agriculture Clean water Alliance (ACWA) Executive Director, in developing, integrating, managing, and executing conservation programs and projects that align with strategic mission of ISA or affiliated organizations
Support Business Development Manager managing contracted service projects funded by ISA or affiliated organizations
Collaborate across internal and affiliated organizations to prioritize develop of conservation projects and proposals, including corresponding hard cost budgets and human resource allocations
Coordinate across multi-disciplinary team to support effective collaboration on conservation programs and projects
Manage project-based agreements across internal and external partners, serving as point person for conservation projects supporting internal contract administration
Support continuous process improvement of conservation program/project management to increase efficiency and effectiveness
Develop and maintain clear and effective project management systems and tracking for efficient and effective execution of conservation programs and projects
Assist project and program managers to plan and track project objectives and deliverables
Guide team effectiveness to proactively communicate, schedule activities and disseminate results
Train new team members on workflows and procedures of conservation project and program management
Support efforts that help increase communication, awareness, and collaboration across the ISA and affiliated organizations
Work in concert with staff to maintain customer relationship management (CRM) system to measure, track and expand engagement with farmers and other stakeholders
Support staff to assist in the coordination and facilitation of deliverables, farmer and stakeholder engagement opportunities, programs, and events
Embrace and emulate the ISA culture and values

Competencies

Detail Oriented
Prioritizing work
Collaboration Skills
Problem Solving/Analysis
Leadership
Results Driven
Critical Thinking
Driving Continuous Improvement

Travel

This position requires up to 20% travel. Some travel within Iowa for field work or farmer visits. Occasional travel across the Midwest.
Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no current supervisory responsibility. Some supervision for intern or temporary employees may be required.
Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in agri-business, agronomy, environmental science, or related field
3-5 plus years professional experience in program management, operation management, or related field

Preferred Education and Experience

Master’s degree in agri-business, agronomy, environmental science, or related field
5+ years professional experience in program or operation management, or related field
Professional Certification in Project Management, such as: Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma, LEAN
Demonstrated expertise in developing or utilizing software for program/project management, project tracking, contract management, budget management, intellectual property/data privacy policies (e.g. Office 365, MS Task, MS Planner, Asana, AirTable, HubSpot, or similar)

Job Summary:

The primary objective of the Wild Turkey Program Manager (Program Manager) for Nebraska is to oversee and administer the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) Wild Turkey program, including research, management and harvest and season setting in the state of Nebraska in coordination with the NWTF, ensuring the delivery of the NWTF conservation mission, and the goals and objectives of the NWTF. This will be accomplished through strategic alignment of NGPC Wild Turkey Program goals and strategies in partnership with other NWTF field staff, NWTF volunteers, other state and federal agencies, other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and partners. The work of the Program Manager should result in the overall health and sustainability of the wild turkey and wild turkey hunting in the state of responsibility. The resulting oversight of the NGPC Wild Turkey Program, in coordination with NWTF conservation delivery in the state, should result in the maximization of NWTF funding in wild turkey management, research, in addition to robust wild turkey populations and hunting opportunities in the state of responsibility. This position reports to the NWTF’s Director of Conservation Operations for the Central Region. The position will serve as an agency contact with contractors working on wild turkey research projects and other project activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Duties and Responsibilities:

Represents NWTF and NGPC at NWTF state, district, regional and National meetings, serves as NGPC representative on state and regional technical committees related specifically to wild turkeys (e.g. Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies), as well as NGPC Management Council and NGPC Commission meetings
Works closely with state and federal wildlife & forestry agencies engaged in wild turkey research, harvest management, and habitat management in Nebraska
Serves as NGPC lead in research, survey and data collection & analysis for wild turkeys to include conducting investigations, utilizing data collected and analyzed to make management recommendation
Specific to data collection, duties could include summarizing harvest data of wild turkeys for both the Fall and Spring hunting seasons, conducting and analyzing wild turkey brood surveys and conducting and evaluating surveys of hunter harvests on an annual basis
Collaborates and assists research partners with ongoing investigations for wild turkeys and their habitats to include, but not limited to, data collection (both spatial and non-spatial data), compilation, management, synthesis, analysis and reporting of analysis, surveys, monitoring. Assists with wild turkey trapping activities
Provides technical assistance to a variety of stakeholders, including private landowners, agency and partner personnel, provides expert advice and/or training on fish and wildlife assessments, species and/or habitat
Engages with identified partners to achieve shared objectives and broad coordination on program/project-funded activities across geographic areas and/or subject matters of shared interest
Engages with individuals to achieve shared objectives and broader coordination across overlapping areas, to include individual landowners, NWTF members or volunteers, etc.
Serves as wild turkey subject matter expert, assisting the NWTF District Biologist in providing technical advice on wild turkey management decisions, regional habitat and research priorities
Provides news and relevant information coordinating with the NWTF District Biologist, to NWTF’s Communications Department, Directors of Development, and Regional Directors regarding wild turkey conservation & research projects in Nebraska in coordination with research leads
Provision of technical information about wild turkey biology and management to agencies and NWTF members (e.g. information requests). Contributes to Turkey Call magazine, Turkey Call television, NWTF state newsletters, websites, blogs, etc. for promotion, marketing and awareness of NWTF’s mission delivery and the NGPC wild turkey programs
Reviews and collaborates with state agency, partner, and NWTF staff on large-scale habitat conservation projects on public and private lands as requested. Assists with educating agency staff about relevant NWTF initiative-based conservation work
Administers NGPC wild turkey projects and serves as Project Manager: Provides oversight and management of contractors, consultants, specialists and inspectors providing services for agreements and other wild turkey-related work for NGPC
Assists with development and tracking of monthly budgets and budget forecasts for programs of responsibility and as needed by NGPC, possibly including developing and maintaining program and project funding support, and assisting in mentoring and training staff, and answering programmatic and procedural questions
Assists NWTF District Biologist with State Chapter Super Fund Request for Proposal distribution, proposal reviews, and communications with state agency staff that our leads on funded projects
Attend annual NWTF Convention, regional meetings and training opportunities, as necessary.
Performs other related duties as assigned

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

Must possess a working knowledge of wildlife habitat management, population management, harvest management and research techniques, as well as a working knowledge of wildlife population dynamics and accepted habitat management practices
Ability to work independently without close supervision and ability to determine work priorities daily, weekly and monthly to maximize time efficiency as required
Must have good public speaking and presentation skills for both technical and nontechnical audiences
Must possess basic computer skills such as the use of e-mail and be proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), ArcGIS, video conferencing, etc.
Experience managing landscape scale projects with multiple objectives
Ability to read, understand and keep abreast of wildlife research and management peer-reviewed journals
Meet the requirements for a The Wildlife Society (TWS) Associate or Certified Wildlife Biologist
Sound, working knowledge of statistical analysis for wildlife research, wildlife capture, monitoring and handling techniques, wild turkeys, upland game birds, and their associated habitats is preferred
Experience working with state and federal agencies, as well as Universities working with regulatory issues related to wildlife management and interacting with decision-makers at all levels of government is also preferred

Education and Experience:

Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a wildlife management, wildlife ecology, ornithology or a related natural resources field and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience or a Master’s degree in one of the above fields
Master’s degree and two (2) or more years of professional experience is preferred

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time
Must be able and willing to work, often alone, in a diverse range of climatic and topographic conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, rain, snow, sleet, ice, biting insects, snakes, mountainous terrain, swamps, very remote areas with limited access and amenities and other extreme conditions as warranted.
Must be able to walk several miles per day in the conditions described above.
Must be able to drive and/or ride long distances frequently.
May be required to ride in fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft or watercraft.
Ability to navigate in remote and rural areas
Must be willing to incur moderate travel within respective district including overnight stays up to five (5) nights or more

Remote or Telecomm Status (select one):

Position is required to report to assigned work location, may be permitted to work remotely on a limited basis.

The Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation (CCWC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, is on a mission to “Empower People. Save Wildlife.” Our focus on animal conservation, biodiversity, and sustainability is central to everything we do, and we strive to provide an inclusive experience for all who engage with us.

We are excited to announce a pivotal leadership opportunity: the Vice President and Director of the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation (CCWC). This role is critical not only for steering our conservation efforts locally and globally but also for spearheading our fundraising initiatives. As a key leader, you will be heavily responsible for developing and executing strategies to secure financial support, driving our mission forward, and fostering a culture of sustainability within and beyond our organization. If you are passionate about wildlife conservation and have a proven track record in fundraising, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

Develop and implement the strategic vision and operational framework for the CCWC, overseeing key programs including but not limited to Partners in Conservation (PIC), the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation, Mission Conservation, and the Commitment to Conservation Award.
Collaborate with senior leadership, Board members, staff, and stakeholders to set strategic goals, create implementation plans, and measure success.
Represent the organization at national and international meetings, conferences, and seminars to build support for our conservation initiatives.

Conservation and Culture:

Foster a culture of conservation across the CCWC and CFZP, including the Zoo, Wilds, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf.
Cultivate a collaborative environment by nurturing existing partnerships and establishing new ones to enhance our conservation impact.
Oversee conservation projects and staff involvement supported by the CCWC.

People Management:

Provide mentorship and delegate responsibilities to key positions, including the PIC Manager, Conservation Biologists, and Director of Sustainability.
Create and advocate for new positions that align with and advance the strategic vision and framework of the CCWC.
Manage staff performance, conduct reviews, address performance challenges, celebrate successes, and prepare long-term departmental plans.

Philanthropy:

Partner with the Philanthropy Department and Board Conservation Committee to expand funding and build relationships with new donors.
Identify and pursue funding opportunities for conservation programs.

Financial Oversight:

Oversee the CCWC budget, ensuring proper financial controls and collaboration with the Finance Department.

Communication and Outreach:

Write articles, present at conferences, and support staff presentations.
Collaborate with the Zoo’s Communications department to create and implement strategies that promote sustainability efforts and conservation projects both internally and externally.
Develop metrics to assess conservation impact and organize related seminars, lectures, and educational materials.

Qualifications

Leadership:

Proven experience in advancing conservation and sustainability initiatives.
At least ten years in a leadership role within a conservation-related field (e.g., Zoo, Field Project, Government, Academia).
Strong fiscal management skills and the ability to cultivate funding through new donor relationships.
Inspirational leadership skills with the ability to motivate staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
Strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making capabilities to guide the organization toward achieving its mission.
High ethical standards with a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Communication:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate the organization’s mission and goals.
Proven success in public speaking, including publishing and presenting scientific and conservation content.

Business Acumen:

In-depth knowledge of conservation and sustainability issues with a track record of staying current with trends.
Familiarity with nonprofit operations, including fundraising, grant writing, program development, volunteer management, and compliance.

Educational Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
Experience in international travel and networking, including in underdeveloped countries and challenging conditions, preferred.
Knowledge of laws and regulations governing nonprofit organizations, including tax-exempt status, reporting requirements, and employment laws.

Other Requirements:

Proficiency with relevant software and technology, including databases, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, and office software.
Flexible schedule with availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Ability to pass TB screening, adhere to drug-free workplace policies, and complete an annual criminal background check.

General Summary:

Applies strategic and tactical horticultural skills in the essential functions of installation, care, and maintenance of collections, displays, exhibits, lawns, and cultivated areas of the Garden. Evaluate opportunities for containerized displays and beds. Support and participate in design planning and execution. This includes monitoring and programming irrigation, fertilization needs, implementing cultural controls, and applying IPM, in assignment areas to shrubs, perennials, annuals, and trees.

Essential Functions:

Perform general gardening duties such as pruning, planting, weeding, mulching, and removing debris. Supervise tasks and work with gardeners daily, providing training in proper horticultural techniques as needed to teammates.
Monitor and inspect plants for health deficiencies and problems, identify proper corrective measures and apply appropriate pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
Participate in the research, design, and selection of new plant material and garden beds and containers. Assist with the development and design of new and existing garden areas.
Contribute to weekly garden task scheduling and planning. Monitor irrigation systems, implement effective program changes, and enter work order requests for repairs.
With managerial approval, source and request plant purchases, supplies, and materials such as trees, shrubs, seeds, mulch, soil and garden tools and equipment using the establish department process.
Lead tours, provide demonstrations, and answer questions from garden guests and staff on horticultural topics. Teach and lead classes, and workshops on various Horticulture related topics to the public.
Work with contractors, consultants, and temporary employees and aid in supervising and training interns.
Operate garden equipment such as utility vehicles, chainsaws, blowers, mowers, tillers, skid steer, tractors, trucks, forklifts, and other heavy machinery after training.
Occasional travel required.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate’s degree in horticulture or related field and 3+ years of experience in landscape installation or maintenance or an equivalent combination of training, skills and experience.

Success Factors:

Efficient and effective in execution of tasks. Ability and willingness to adapt to a wide variety of duties and responsibilities in all weather conditions. Ability to organize work, maintain schedules, and problem solve. Decision making skills and the ability to prioritize.
Guest service-focused with the ability to relate kindly and respectfully with persons internal and external to the Garden. Must demonstrate the Garden’s Core Values in all relationships at work and behave ethically in all business matters.
Able to demonstrate horticultural best practices based on real examples
Strong knowledge of U.S. Zone 7 plants and their proper care
Must attain and maintain these credentials: 1) First Aid and CPR; 2) Alabama Pesticide Operator’s License (OTPC), and 3) Motor Vehicle operation insurability and pass an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.
Aptitude and experience with safely operating large equipment, such as trucks, tractors, and riding mowers required.
Skilled in using hand tools and operating small power equipment required. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) are required. Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field from an accredited program and 1+ years of experience in landscape installation or maintenance or an equivalent combination of training, skills and experience.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical Demands: Requires continuous physical activity such as occasional lifting (50 to 100-lb) with team member assistance several times each day, frequent solo lifting (up to 50-lb), bending, climbing (up to 15-ft), walking over uneven and sloping terrain. Sense of vision and hearing in the normal range with or without correction. Sense of touch and the ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required.
Work Environment: Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions. Exposure to loud, prolonged noises and/or vibrations.
Equipment: Lawn mowers (riding, push, stand on), tree maintenance equipment (chipper, chain saw), backpack blower, aerator, string trimmer, edger, brush cutter, general gardening tools and equipment, utility vehicle, skid steer, tractor, front-end loader, dump truck, aerial lift, bucket truck, pick-up truck, two-way radio, cell phone, general office equipment.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Summary of Job Duties:
Perform and assist all aspect of the project, specifically forestry and wildlife field sampling (40%), compiling and analyzing data (25%), assist with restoration plans and site visits (15%), prepare project reports and manuscripts for conferences and publications (15%) and outreach (5%).

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a B.S. degree in or closely related to wildlife ecology and management, biology and environmental science, restoration ecology, or forestry. M.S. degree is preferred. Familiarity with spatial analysis/GIS and statistical coding in R is desired. Practical experience and applied research interest in waterfowl ecology and management, wetland ecology, and forestry are required. Candidates should have the ability to work closely with different stakeholders (i.e., private landowners) in promoting wildlife habitat management and climate-smart forestry practices. The ability to work collaboratively with other faculty members and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations is also important.

ESLC is seeking a talented, energetic professional for the full-time position of Land Conservation Assistant based out of our headquarters in Easton on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Land Conservation Assistant will primarily assist in providing conservation easement services with professionalism, timeliness and the highest quality possible work ethic. Specific duties will include, but not be limited to: communicating with landowners and project contractors, tracking of project tasks and financials, project research and due diligence review, baseline site visit support, GIS data and database management, and record keeping. Ideal candidates for this position should have strong verbal and written communication skills, an eye for detail and quality, and a capacity to thrive in a dynamic work environment. Capability to work in the outdoors under varying conditions is a must.

Responsibilities

Assist the Director of Land Conservation in the processing of conservation easement projects. This will include any coordination of staff, landowners, project contractors, partners and additional resources necessary to complete these projects.
Assist with the processing and prioritization of landowner inquiries and property intakes.
Develop outreach materials to promote conservation easement opportunities.
Manage ESLC’s GIS system, including data management and template development.
Coordinate with ESLC’s stewardship staff on record keeping to ensure compliance with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.

Position Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental studies, or a related field with at least one year of related or transferable experience.
Experience working with landowners or the public.
Strong GIS skills are required.
Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation are required.
Professional interests that align strongly with ESLC’s vision and values.
Outstanding verbal and interpersonal communication skills; exceptional written communication skills.
Disciplined self-starter, capable of working independently as well as part of a team.

The Land Conservation Assistant will report to the Director of Land Conservation and will work out of ESLC’s office in downtown Easton, Maryland. This is a full-time position offering a salary range between $40,000-$45,000 (based on experience) and a competitive benefits package that includes health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as an employer-sponsored retirement account, and paid time off (PTO). To apply, please send cover letter and resume to: **@**lc.org. ESLC will accept applications for consideration through September 20, 2024.

Join Our Team as the Bird Cams Project Lead for the Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University!

If you’re eager to make an impact and be part of a dynamic team, then we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with us!

About the Opportunity

As part of the Live Media Group in the Cornell Lab’s Marketing and Communications team, the Bird Cams Project Lead works independently and in collaboration with the Live Media Producer in leading the development, management, and growth of live experiences centered on Bird Cams, strengthening their role in engaging millions of people each year in learning and caring about birds and nature through live cams and live events.

The Bird Cams Project Lead has the following responsibilities:

Plans, initiates, develops, and implements strategically-selected collaborations to ensure that Bird Cams increasingly engages a wide, diverse audience in accordance with Lab goals through its suite of 24/7 live cams

Works with the Live Media Producer to establish long term editorial planning, camera portfolio strategies, and Marketing and Communication goals and outcomes. Researches and identifies new opportunities for impact and growth.

Supervises, provides guidance, and mentors the Bird Cams Communications Assistant & volunteer team’s roles in various projects.

Fosters community engagement with the Bird Cams and the Cornell Lab’s mission. Develops a community with a strong affinity to the Cornell Lab by increasing engagement and by connecting new users and lifelong learners to help get them involved more deeply. Monitors online sentiment, and plans and implements strategies, solutions, and tools to better engage audiences and communicate key priorities.

Collaborates with Marketing and Communications team to envision and develop live cam opportunities and experiences that amplify communications campaigns from across the Lab and Cornell, helping to create trackable outcomes and evaluate impacts.

Oversees live cam installations and the ongoing operational maintenance of technologies necessary for the cams program functionality.

This is full-time position located at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, NY. This position allows for a hybrid or fully remote work arrangement.

What We Need

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Communication, or other relevant discipline and more than 3 years or equivalent experience in science communication and natural history interpretation, or equivalent combination.

Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.

High level of proficiency in social media communication and management tools, especially relating to YouTube and video distribution across multiple platforms and audiences.

Expert knowledge of the natural history and behavior of birds as well as the birding community.

At least 3 years’ experience working in video editing, production, live streaming, and social media.

Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite

Resourceful, independent thinker willing and able to seek information from experts and the scientific literature.

Ability to write and speak professionally and accurately, using simple, friendly language accessible to all. Positive, courteous, and helpful attitude when responding to complaints.

Experience with managing staff, volunteers, and students.

Confidence in public speaking and in dealing with challenging and/or complex topics. Ability to discern the sensitivity of internal/external communications in a large public organization.

Must have demonstrated ability for working collaboratively and inclusively. Proven ability to work in a team environment where cooperation between colleagues and flexibility to different styles and approaches is required.

Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing

Cornell communicators share a mission to enhance and preserve the university’s brand and reputation as a top research institution and a leader in higher education, and to support and promote critical programs that serve the university’s teaching, research, and public engagement mission.

Preferably, the successful candidate will also have the following:

MA degree in Communications or Education with relevant experience or course work in biology, or MA degree in Biology with relevant experience in Public Relations, Communications, or Education.

Prior experience as public information specialist or naturalist focused on bird-related topics highly desired.

Prior work experience with a not-for-profit or PR organization is valuable.

Proficiency with web content management and/or WordPress is an asset.

Cultivation and remote administration of volunteers is highly useful.

Summary:

Under the direction of the County Conservationist, this position is responsible to work on behalf of the County and in cooperation with other agencies/partners (such as DATCP, DNR, NRCS, Tribal Agencies) on various comprehensive programs. This includes but is not limited to: administer, enforce and ensure compliance and tracking with the County’s Agricultural Ordinances; implement the Agricultural elements of the County Land and Water Resource Management Plan; Nutrient Management and grazing plans development and review, provide support to the agricultural community at large, assist in the operation of the county dams, and administer the Non Metallic Mining Program.

Essential Functions of the Position:

Serve as County Coordinator, Liaison, and Mentor for all Agricultural functions and Natural Resource Conservation programs as assigned, partnering with State, Federal, Tribal, Municipal, and private agencies, to ensure seamless execution of all designated programs, projects, practices, trainings and any other events that may occur.
Create, expand and nurture an active network of stakeholders interested in agricultural and natural resource conservation issues in the county.
Assists as necessary with the surveying, design and construction inspection of agriculture projects.
Assists with the development and review of Grazing and Nutrient Management Plans for County livestock producers. Tracks and assures compliance. Conduct inventories, assess needs, assist with plans, surveys and designs, monitor installations and track practice compliance.
Develops and administers cost share contracts (DATCP, WDNR, County) with landowners for conservation practices.

Position Description
Qualifications

Education and/or Experience: Desirable candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation, Agriculture, Soil Science, or related field and two years conservation practice management experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
Special Requirements

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations: • Grazing Planner Certification, or combination of training and experience equal to certification within two years of hire. • Wisconsin State Certified Crop Adviser (CCA). Certification required within three years of employment. Continuing Education Credits are required to maintain certification. • Commercial pesticide applicator certification required within two years of employment. Certification category to be determined. • Possession of a current valid Driver’s License.