Conservation Programs Coordinator

The National Aquarium is seeking a Conservation Programs Coordinator to coordinate and support components of Conservation Programs initiatives and be responsible for general communication and reporting of program activities.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinates and implements assigned conservation projects including volunteer recruitment, program logistics, communication, and internal and external reporting
• Coordinates volunteer participation in Conservation Program activities and events, including recruitment, project participation, professional development, and tracking
• Develops and maintains relationships with community members and community leaders
• Maintains relationships with community collaborators and partner organizations to leverage resources and build opportunities for conservation initiatives
• Attends external community and partner meetings to foster relationships and provide updates to both community members, partners and project staff
• Participates in outreach events, focusing on environmental stewardship and connecting participants to local conservation efforts
• Leads conservation programs in and adjacent to target communities and projects
• Evaluates project results and prepares of summary reports
• Assists in the preparation of grant proposals and reports for Conservation Programs according to guidelines of granting agency
• Participates in Conservation Programs Department staff meetings and other internal meetings as necessary
• Manages unpaid staff including interns, Aquarium Conservation Team volunteers and other episodic volunteers as directed
• Supports Conservation Programs team projects as needed

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, social science or related field is preferred but not required. Should have experience or interest in working with communities that have experienced systemic inequality and environmental injustice. Must have strong leadership and management skills. Must be able to drive passenger vans and perform strenuous field activities, including but not limited to: lifting 30lbs (with or without assistance), reaching, pushing, and digging. Should be prepared to perform in various outdoor terrains and weather conditions. Should be able to work weekends, evenings and holidays. 

Competencies:

Must be knowledgeable regarding environmental issues pertinent to ocean, Chesapeake, and urban conservation.  Must have proficiency in clerical skills (word processing, data processing, telephone etiquette). Must be proficient in use of Microsoft office software applications and willing to learn new software tools used at the National Aquarium. Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Problem Solving:

Must possess analytical and problem-solving skills to implement conservation projects. Able to prioritize work assignments and recognize the need for additional guidance. Must be able to take appropriate individual initiative.

Human Relations:

Daily contact with volunteers, partners, community members, and Aquarium staff regarding conservation issues as well as telephone and digital communications. Frequent contact with vendors, colleagues and outside partners. Must have enthusiasm, passion and commitment for building strong community relations within the city of Baltimore and interest in working with community members to complete various projects.

Must have the ability to speak about conservation projects to the general public and strong written and oral communication skills (Please Note: Ability to write and speak Spanish is not required but it is preferable).

Accountability:

• Responsible for supporting institutional and departmental missions as well as meeting individual goals.  
• Responsible for following Aquarium policy and ethics guidelines.
• Responsible for completing assigned work in an efficient and timely manner.
• Responsible for equipment, supplies, vehicles, facilities, and personnel associated with field projects.
• Human Resources: Supervision of volunteers and interns at the Aquarium and at remote field sites as necessary.

Physical Requirements:

The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally: sit, kneel, reach overhead/forward, travel/drive, be exposed to extreme cold, heat, water/dust and animals.

The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization that’s changing the way humanity cares for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and strive to meet or exceed AZA standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare. A dedicated team of full- and part-time employees and volunteers drives the Aquarium’s mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. More than a million guests visit the Aquarium each year, and millions more participate in its conservation, education and engagement initiatives.

Our Culture

The National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a visitor attraction and has evolved into a conservation organization that operates a world-class aquarium. Our core values—integrity, innovation, service, excellence, and engagement—form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behavior and actions to achieve our mission. Through unparalleled exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives, the Aquarium is at the forefront of efforts to connect people with the natural world and raise awareness of the challenges facing our ocean.

Our Mission and Goals

By connecting people with nature, the Aquarium drives conservation action for the benefit of people, animals and the planet. The Aquarium’s mission—to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.