Coordinator, Conservation Action

Description

The Conservation Action Coordinator develops and implements initiatives that empower people and communities to take action for conservation, including but not limited to building communities of natural area stewards, improving habitat health, fostering pro-environmental behavior change, and driving measurable sustainability improvements that benefit people, aquatic ecosystems, and wildlife. The coordinator manages logistics, planning and delivery of conservation action programs, builds strategic partnerships to advance collective conservation action goals, serves as a conservation expert for internal and external audiences, and supports the conservation goals of other departments at Shedd and partners in the Chicago and Great Lakes region. The coordinator collaborates with diverse communities and partners and helps to ensure Shedd’s conservation efforts are equitable and culturally relevant.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not have all the skills and experience listed in this job description. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Other duties may be assigned. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values.
• Program Coordination & Facilitation
• Develop and deliver all aspects of programming including registration, recruitment and marketing, facilitation, partner management, staff and volunteer coordination, evaluation, communication with participants, and managing supplies and equipment.
• Communicate with partner organizations and internal partner departments to ensure proper permissions and logistics are met for off-site programs and be available to answer conservation related questions, offer support and guidance, assist with special events when appropriate, and seek opportunities for collaboration.
• Ensure all waivers and metrics for achieving program goals and grant requirements are organized, completed, and communicated to partners as needed in a timely manner.
• Supervise and coach staff, interns, volunteers, and others who contribute to conservation action programs.
• Ensure best practices and safety policies and protocols are always followed during events to ensure fun and safe experiences.

Communications

• Support development and delivery of conservation communications and storytelling through programs, events, social media, blog posts, and media opportunities.
• Stay current and build expertise on local and global environmental issues, such as but not limited to plastic pollution, climate change, applied conservation and habitat restoration, general sustainable practices, and other related topics.
• Support and advise other Shedd teams in building understanding and expertise on conservation issues and communications.

Other Duties

• Support fundraising efforts including funder/donor relations, grant fulfillment, and reporting.
• Support collaborative efforts with other Shedd departments including Learning Programs, Community Partnerships & Impact, and Public Relations among others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The qualifications listed below are specific to this role, but we encourage individuals with related experience in a similar field or life experience to apply. You do not have to have every qualification listed to apply. 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Science, Education, or related field or a combination of experience and education/training.

Experience:

• At least two years with program coordination, community engagement, public outreach, or program delivery.
• Experience in outdoor education, community gardening, conservation programming or environmental stewardship work.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Understanding of historic inequities in conservation and committed to breaking down barriers for those underrepresented in environmental and aquarium industries.
• Preference for candidates who identify themselves as part of a community that is underrepresented in environmental and aquarium industries.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to connect with people across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Knowledge of Chicagoland ecology as well as awareness of local and national conservation issues.
• Demonstrated ability to handle large workload in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Must have experience and comfort with public speaking and written communications.

Other Skills:

• A love of the outdoors and working with people is necessary!
• Positive attitude and supportive to colleagues in a team-based environment. Driven, highly organized self-starter.
• Poised, articulate professional with diplomacy, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude. A lifelong learner.
• Highly organized with an attention to detail.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be comfortable working outdoors with minimal amenities, including shelter, in all weather.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays.
• Must be able to walk/stand/sit for extended periods of time. Must be able to do heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs).
• Must have valid driver’s license and willingness to drive company or personal vehicle in city, suburban, and rural settings.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite. Technology experience beyond basic computer skills and willingness to learn new technologies.
• A personal vehicle to travel to/from program sites is preferred but not required.
• Basic experience with paddling a canoe or kayak preferred or willingness to gain paddling skills on the job.
• Designations/Certifications: Required at time of hire or must be willing and able to obtain within the first six months of employment.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Forest Preserves of Cook County Volunteer Workday Leadership Certification.
• Illinois Pesticide Applicator or Operator license.