Conservation Nursery Program Coordinator

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The Sustainability in Prisons Project is a partnership founded by the Evergreen State College (Evergreen) and the Washington Department of Corrections (WA DOC). Program coordinators work collaboratively with a variety of partners, to advance SPP’s mission to bring nature, science, and environmental education into prisons. More information on SPP can found on our website: sustainabilityinprisons.org/

 OPPORTUNITIES

• Work with an Evergreen-based organization that supports the balance between SPP job duties and graduate school responsibilities.
• Improve access to science and sustainability education for an underserved group of people.
• Participate in a learning exchange with a collaborative, engaged community of incarcerated people, corrections staff, scientists, researchers, faculty, and students.
• Learn and work across differences to promote positive change, practice respect and compassion for all partners and collaborators.
• Participate in professional development opportunities including training, conferences, and education events; provide valuable contributions to SPP statewide and beyond.
• Develop curricula development and presentation skills
• Direct involvement with a Pacific Northwest conservation community involving State, Federal, and non-profit agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required 

• Current or fall enrollment in an Evergreen graduate program.
• Available to work 20hrs./wk. primarily Monday-Friday between 8am and 6pm (some hours may be flexible). If desired additional hours may be available during academic year breaks.
• Given that this position includes work with living organisms, work may require occasional evening and weekend hours or additional time. All worked hours will be compensated.
• Interest in working with living organisms (plants, butterflies, butterfly larvae, and bees) and supporting access to education and nature.
• Subject-matter and technical expertise are desirable, but not required. On the job learning and training will be supported. 
• Excellent social and communication skills are essential.
• Current driver’s license and reliable vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed) and/or willingness to request state motor pool vehicle for trips to prisons.
• Willingness and ability to work safely and professionally in a correctional setting; employment contingent on successful WA DOC background check and security clearance.
• Ability to work across differences with respect and compassion for all people; effectively communicate and collaborate with incarcerated people, corrections staff and supervisors, partner organizations, and SPP team members to fulfill SPP’s mission.
• Willingness and ability to follow directions, keep information organized and accessible, collaborate on projects, and give and receive feedback.

Desired

• Knowledge and/or experience in conservation biology, environmental education, agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, animal care, or related field.
• Administrative experience and/or aptitude.
• Experience developing and supporting partnerships.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities of all SPP program coordinators are to maintain thriving education and training programs, while cultivating positive relationships with program partners. The conservation nurseries have three program coordinators. These positions coordinate the efforts of Evergreen, WA Corrections, and conservation partners to cultivate plant materials for restoration projects in the Pacific Northwest. The three separate nurseries cultivate plants and grow seed for the restoration of upland prairie, savannah, and woodland habitat. Each facility is staffed by an incarcerated technician crew, WA Corrections staff liaison, and led by an SPP Conservation Nursery Coordinator under the supervision of SPP’s Conservation Nursery Manager. In addition to leading the program at a single nursery site, nursery coordinators assist with tasks in all SPP programs as needed.  

Position tasks are described below. Requested duties may vary depending on program status, participant needs, and organization priorities. All time and travel expenses are compensated. As a member of the SPP partnership, the person in this position will have influence on position tasks.

Program Coordination:

• Make independent site visits to support programs. Site visits are typically once per week and sometimes twice per week during busy planting seasons, October-November and April-June.
  • During weekly visits, work alongside the incarcerated program participants (technicians) for a full workday (i.e. a minimum of 6 hours) to promote crew morale.
  • Track and record all sowing, stratification, and cultivation protocols
  • Whenever possible, involve program technicians to actively participate in program planning, problem solving, education and training, and program improvements.
  • Identify pest and disease issues; record and report to project supervisor; research and implement disease and insect control.
  • Inventory supplies and equipment; occasionally deliver heavy materials as needed.
  • Inform program supervisor of any changes to project scope, physical site, or infrastructure needs.
• Participate in ongoing program planning, improvement, and problem solving.
• Work with partners and other SPP staff to support, deliver, improve, and maintain education and training. Coordinate partner and guest visits and program tours, or workshops.
• Maintain effective communication, cultivate positive relationships through regular updates, and work with other SPP staff to support reporting.
• Communicate effectively with WA Corrections staff regarding projects, work plans, and general schedule for facility visits.
• Assist the Conservation Nursery Manager to follow WA Corrections regulations with clearances for visitors, chemicals, supplies/equipment, media, and interactions with incarcerated technicians.
• Communicate key program outcomes and collaborate with SPP colleagues for potential inclusion in outreach materials.
• Support maintenance of program participant, education, and training data.

Reporting and Accountability   

• Provide weekly program updates to supervisor and every two weeks in SPP-Evergreen staff meetings; participate in quarterly check-ins with supervisor.
• Actively participate in the SPP team and the organization, including:
• Create and collaborate on education, outreach, and dissemination materials.
• Participate in opportunities for inter-program support, training, and enhancements.
• Support organization administrative tasks based on skills and organization need.
• Maintain task lists and documents in accessible locations.
• Support reporting and collaborate with facilitators, technicians, and partners to reflect on program outcomes and make improvements as needed.
• Maintain a safe work environment: complete all required WA Corrections and SPP-Evergreen trainings, follow policies for visitors, chemicals, supplies/equipment, and media clearances, and seek immediate support for any issues or challenges.