Title: Conservation Specialist
Reports to: Director of Partnerships
Location: Olympia, Washington
Type: Full-time hourly with benefits (health, dental, vision)
Salary: Salary range starts at $46,382/year
Period: Permanent

About Ecostudies
Ecostudies Institute is a 501(c)(3) scientific non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of native species and their ecosystems. We achieve our mission through effective partnerships, sound scientific research, strategic land management and ecological restoration. At the core of our mission is a cooperative conservation model that strives to realize improved conservation outcomes by developing shared goals and vision through partnerships. These partnerships, in turn, encourage information transfer, advances in cutting edge restoration techniques, and the development of integrated range- wide conservation approaches. The organization has offices based in Olympia, Washington and Eugene, Oregon, and currently employs over 45 permanent and seasonal staff.

The Conservation Specialist (Specialist) will work to conserve the rare prairie and oak habitats of the Pacific Northwest with an emphasis on the South Puget Sound region. This position will be part of the Partnerships program which facilitates collaborative regional conservation efforts including cooperative recovery of federally listed species and other priority species. Primary activities include helping to lead the Cascadia Prairie-Oak Partnership, species-specific and regional working groups, workshops, and conference planning and to write and manage complex multi-partner grants. The position will also support Ecostudies’ communication activities, including outreach material development, web page management and social media. This position will work closely with Ecostudies’ avian conservation, science, restoration, and prescribed fire programs as well as multiple partners in the region including US Fish and Wildlife Service, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Defense, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Thurston County, and other non-profit and private stakeholders. The Specialist will support partners and projects that further conservation and recovery of listed and other rare species and their habitats. This position may assist and participate with other programs and is expected to contribute to the overall growth and development of the organization. The grant-supported position is funded through December 2024 with the potential to extend based on available funding.

This position requires a high-level of interpersonal skills, attention to detail, sound work ethic, and positive attitude. Development and maintenance of positive and effective relationships with partners and volunteers is critical. The Specialist must also be able to work independently, completing substantial tasks without direct supervision. The Specialist is expected to be an integral member of our team and will become a staff information source on current and potential recovery related activities in the region. The Specialist will need to be able to communicate effectively with partners, volunteers, and the public.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Plan, implement and coordinate collaborative conservation activities including meetings, workshops, and conferences, coordinating with regulatory agencies and within grant budgets and
  • Communicate successes and lessons learned to partners, Ecostudies Institute staff and the public through written reports, presentations and other
  • Write and manage complex multi-partner grants, including budgeting, compliance, and
  • Develop and manage task level budgets and prepare concise and informative progress and final project reports internally and to partners as
  • Occasionally travel for partner meetings, workshops, field visits, and
  • Support communication activities, including web page management, outreach materials, and social
  • Collaborate with Ecostudies staff to generate grant funding to support future conservation
  • Maintain knowledge of significant developments and trends in prairie and oak habitats of the Pacific
  • Other duties as

REQUIREMENTS:

  • BA/BS required (Master’s preferred) in natural science or other closely related field, and two years related experience in natural resources field, or equivalent combination of education and
  • Experience working with or knowledge of natural Knowledge of ecological land management and conservation biology principles.
  • Proven ability to successfully work in a collaborative team
  • Experience managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality
  • Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Web browsers). Familiarity with ArcMap GIS and other database systems

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Regularly sits or stands at a desk or computer
  • Frequently works alone.
  • May be requested to work some evenings and weekends, and/or
  • Occasionally works in natural Hikes across, and conducts work within, native habitats and uneven ground.

VACCINE REQUIREMENT: Full Covid-19 vaccination preferred for employment at Ecostudies Institute.

HOW TO APPLY
Qualified applicants should provide a detailed letter of interest, current résumé or curriculum vitae, and three professional references (names, affiliations, and contact information only). Application package should be combined into one file. All applications will be acknowledged. Email these materials to: ekim@ecoinst.org with Conservation Specialist Application in the subject line.