Employer: The Evergreen State College (Evergreen)

Hours: 20 hrs./week; additional hours may be available during summer months and academic calendar breaks as funding allows.

Duration: July 12, 2021 to June 30, 2022; one-year extension dependent on funding

Location: Sustainability in Prisons Project offices (Seminar 2 E2117), combination of remote and in-person work anticipated.

Pay: $16.50/hour; additional funding may be available for thesis work on SPP topic

Supervisor: Kelli Bush, SPP Co-Director

To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and three references to Kelli Bush bushk@evergreen.edu 5pm, June 16th 2021.

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The Sustainability in Prisons Project is a partnership founded by the Evergreen State College (Evergreen) and the Washington Department of Corrections (WA Corrections). Program coordinators work collaboratively with both founding partners, plus various program partners, to advance SPP’s mission and vision:

Mission: We empower sustainable change by bringing nature, science, and environmental education into prisons.

Vision: In response to the dual crises of ecological degradation and mass incarceration, we aim to reduce recidivism while improving human well-being and ecosystem health. SPP brings together incarcerated individuals, scientists, corrections staff, students, and program partners to promote education, conserve biodiversity, practice sustainability, and help build healthy communities. Together, we reduce the environmental, economic, and human costs of prisons.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Currently enrolled in an Evergreen graduate progra
  • Available to work 20 hours a week, primarily during office hours Monday-Friday (some hours may be flexible).
  • Subject-matter and technical expertise are desirable, but can be taught on the job and are not required
  • Excellent social and communication skills are essential.
  • Current driver’s license and available and reliable vehicle for trips to prisons in western Washington (mileage will be reimbursed).
  • Willingness and ability to work safely in a correctional setting; employment contingent on successful Correction’s security clearance.
  • Ability to work across differences with respect and compassion for all people; ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with Corrections staff and supervisors, incarcerated people, partners organization 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 hear feedbac
  • This position will include in-prison site visits as it is safe to do so. The Coordinator must be willing to follow all COVID protocols created by SPP and WA Corrections to reduce potential spread of the virus.

Desired

  • Knowledge and/or experience in the field of conservation biology, zoology, veterinary science, animal behavior, wildlife rehabilitation, and/or environmental education
  • Experience caring for animals
  • Administrative experience and/or aptitude
  • Experience developing and supporting partnerships

RESPONSIBILITIES

This position leads coordination of the western pond turtle (WPT) rehabilitation and complementary ecological education programs at Cedar Creek Corrections Center (CCCC). Complementary programs currently include a small-scale aquaponics system and mealworm production. Turtle care is seasonal and other programs will change based on available resources, partnerships, and incarcerated technicians’ interests. The position requires strong partnership building, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

As a member of the SPP-Evergreen team, the position contributes to team building and advancing the organization. Anticipated position tasks are described below. Requested duties may vary depending on program status, group project goals, and organization priorities. As a member of the SPP partnership, the person in this position will have influence on various organization tasks and priorities.

The primary responsibilities of all SPP program coordinators are to maintain a thriving program, while cultivating positive and productive relationships with all program partners. This work requires adaptability, persistence, and dedication to effective communication. New employees will be responsible for learning subject-matter expertise, and this effort will be supported on-the-job with early and ongoing trainings.

Program Coordination

Turtle Program

  • Provide or coordinate at least 3 education/training workshops on protocol, procedure, and operation in preparation for and during active turtle care.
  • Coordinate monthly visits for veterinarian and/or WDFW biologist to check-up on the shell healing process.
  • Transfer instructions, updates, and other information from biologists and/or veterinarians to the technicians and SPP Liaisons at both facilities.
  • Take photos to document lesions on turtle shells and provide to turtle recovery team as requested.
  • Assist with animal transportation as needed.
  • Collaborate with program partners to update and maintain turtle care procedures; ensure compliance with protocols and effectively address protocol or procedure drift as it occurs.
  • Be on call to assist with turtle healthcare emergencies and facilitate care as needed.

Aquaponics and Other Education Programs

  • Provide support for these less resource intensive SPP programs.
  • Check and note status of programs during regular program visits; provide all partners updates as needed.
  • Communicate any concerns expressed by the SPP Liaison and/or technicians to respective program partner experts; facilitate visits with consultants to improve program education, training, and operation.

General

  • Make independent site visits to provide education and training and to monitor and support the health of the program; visit CCCC up to once a week during turtle season with potentially less frequent visits when turtles are not at the facility.
  • Work with all partners (including program technicians, corrections liaison, other SPP staff, biologist(s) and others) to identify, develop, implement, and maintain quality education, training, and program operations plans; lead and facilitate science seminars and workshops.
  • Whenever possible, empower technicians to actively participate in program planning, problem solving, education and training development, and updating procedures.
  • Make purchase requests, gain required approvals, deliver project supplies and equipment, and maintain inventory tracking.
  • Provide program certificates, recommendation letters, and other education and reentry support resources for technicians as requested.
  • Facilitate regular communication with and receive direction or training from partner organizations as needed.
  • Oversee and ensure the quality of hardcopy data and data entry as needed; share data with partners as requested.
  • Work with corrections staff to maintain and repair program infrastructure, generate facilities work requests as needed.
  • Participate in the recruitment, interview, and hiring process for new program technicians.
  • Facilitate and coordinate on-site meetings among program partners at least annually and more often as needed; participate in Western Pond Turtle Working Group meetings.
  • Coordinate off-site technician education and training activities with partner organization staff as approved.
  • Generate web and social media content for SPP sites
  • Coordinate and participate in program tours
  • Track program participants in SPP meta data; administer program evaluation surveys as approved by WA Corrections
  • Conduct quarterly evaluations for each technician to provide feedback on performance and track progress towards meeting certificate requirements.
  • As needed, direct the work of volunteers and undergraduate interns, and help prepare grant applications.

Reporting and Accountability  

  • Provide program updates to supervisor in weekly meetings and to the team every two weeks in SPP-Evergreen staff meetings; participate in quarterly check-ins with supervisor
  • Actively participate in promoting the staff team and the organization, including:
  • Create and collaborate on education, outreach, and dissemination materials
  • Identify and act on relevant opportunities for inter-program support, training, and enhancements
  • Support organization administrative tasks based on skills and organization need
  • Present on SPP to varied audiences in multiple venues
  • Consider and contribute to proposals for new funding for SPP programs
  • Maintain effective communication and cultivate positive relationships through regular updates with all program partners including WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, WA Corrections, incarcerated technicians, and other stakeholders.
  • Update and communicate task lists; keep current in a format agreeable to coordinator and supervisor
  • Lead preparation of program sections of the SPP annual report and other reports as needed; collaborate with technicians to gather data and observations on program status
  • Monitor and track progress of incarcerated technicians including their participation in education and training activities, requirements toward certification, and reentry support.
  • Maintain a safe work environment: complete required WA Corrections and SPP-Evergreen trainings and follow policies including regulations for visitors, chemicals, supplies/equipment, and media clearances; and report any issues or challenges immediately

OPPORTUNITIES

  • Work in a collaborative, engaged community of incarcerated individuals, corrections professionals, scientists, researchers, faculty, staff, and students.
  • Work across differences to increase access to science and sustainability education; practice respect and compassion extending to all partners and stakeholders.
  • Assist in offering environmental education and training to incarcerated people, a traditionally underserved audience.
  • Present at conferences, publish articles, and actively share knowledge with other groups about engaging the incarcerated community in conservation and education, as opportunities are available.
  • Provide valuable contributions to SPP statewide and beyond.

For more information, visit http://sustainabilityinprisons.org/