Butterfly and Environmental Programs 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 be 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.
• Assist in the recovery of a federally endangered species within a large group of natural resource agencies and conservation organizations.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required 

• Current or fall enrollment in an Evergreen graduate degree 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 (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, WA DOC 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, ecology, environmental education, horticulture, environmental science, animal care, and/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. This position supports coordination, education, and training for the Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly Captive Rearing Program at Washington Department of Corrections Facility; TCB Program is being relocated to either Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) in Gig Harbor, WA or to Stafford Creek Corrections Center (CCCC) in Aberdeen, WA. With the guidance of WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Zoo, SPP partners (Evergreen and WA DOC) rear and release federally endangered Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies. SPP program coordinators oversee the program’s incarcerated butterfly technicians who work year-round to successfully breed and rear the butterflies. Technicians feed and care for butterflies at every life stage, track and maintain genetic lineages and pairings, observe exacting hygiene protocol, manage detailed data, and maintain larvae food plants. While the larvae sleep through the fall and early winter, SPP coordinators work with incarcerated technicians to monitor them for movement, update rearing protocols, assist in reporting and planning, and seminar on topics in ecological science.

The position works with another SPP Coordinator to support the Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly program with duties primarily occurring from January through June. They will also work with a team of other SPP staff and DOC liaisons to support Foundations in Gardening and Foundations in Composting peer-led courses, and Beekeeping with greater emphasis on these programs occurring from July to December. SPP staff practice strong partnership building, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

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 the active butterfly season (mid-Jan-June).
• 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.
• Whenever possible, involve program technicians to actively participate in program planning, problem solving, education and training, and program improvements.
• Sponsor peer-led gardening and composting courses by attending class sessions led by incarcerated facilitators. Assist in planning class graduations.
• Work with a team of beekeeping experts, program participants, and staff to support successful operation of the beekeeping program including reporting equipment needs, attending hive checks and meetings, and occasional classes, special events, and graduations.
• Make purchase requests, gain required approvals, deliver project supplies, and maintain inventory tracking.
• Provide recommendation letters, and other education and reentry support resources for technicians as requested.
• Maintain effective communication, cultivate positive relationships through regular updates, and work with other SPP staff to support reporting.
• Transport butterflies and participate in release events as needed.
• Work with WA DOC prison staff to maintain and repair program infrastructure as needed.
• Support care of larvae food plants and work with other SPP staff to help with training.
• Participate in recruitment, interview, and hiring new program facilitators as needed.
• Communicate key program outcomes and collaborate with SPP colleagues for inclusion in outreach materials.
• Occasionally generate web and social media content for SPP sites.
• 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.
• Present on SPP to varied audiences.
• 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 DOC and SPP-Evergreen trainings, follow policies for visitors, chemicals, supplies/equipment, and media clearances, and seek immediate support for any issues or challenges.