Ecological 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 an 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 (turtles, 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 and/or willingness to request state motor pool vehicle for trips to prisons in western Washington (personal vehicle mileage will be reimbursed).
• 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; ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with WA DOC staff and supervisors, incarcerated people, 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 hear feedback.

Desired

• Knowledge and/or experience in the field of conservation biology, ecology, 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

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 leads coordination of seasonal ecological education programs at Cedar Creek Corrections Center including the Western Pond Turtle (WPT) Rehabilitation program. Turtle care is seasonal, and other programs will change based on available resources, partnerships, and incarcerated technicians’ interests. 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

Turtle Rehabilitation: 

• Support credit-eligible experiential education and training including workshops on program turtle care procedures and program operation.
• Coordinate visits for veterinarians and/or WDFW biologists to check on the shell healing process.
• Transfer instructions, updates, and other information from biologists and/or veterinarians to the SPP Program Technicians and Liaisons.
• Document turtle shell healing and provide updates to the turtle recovery team as requested.
• Be on call to assist with animal transportation, healthcare emergencies, and to facilitate care as needed (seasonal and short duration).
• Collaborate with program partners to update and maintain turtle care procedures; ensure compliance, and effectively address protocol or procedure drift as it occurs.

General

• Work with all partners to identify, develop, implement, and maintain quality education, training, and program operations.
• Make independent site visits to deliver education and training, monitor program status, and invest in program success; visit the prison at least once a week during turtle season with less frequent visits when turtles are not present; facilitate visits with experts to improve program education, training, and operation.
• As resources are available, support peer-led education courses on topics such as gardening and composting.
• Facilitate communication, participate in meetings, and provide partners updates as needed/ requested; communicate any concerns expressed by the SPP Liaison and/or Technicians to respective program partners.
• Whenever possible, empower technicians to 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 recommendation letters, and other education and reentry support resources for technicians as requested.
• Oversee and ensure the quality of hardcopy data and data entry as needed; share data with partners as requested.
• Work with DOC 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.
• Occasionally generate web and social media content for SPP sites.
• Track education, training, and reentry support for program participants in SPP data.
• As resources allow, support the work of volunteers and undergraduate interns.

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 the SPP team and organization, including:
• Create and collaborate on education, outreach, and dissemination materials.
• Participate in opportunities for inter-program support and training.
• Support organization administrative tasks based on skills and organization need.
• Present on SPP to varied audiences.
• Maintain task lists and documents in accessible locations. 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.
• Maintain a safe work environment: complete required WA DOC and SPP-Evergreen trainings and follow policies including regulations for visitors, chemicals, supplies/equipment, and media clearances; and report any issues or challenges immediately.