BIODIVERSITY COORDINATOR

The Biodiversity Community of Interest (COI) for the Puyallup Watershed Initiative is seeking an individual who will fulfill a one year professional services contract to educate, organize, and engage watershed stakeholders with the goal of conserving native biological diversity.

Biodiversity Coordinator Description

The Coordinator will

• Track upcoming Comprehensive Plans, Critical Areas, and Open Space updates in all relevant jurisdictions of the Lower White River Biodiversity Management Area, and collaborate with the COI members to prioritize efforts to ensure that reference to the Lower White River (LWR) Stewardship Plan is included.
• Work with landowners, regulators, and policy makers in each jurisdiction in order to update and finalize the draft LWR Stewardship Plan.
• Identify and cultivate key partners needed to successfully complete and implement the Lower White River Biodiversity Management Plan.
• Develop and use a working knowledge of jurisdictions, land use planning, Growth Management Act, shoreline management regulations, critical areas regulations, and economic values of ecosystem services.
• Coordinate and facilitate monthly Biodiversity COI meetings in collaboration with the Biodiversity COI so that stewardship plans can be updated, explained and implemented.
• Organize and attend relevant meetings that cover topics such as forestry, salmon, water quality, and watershed stewardship programs with landowners, agencies, and elected officials.
• Regularly communicate with the Biodiversity COI membership through a variety of means.
• Foster helpful partnerships among the other COI’s.
• Develop and deliver presentations in public and private forums including developing program agendas and facilitating presentations.
• Set, report, and regularly evaluate a year’s work plan in cooperation with the Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance (PCBA) and Biodiversity COI members.
• Provide oversight for implementation of the COI’s year 1 work plan tasks and activities, and track progress, with regular reports and updates given to the COI.

For reference, an electronic copy of the Biodiversity COI grant and one year work plan with tasks and activities is available online at: http://tahomaaudubon.org/page-41024

Desired Qualifications and Attributes

The successful contract candidate will have a strong background, including education and/or work experience in areas of land use planning, environmental science and project management. The Coordinator must be a self-starter, fluent in both oral and written communication, a facilitator of team-oriented projects. Experience with environmental conservation projects whether as a professional or volunteer is required. Ability to travel extensively in the South Puget Sound region and in particular the Puyallup River Watershed and work a flexible schedule that may include weekends and evenings is essential. Familiarity with public education and outreach methods; evidence of strong leadership; and a demonstrated ability to adjust to changing situations will be highly valued.

Familiarity with applicable Federal (CWA, ESA), State (RCW & WAC), and city and county municipal codes, which regulate land use and the environment in the Puyallup River Watershed, is required. The Coordinator should have a working knowledge of the procedures by which policies and regulations are adopted and political finesse.

Work Environment

Travel throughout the Puyallup River Watershed with emphasis on the Lower White River corridor; travel to University Place for regular meetings, and office space, as desired. Occasional evening and weekend meetings are expected. Contractor should have access to reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.

A successful candidate will be an independent contractor, who is responsible for the expenses of attending meetings, and for paying all self-employment taxes, and complying with legal requirements of a contractor position in the state of Washington. Contract terms to be negotiated; work equivalent to 1 FTE. This is not an offer of employment.

Funding:

This is a grant-funded 12-month contract position. The maximum funds allocated for the Year 1 work plan is $60,000 to include all related project expenses. We anticipate this contract to commence in January 2015. This contract may be renewed dependent on funding and Year 2 priorities and work plan as yet to be developed by the COI members.

Tahoma Audubon will be the lead organization to pay invoices, provide office space and equipment (if needed), and have staff time available for consultation.

Anticipated contract compensation range $48,000-$58,000 depending on qualifications.