Oregon Wild Job Description:  Ochoco Mountains Campaign Organizer

About Oregon Wild:

Founded in 1974, Oregon Wild is a non-profit conservation organization with a history of accomplishment. Our victories include safeguarding over 1.7 million acres of Wilderness and 1,800 miles of Wild & Scenic Rivers through federal legislation, legal victories that have protected hundreds of thousands of acres of old-growth forests and preserved critical wetland habitat, and the preservation of numerous endangered species, from coho salmon to northern spotted owls. Oregon Wild enjoys a national reputation as a pioneering organization that is both highly strategic and effective, with strong policy expertise.

 

The Position:

The Ochoco Mountains Campaign Organizer is responsible for carrying out the day to day activities needed to secure permanent legislative protection for this spectacular region in Central Oregon. The organizer will work with local landowners, mountain bikers, hunters, equestrian groups, conservation organizations, and others to advance protections for the Ochoco Mountains. Key responsibilities include expanding and maintaining the Oregon Wild network of grassroots activists in Central Oregon, outreach to landowners and recreational users of the area, developing educational materials, and coordinating communications among the diverse coalition of groups working to secure protection for the Ochocos.

 

Qualified candidates should have a good understanding of public lands policy, strong interpersonal communications skills, and a demonstrated commitment to conservation. In addition, the ideal candidate would have grassroots organizing experience in rural communities. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

 

This is a part time, 20 hour a week position located in Central Oregon (preferably based out of our Bend field office), with extensive time spent in communities around the Ochocos. Pending future funding, the position could grow to full time. The salary is $20,000 per year, depending on experience, and the position will report to the Oregon Wild Wilderness Coordinator.

 

Activities:

 

Grassroots Organizing (70%)

  • Working with other Oregon Wild staff, develop and implement a grassroots organizing strategy for the increasing protections for the Ochoco Mountains campaign.
  • Educate regional business leaders on the benefits of protecting the Ochoco Mountains region, with a focus on outdoor recreation and tourism related industries.
  • Identify and meet with local Ochoco-area landowners to hear their concerns about the proposal, and to provide information.
  • Conduct outreach to key recreation groups with an interest in the public lands in the Ochocos and seek to secure their support for the proposal.
  • Channel supporters of Ochoco conservation into a network of activists who can help in advocating for the area through meetings with elected officials, newspaper opinion columns, letters to the editor, and social media.
  • Coordinate regular conference calls and meetings of the Ochoco Mountains Conservation Coalition.

 

Public Outreach (30%)

  • Develop, schedule, and carry out slideshows to key recreation groups in Prineville, Bend, and Redmond to build support for protecting the Ochoco Mountains.
  • Organize and carry out hikes, camp-outs, and other events aimed at connecting people with the Ochocos and the proposal.

 

How to Apply:

Applications must be sent by e-mail to: jobs@oregonwild.org. Please submit a cover letter and resume consolidated into a single PDF or Word document. Review of completed applications will begin on February 17, 2015.