Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP)

Conservation Program Coordinator

Position title:    SPP Conservation Program Coordinator

Programs:         Western pond turtles, woodpecker nest research, aquaponics and other education programs at Larch and Cedar Creek Corrections Centers

Employer:         The Evergreen State College

Hours:               19 hrs/week, mostly during regular business hours

Duration:          July 9, 2018 to June 30, 2019; one-year extension dependent on funding Location:                          Sustainability in Prisons Project offices (Seminar 2 E 2117)

Pay:                   $15.45/hour; additional funding may be available for thesis work on SPP topic Supervisor:        Kelli Bush, SPP Co-Director

To apply:           Send cover letter and resume to Kelli Bush bushk@evergreen.edu by 5pm, June 1st 2018

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities

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.

This position will coordinate efforts of Evergreen, WA Corrections, and other partner in the western pond turtle (WPT) rehabilitation programs at Larch (LCC) and Cedar Creek Corrections Centers (CCCC)

 

and facilitating complementary environmental education. In addition, this position supports communication and technical assistance for other SPP programs at the two facilities (LCC and CCCC) including beekeeping, aquaponics, native plant cultivation and a pilot woodpecker nest predation research program as needed. As a member of the SPP-Evergreen team, the position contributes to team building and advancing SPP as a whole. Specific responsibilities for this position described in bullets, below.

 

Overall, the primary responsibilities of all SPP program coordinators are to monitor and safeguard program health, and cultivate and maintain positive relationships with all program partners. New hires will be responsible for learning subject-matter expertise, and this effort will be well-supported on-the-job with early and ongoing trainings.

 

Reporting, Accountability and Advancing SPP:

  • Provide weekly updates to supervisor
  • Actively participate in promoting the staff team and the organization as a whole, including:
    • Participating in team meetings
    • Creating and collaborating on outreach and dissemination materials
    • Identifying and acting on opportunities for program support and enhancements
    • Presenting on SPP to varied audiences in multiple venues
    • Contributing to proposals for new funding for SPP programs
    • Monitor and safeguard overall health of SPP programs; participate in ongoing program improvement and problem
    • Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with all program partners (e.g. guest experts and their organizations) and DOC staff at host
  • Maintain task lists in a format agreeable to coordinator and supervisor
    • Provide reports detailing accomplishments and progress as required by partners, funding sources, and supervisor
  • Monitor and ensure quality of data collection and record keeping
  • Reference, update, and develop new protocols
  • Work collaboratively with all partners to assist in identifying and solving program-related issues
  • Coordinate and participate in program tours and media visits
  • Coordinate with other SPP staff to provide program coverage when not available
    • Identify supply and materials needs, make purchase requests, track all program expenses, deliver project supplies and equipment, and oversee supply and equipment inventory
      • Direct the work of volunteers and undergraduate interns who provide general program and research support as needed
      • Give instruction and work collaboratively with technicians and DOC SPP Liaison to maintain and operate quality programs

 

Technician Education and Support:

  • Assist with program recruiting and participate in incarcerated technicians (technician) interviews with prison staff
  • Provide opportunities for technicians to use their skills and knowledge to improve the programs
  • Lead and facilitate training for program participants and partners
    • Provide educational opportunities and materials such as workshops, research articles, posters, background materials, and seminar discussions; provide off-site training as time allows and as opportunities are available

 

  • Train technicians in facilitating and opening discussion groups and giving talks and tours
  • Provide Northwest Earth Institute reading materials monthly and sit in or participate in a discussion group every other month during weekly check-in
  • Track technician participation in program
  • Lead the process to track, issue, and modify program certifications as needed
  • Administer program evaluation surveys to technicians
  • Provide release packets with portfolio items and resources for re-entry into the community
  • Support development of the monthly “Turtle Talk” newsletter at Cedar Creek Corrections Center by providing appropriate and current science news articles, editing the first draft, and sending to the SPP Liaison for final review
  • Prepare program “fact sheets” and posters for media, visitors, conferences, and outreach
  • Identify and pursue opportunities to increase inmate participation in scientific research

 

Western Pond Turtle (WPT) Program Coordination

Duties at both Cedar Creek Corrections Center (CCCC) and Larch Corrections Center (LCC). Program Partners include Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Woodland Park Zoo, and Oregon Zoo.

  • Coordinate, monitor, communicate status, and collect reports and data for the Western Pond Turtle (WPT) Recovery programs to be provided to a broad group of program partners
  • Visit CCCC ~once per week and visit LCC ~once a month
  • Lead communication with WPT recovery community including weekly status updates on turtle health Coordinate monthly visits for the veterinarian or WDFW biologist to check-up on the shell healing process as needed
  • Transfer instructions, updates, and other information from biologists and/or veterinarians to the technicians and SPP Liaisons at both facilities
    • Provide monthly program updates and communicate field training and turtle release opportunities to prison superintendents and SPP liaisons
  • Take photos to document lesions on turtle shells and provide updated photos to turtle recovery team at least monthly
  • Assist with animal transportation and field work for WDFW as time is available
    • Request infrastructure and equipment maintenance and inform prison maintenance staff of environmental requirements as needed
  • Be on call to assist with turtle healthcare emergencies and facilitate steps to provide care

 

Aquaponics, Plantain, and Woodpecker Nest Predation Research and Honey Bee Programs: Provide support to these less resource intensive SPP programs. Program partners include SPP Green Track Program Coordinator (bees), Aquaponics Contractor (aquaponics), SPP Conservation Nursery Manager (plantain), Biologist/Researcher (Woodpecker Nest Predation)

  • In coordination with regular facility visits, deliver supplies, data sheets, and/or educational resources to and from programs
    • Deliver educational programs and resources to program participants in coordination with services and materials provided to turtle technicians

 

Opportunities:

  • Work in a collaborative, engaged community of incarcerated individuals , corrections professionals, scientists, researchers, faculty, staff, and students
  • Provide valuable contributions to SPP programs

 

  • Assist in offering environmental education
  • Present the project at conferences, publish articles, and actively share knowledge with other groups about engaging the incarcerated community in conservation and education.
  • Provide valuable contributions to SPP programs and contribute to the establishment of the SPP Network

 

Required Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in an Evergreen graduate program
  • Available to work 19 hours a week, mainly 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 (see Desired Qualifications, below)

§  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 and to communicate and collaborate with Corrections staff and supervisors to address concerns and respond to inmate requests; employment contingent on successful Correction’s security clearance (so program access is possible!)
  • Willingness and ability to follow directions, collaborate on projects, and give and hear feedback

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Knowledge and/or experience in the field of conservation biology, zoology, veterinary science, animal behavior, wildlife rehabilitation, teaching and/or herpetology
  • Experience caring for animals, particularly reptiles
  • Experience in public speaking