Job Announcement:

Conservation Program Manager

Seattle, Washington

Conservation Northwest, a regional non-profit organization working in Washington state and British Columbia, has a 30‐year track record of success protecting wildlands and connecting habitat across the Pacific Northwest to support the recovery of our region’s most iconic animalsincluding wolves, wolverine, fisher, Canada lynx, mountain caribou and grizzly bears.

Our campaigns and groundbreaking collaborations help define our approach to effective conservation. Elected leaders, agency officials, and community members know us for beingscience-based, tenacious, and pragmatic. We are restoring wildlands and wildlife by working tofind common ground and collaborative solutions across our region.

We are seeking an outgoing, energetic, and technically proficient person to join our ~20 person staff leading wildlife and habitat conservation efforts in Washington’s central Cascades.

Position Responsibilities

The objective of this position is to lead program work developing and implementing strategies that protect and restore wildlife habitat, increase habitat connectivity across barriers, and foster scientific, social, and political networks. Program work is diverse, ranging from technical analysis to community relations regarding ecologically-based forestry and watershed restoration, innovative financing, and organizing and communications in the service of fish and wildlife conservation. Must be able to work independently, and maintain tight coordination with Conservation Northwest’s Forest Field Program and other staff in Twisp, Spokane, Bellingham,Olympia and Seattle. Team leadership and management skills are essential.

Conservation Northwest has a strong commitment to diversity. Applicants of diverse social, racial and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without preference given to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, social background, or veteran or disability status.

Duties:

•Oversee the design, development, funding, and implementation of landscape–scale forest and watershed restoration blueprints and projects;

•Seek out and work in coalition with agency, tribal, private interests, and others toimprove methods, efficiency, and ecological and social outcomes;

•Develop and present materials (fact sheets, blogs, articles, alerts, presentations) for policy reform, development and outreach efforts, and education and advocacy;

•Organize gatherings, lead field trips, and coordinate science meetings and other events. Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador, representing Conservation Northwest incollaborative groups and with the media;

•Maintain operational knowledge of science, policy, and practices related to forest and watershed restoration, habitat connectivity, and wildlife conservation and recovery;

•Defend public lands, including the Northwest Forest Plan, Okanogan-Wenatcheerestoration strategy, Roadless Area Conservation Rule, and other state and federal conservation policy and law;

•Manage staff and contractors, as needed.

Qualifications

Applicants must have five years professional experience in forest and wildlife management and conservation. The ideal candidate will be an organized and resourceful self-starter with a strong passion for wildlife conservation, familiarity with Washington landscapes, culture, and critters, and the ability to serve as a visible community leader on these issues.

Minimum requirements include:

•Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in forest or wildlife science; Master’s degree preferred.

•Strong work ethic, ability to problem solve, creative thinking and attention to detail;

•Strong organization and project management abilities, including interpersonal and communication skills;

•Ability to multitask, handle deadlines, determine and juggle priorities, and work in a fast- paced environment;

•Solid understanding of science, policy and law related to national forests, fish and wildlife, habitat connectivity and conservation;

•Demonstrated ability to apply science in policy and project development;

•Experience organizing events and conferences, public speaking, engaging officials, working with reporters, and public relations.

•Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel); GIS competence desired

•A passion for wildlands and wildlife conservation.

Hours and Compensation

Hours: Full time with regular business hours and occasional evening or weekend commitments. Some regional multi-day travel.

Compensation: Competitive salary with medical/dental, Simple IRA benefits, and generous vacation/leave.

To Apply

Send resume and one-page cover letter detailing interest and qualifications to Dave Werntz, Science and Conservation Director, at dwerntz@conservationnw.org. Finalists will provide references and writing samples.