TITLE: Restoration Project Coordinator Watershed-Scale Invasive Species Prevention & Control Program

Location: West Olympic Peninsula, Washington State

Start date: April 15, 2017

Duration: Full- time position funded through mid-2020

Pay range: Annual: $35,000 – $45,000 DOQ

Contact: Jill Silver, Executive Director jsilver@10000yearsinstitute.org

Description:

10,000 Years Institute has an immediate opening for a self-starting, highly motivated and creative team player to coordinate a multi-year watershed invasive plant species (IPS) and habitat restoration program. This position reports to the executive director/program manager, and will assist in program implementation of field operations, public outreach, and data management. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator and planner with an aptitude for leadership and critical thinking, has strong organizational skills, a solid background in natural resources management, and knowledge of watershed and native plant community restoration issues and practices. He or she desires to contribute to an innovative program protecting biodiversity, forests, fish and wildlife habitat, and agricultural lands from the impacts of invasive plants.

Background:

10,000 Years Institute is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization conducting applied research, watershed ecological services, and education. The Institute has a 10 year history of innovative invasive species program development along the coast of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. http://www.10000yearsinstitute.org/

Pulling Together in Restoration (PTIR) is a pilot invasive species prevention and control program working across thirteen coastal watersheds to implement early prevention and education on non-native plants that impair forest, riparian, wetland, and fisheries habitats on Washington State’s west Olympic Peninsula. Funded through the state legislature and part of the Washington Coast Restoration Initiative, PTIR builds upon existing invasive species control projects in coastal rivers – Quillayute, Hoh, Queets, and Quinault – to address invasion vectors and pathways associated with recreation, transportation, municipal, industrial, and residential activities. Our goal is to establish local watershed strike teams working with diverse communities, industries, restoration project sponsors, and recreational entities to reduce and eliminate new invasive threats, and identify priorities for action as they arise.

Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities include the following:

Coordinate and supervise PTIR and related projects, and crews to: 

  • Implement program activities
  1. Conduct surveys of invasive species at restoration project sites, recreation access points, transportation corridors, river channels, wetlands, and floodplains, and commercial and residential sites according to established protocols
  2. Conduct site and species-appropriate treatments per program protocols
  3. Coordinate communication of intended action and complete reporting of completed activities with partners, landowners, land managers and the public users of invasive species locations
  4. Conduct outreach to obtain access agreements to private land
  5. Develop and maintain data and reports on species and activities
  6. Work with Institute GIS staff to develop maps for planning, fieldwork, and reporting
  7. Work with Institute data management staff to manage survey data for analysis and reporting 
  • Manage and coordinate crews:
  1.  Schedule, equip, and deploy crews
  2.  Prioritize survey and control locations
  3.  Ensure data quality during field operations
  4.  Manage equipment and supply ordering and maintenance 
  • Assist in the development of communication, outreach programs and presentations, and educational materials related to invasive species and habitat restoration programs, resources and opportunities 
  • Promote communication, coordination, partnerships and information transfer between federal, state, and local partners in the public and private sectors 
  • Assist with project coordination, administration, meeting planning and facilitation.

Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, botany, ecology, environmental science or policy, or a related field, and three years relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in same, and one year relevant experience. 
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills are a must, including the ability to translate complex science or legal information to policymakers and the public 
  • Experience communicating with different audiences (e.g., public, scientific, and policy) and interest in collaborating with and coordinating diverse stakeholder groups are required 
  • Self-motivated, energetic, critical thinker 
  • Strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and coordinate diverse crews, and plan and facilitate public meetings 
  • Team player, interested in working collaboratively with Institute staff, crews, and the diverse scope of project partners 
  • Strong communication skills (both verbal and writing) 
  • Strong computer skills including MS Office Suite (relational database development (Access) and desktop publishing software is a plus) 
  • Experience writing grant proposals and supporting program development efforts 
  • Familiarity with web-conferencing/remote meeting technology and social media 
  • Strong plant identification skills 
  • Knowledge of and experience in invasive species prevention and management 
  • Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation 
  • Ability to collect, QA/QC, and post-process data using handheld GPS units 
  • Ability to navigate and set a bearing using a compass and to read aerial and topographical maps 
  • Physically fit to work outdoors, carry personal and field equipment, and withstand working in inclement weather 
  • A working knowledge of ArcGIS is preferred.

License, Certificate, and Certification Requirements:

  • Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads. 
  • Vehicle Insurance 
  • Washington State pesticide applicator license with an aquatic endorsement (may be obtained within 30 days of hire) 
  • First Aid/CPR or Wilderness First Aid training preferred or will be required to be obtained.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

  • The work is performed in both a general office setting and in the field along paved and gravel roads, and off roads in uneven terrain on level and uneven and steep ground in forests, rivers, and fields.
  • Must be able to walk five miles carrying 25 pounds of gear.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive, sometimes stressful environment, requiring significant time management skills to complete assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Some travel will be required for meetings and presentations, and in the conduct of field surveys.

Applying for this position: The requirements for this application include a cover letter, resume, three references, a short writing sample and salary history.

Please note: All of these items must be provided if applicant is to receive consideration.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2017 (or until filled)

Please submit your application by mail or e-mail to the following address:

10,000 Years Institute

ATTN. Jill Silver, Executive Director

PO Box 1081

Forks, WA 98368

Email: jsilver@10000yearsinstitute.org

No phone calls, please.

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, or disability status.