Position Summary:
Title: Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture (AMJV) Community Science & Engagement Coordinator
Supervisor: AMJV Coordinator
Location: Blacksburg, VA preferred; but other locations within the AMJV geography will be considered
Salary: Estimated at $82,800 plus benefits; based on experience
Submission Deadline: July 14, 2023
Introduction:
The mission of American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is to conserve birds and their habitats – the places birds need to thrive – across the Americas. We are a growing group of 125+ dedicated staff, located across the United States and with a network of partners from Canada to Chile. Each year, we grow in budget and staff, and we deliver more results aimed at preventing bird species extinctions and reversing declines that are reducing populations of nearly all bird groups. Our work is guided by our principles, which include a commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).
The Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture (AMJV) Community Science & Engagement Coordinator is a full-time position requiring a dynamic conservationist with the vision, drive, entrepreneurial spirit, and communication skills to build and advance the AMJV’s community science portfolio of activities as an employee of the American Bird Conservancy. The AMJV regional partnership consists of private, state, and federal conservation organizations committed to a collaborative, strategic approach to advancing the goals and objectives of international, national, regional, and state bird conservation plans within the Appalachian Mountains (Bird Conservation Region [BCR] 28) covering portions of 12 states from New York to Alabama.
The AMJV Community Science & Engagement Coordinator is a novel position that will assume principal responsibilities for incorporating human dimensions, especially community engagement in processes like data collection, habitat stewardship, and other conservation activities, into the AMJV’s conservation framework. This position will address a key goal of the AMJV - community engagement to advance the JV’s conservation goals and long-term outcomes. This position will work collaboratively with the AMJV Management Board, staff, working groups, teams, and other partners to develop, initiate, and coordinate community science projects and provide the oversight and direction necessary for their successful completion.
This position requires a good understanding of ABC’s and AMJV’s mission, as well as knowledge of Migratory Bird Joint Venture structure and function. There is extensive contact with others within and outside the organization and partnership, in person, by telephone/virtually, and through e-mail and other correspondence. The work requires initiative, flexibility, and attention to detail. It is essential that the staff member in this position is able to prioritize tasks and work in a team environment. The position reports to the AMJV Coordinator.
Primary Duties:
- Evaluate resources and opportunities for implementing avian monitoring programs in the AMJV using a mixed methods approach developed in conjunction with JV partners that integrates both traditional and community science-driven data collection.
- Implement avian monitoring projects addressing key management/conservation data gaps and community engagement priorities through volunteer-driven data collection. Develop these into long-term regional monitoring programs to be implemented in conjunction with JV partner agencies and organizations.
- Develop community engagement projects focused on bird-friendly and sustainable development within the AMJV’s Focal Landscapes. Identify community engagement needs, which are likely to vary both within and across the different Focal Landscapes, and adapt programs accordingly.
- Seek to evolve and adapt the AMJV partnership structure by embracing emerging technologies that advance the contribution of community science to the AMJV partnership, working with the Management Board to address novel priorities and employ operational practices that adjust to ever-changing partnership demands and facilitate value-added partner engagement.
- Work closely with AMJV staff and technical committees to ensure coordinated tracking and monitoring of work toward AMJV goals and objectives and to incorporate conservation accomplishments into the next generation the biological planning and conservation design tools. Prepare reports and make presentations and recommendations to the AMJV Management Board.
- Seek external funding through grant writing and management, as well as through partners and cooperative arrangements.
Position Requirements:
- Doctoral degree preferred. Others will be considered with relevant experience. A strong background in citizen/community science, including effective development and nurturing of initiatives and partnerships with volunteer groups, communities, and other non-traditional stakeholders to inform conservation efforts on the ground.
- Knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of integrating community science efforts into landscape ecology, adaptive ecosystem management, monitoring, and research, and their application to bird conservation and planning at multiple spatial and temporal scales with more than 5 years of experience.
- Familiarity with Migratory Bird Joint Ventures, especially the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture, and other bird conservation initiatives.
- Knowledge of ecosystems and bird conservation issues, especially within the Appalachian Mountains.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout the year within the AMJV geography, nationally, and sometimes internationally.
- Must be able to work independently with little oversight daily and provide strong leadership and vision to implement the conservation priorities of the partnership.
- Demonstrated ability to translate strategic, visionary ideas into functioning, sustainable programs and initiatives that produce lasting results.
- Desire to work collaboratively with a diversity of stakeholders. Demonstrated networking and communication skills (presentation, inter-personal, reading, writing); project management experience, and organizational and leadership skills.
- A commitment to equity and diversity and dedication to building an inclusive partnership.
- Ability to build, lead, and manage multiple campaigns or projects concurrently, and meet deadlines.
- Experience in successfully writing grant proposals.
- Excellent planning, management, and team building skills.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills.
- Background screening required
- Position open to US Citizens, or Permanent Residents
Salary: Estimated at $82,800 plus benefits; based on experience
Benefits:
- Benefits include medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, and supplemental health insurance policies; including vision.
- Paid vacation days, holidays (10+), sick leave, retirement savings with employer match, life insurance, parental leave, and Verizon cell service discount.
- Field equipment/office expenses covered.
- Pre-approved professional training and workshop expenses covered.
- Lodging and meals covered for work related travel.
- Rental vehicle or personal mileage reimbursement, if partner vehicles are unavailable.
To Apply:
Please apply online at Paylocity: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/1770561/America...
If you have trouble submitting an application, please send your cover letter and resume as one document to [email protected]
At American Bird Conservancy, we believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills makes us more effective. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment for all of our employees.
As an equal opportunity employer, ABC is committed to ensuring that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor unrelated to the requirements of the position.