The Disney Wilderness Preserve Outreach and Volunteer Specialist (Specialist) is a staff member of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy’s (Conservancy) Stewardship and Field Programs Department (SAF) and serves on SAF’s Central Florida Conservation Program team. SAF is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g., wildland fire management, invasive species control, habitat restoration) across Florida and stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves and land assets. SAF also is the lead department on managing the Chapter’s Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI). The Specialist provides outreach support at CCI’s Disney Wilderness Preserve (CCI|DWP) campus in Poinciana, Fl. This position will also provide outreach support as needed at CCI’s Tiger Creek Preserve campus (CCI|TCP) in Babson Park, FL. The Specialist works under the supervision of the Disney Wilderness Preserve Coordinator and is based at the 11,500-acre CCI|Disney Wilderness Preserve in Poinciana, FL.
One of the first offsite mitigation restoration projects of its kind, CCI|DWP serves as a model for successful habitat restoration and has a mix of supporting facilities and interpretive trails serving upwards of 12,000 visitors each year. The CCI|DWP is one of four preserves the Florida Chapter is upgrading facilities and adding staff as part of developing the Center for Conservation Initiatives. CCI campus preserves will be managed and developed to increase the Chapter’s on-the-ground stewardship, education, outreach, and science initiatives to connect nature and people. The Specialist will help develop and/or support community outreach activities including the volunteer program and educational activities. This opportunity has a full-time work schedule of 35 hours per week, Tuesday – Saturday, and will involve occasional evening and holiday work.
The DWP Outreach and Volunteer Specialist will be responsible for maintaining existing and creating new volunteer initiatives and community outreach programs and supporting other functions and conservation priorities of CCI. They will help raise the organization’s profile through select and strategic venues and partnerships, may serve as an ambassador for the Conservancy’s mission, and inspire people to want to learn more and engage with the organization in meaningful ways. Although this position supports educational events such as class visits and training, the primary focus is on outreach experiences associated with CCI|DWP. They will provide outreach support as needed at CCI|TCP.
The Outreach and Volunteer Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of a strategic community engagement program at CCI|DWP aimed at:
- increasing the Conservancy’s visibility to the general public,
- increasing the impact of the Center for Conservation Initiatives,
- engaging a broader constituency in support of conservation,
- engaging those who are interested in conservation but not yet familiar with the Conservancy, and
- reaching the next generation of conservation leaders and supporters.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Community Outreach (40%) – Develop and facilitate on- and off-site community CCI outreach programs
- Coordinate existing on-site community engagement such as visitor tours, recreation use, and other outreach programs.
- Work with supervisor to develop new opportunities for on-site community engagement.
- Represent CCI|DWP, CCI, and the Conservancy at community cultural events.
- Develop temporary and permanent interpretive signage and displays following TNC and CCI branding guidelines for the Preserve’s visitor use areas and trails.
- Coordinate with operations staff regarding external use of the Preserve’s meeting spaces for outreach activities such as meetings, events, parties, tours, etc.
- Willingness to travel for outreach and other events as needed.
- Document/photograph outreach events for reporting/presentation needs and develop metrics to determine outreach impact.
- Work with supervisor to identify and seek funding grants to enhance outreach programs for CCI|DWP and CCI with other outreach staff across CCI campus preserves.
- Work as a team member with other CCI Preserves’ outreach/volunteer staff on increasing CCI’s outreach efforts and programs.
Volunteer Program (35%) – Coordinate a comprehensive volunteer program at DWP
- Manage all aspects of a volunteer program including recruiting, orienting, reporting, volunteer appreciation, and enrichment opportunities.
- Supervise volunteers engaged in outreach and administrative activities.
- Coordinate with other Preserve staff such as the Land Conservation Coordinator and Maintenance Specialist regarding stewardship, and maintenance-based volunteer opportunities.
- May supervise part-time or seasonal staff, live-on-site volunteers (work campers), and interns.
- Ensure that the administrative requirements of the volunteer program comply with Conservancy policies and procedures.
- Responsible for oversight of volunteers’ youth safety program qualifications.
- Maintain sensitive and confidential information.
- Manage activities within budget, evaluate results, and develop corrective or adaptive strategies as needed.
General Duties (15%) – Assist with general preserve operations and office duties
- Assist with Preserve operations including opening and closing.
- Answer general visitor questions in-person and over the phone.
- Serve as main point of contact and coordinator for The Conservancy and external parties’ meetings and events at the Preserve.
- Ability to develop and manage projects and budgets and report and analyze results.
- May collect funds related to outreach activities associated with fees.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and physical exertion and/or strain.
- Willingness to travel and work select evenings, holidays, and/or weekends, as needed.
Education support (10%) – Provide support for educational & training events at DWP
- Provides support with other DWP staff for school visits and training events which may involve tours, presentations, and logistical assistance.
- Must meet all Conservancy Youth Qualification requirements and background checks.
- Experience in writing and editing.
- Experience in marketing arena.
- Communication and public speaking skills.
- Project Management skills.
- Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers and/or teams.
- Experienced in community relations or relationship building.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-lingual skills appreciated.
- Experience serving as an ambassador or Community Engagement Specialist for a company or organization.
- Experience developing mission-based education programs for a range of ages and demographics.
- Experienced in developing, implementing, and measuring strategic outreach plans and programs.
- Knowledge of current and evolving trends in marketing, conservation and public relations.
- Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Volunteer management and training experience a plus.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.