Coastal Conservation Coordinator

Birds Georgia • Brunswick, GA

2d • $38,000 - $42,000 • Remote

About The Position

Birds Georgia is a member-supported, non-profit organization dedicated to building places where birds and people thrive. We are a flourishing, bird-focused organization that combines serious conservation, education, and community engagement with activities that build community and foster the joy of birdwatching. While we work closely with our partners at the National Audubon Society, we are an independent 501(c)(3) organization based out of Atlanta, Ga. Position Summary The Coastal Conservation Coordinator will manage and assist in the implementation and growth of conservation programs, primarily in the coastal Georgia counties, with some work in the coastal plain. This work will occur under the direction of the Director of Conservation and will focus on aspects of our bird-friendly communities work, bird/habitat monitoring, habitat restoration, coastal resiliency, strategic partnerships, and outreach/engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in natural sciences, conservation, resource management, or similar field, or a combination of education and experience
• 1-3 years' experience in wildlife conservation, ornithology, ecology, natural resources management, or other applicable life sciences.
• Well-versed in conservation and identification of local and regional birds.
• Ability to identify birds by sight and sound, as well as an understanding of their life histories and distributions, is strongly preferred.
• A solid knowledge base of ecology, land management, urban ecology and conservation, threats to birds and their habitats, and the environmental landscape in Georgia would be ideal.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience coordinating with partners and stakeholders, engaging landowners and managers, managing grants, and project management strongly preferred
• Skilled in proactively making strategic connections to gather, synthesize, and apply information
• Highly organized and able to juggle multiple demands in a dynamic and growing organization.
• Ability to work outdoors, in all weather conditions, and on varying terrain, with or without accommodation; must be able to carry field equipment at times, with or without accommodation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and applications.
• Capacity to work independently
• Ability and willingness to travel along the Georgia Coast regularly and inland on occasion.
• Valid driver's license and personal vehicle needed.
• Positive attitude with a desire to learn.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity and/or experience with the Coastal Georgia environmental community a plus
• Knowledge of the identification and conservation of Georgia's native plants and habitats a plus.
• Experience conducting field work, monitoring, or sampling is preferred but not required
• Experience with Canva or related design software a plus
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and outreach preferred.
• Volunteer management and/or educational experience a plus

Responsibilities

• Establish and grow Birds Georgia's existing programs along the coast and in nearby inland communities.
• Identify gaps in coastal (or near coastal) avian conservation and help develop projects to address such needs.
• Support our outreach and engagement programs, including both adult and youth programs
• Assist in the management/execution of the Georgia Birding Trail, private lands programming, community science initiatives, or other programs that may not be solely coastal in focus.
• Conduct monitoring of birds and/or habitat and other field work as assigned.
• Assist in facets of habitat restoration projects, including the coordination of volunteer workdays, the procurement of plants, site preparation, invasive plant removal, and native plantings.
• Engage regional non-profits, community organizations, state and federal groups, and other potential partners on conservation and outreach initiatives.
• Assist with identifying and applying for grant funding and potential contracts. Additionally, aid in technical report writing and grant/program deliverables. Tasks may include finding requests for proposals, working with development and program staff to draft grant narratives and budgets, creating technical documents for the public and professionals, assisting in producing grant deliverables, generating concise information on native plants and wildlife habitat, as well as engaging with private landowners and public agencies.
• Participate in bird and plant monitoring, bird banding, and other fieldwork as assigned. In some cases, management of some species-specific or habitat projects may be assigned.
• Supervise the work of Birds Georgia interns/fellows as assigned.
• Aid in data analysis and summarization of project findings, including report writing.
• Recruit, communicate with, and oversee volunteers for conservation programs.
• Contribute to the promotion of Birds Georgia and bird conservation through the development of informational videos/web-based content, sheets/brochures, written articles, and speaking engagements.
• Cultivate strategies and deliver programs that engage and educate the diverse communities of Georgia's coastal region in the enjoyment and conservation of birds.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Director of Conservation or Executive Director.

Benefits

• opportunity to enroll in health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, paid time off, 401(K) with match (after meeting eligibility/length of service requirements), and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to participate in the Birds Georgia Master Birder program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level