Conservation Programs Manager

National Aquarium • Baltimore, MD

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The National Aquarium seeks a Conservation Programs Manager to oversee conservation program operations, including budget preparation, grant writing and management, work-plan implementation, field work, and data collection and analysis. The manager tracks technical and financial aspects of programs, communicates results through technical and public presentations, evaluates project outcomes, prepares summary reports with detailed financial reporting, and coordinates multiple projects at different stages.

The role oversees the Conservation Coordinator, Conservation Technician, and Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps fellow, and supports grant and contract development and reporting under the direction of the Director of Conservation Programs. The manager coordinates project implementation and deliverables, leads procedures and field work, ensures safety and budget compliance, and works with partners to advance the Aquarium’s conservation programs. The position is full-time and on-site in Baltimore, Maryland, and may require outdoor field work, travel, and work on evenings, weekends, and holidays when necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field, with a strong background in tidal wetlands ecology and biodiversity; alternatively, related science coursework and thorough environmental science, estuary, and tidal wetland ecology knowledge demonstrated through at least two years of progressively responsible hands-on experience.
• At least one year of experience writing grants and managing projects, including field-work reporting and budget tracking.
• Significant analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to speak about conservation initiatives to the general public, present to colleagues, and interact with the media.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to set and shift priorities and manage multiple projects and activities concurrently.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Preparedness to work in various outdoor terrains and weather conditions.
• Ability to comply with safety protocols and take proactive measures to prevent unsafe work practices.
• Willingness to travel and work weekends, evenings, and holidays if necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to speak and understand Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily responsibilities and management of the Conservation Coordinator, Conservation Technician, and Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps fellow.
• Support development, submission, and reporting of grant and contract proposals in coordination with the Director of Conservation Programs and Development staff.
• Manage assigned grants and projects, including implementation coordination, deliverables and deadlines, expenditure monitoring, and completion of grant obligations.
• Implement grant-funded projects in accordance with grant requirements and departmental guidelines.
• Lead the creation and management of project-specific standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate intensive, multi-day field work and oversee conservation technicians, coordinators, interns, and volunteers to complete project deliverables on schedule and within budget.
• Lead project-level data collection, analysis, and documentation; coordinate on-site media activities with Aquarium staff; and implement safety protocols.
• Lead post-event follow-up, document project metrics, collect and assess staff, partner, and volunteer feedback, and prepare summary reports.
• Support grant reporting by compiling financial and programmatic information and evaluating outcomes against objectives and grant requirements.
• Coordinate multiple programs and projects at different phases while meeting deadlines and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collect, record, and share Conservation Programs data in support of organizational priorities, including the Strategic Plan and Conservation Action Plan.
• Work with existing partners and develop new partnerships to maximize the impact of the Aquarium’s conservation programs.
• Support the company mission and comply with organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.
• Care for and maintain equipment, supplies, and vehicles associated with field projects.

Benefits

• Four weeks of paid time off.
• Six paid floating holidays.
• Up to four weeks of paid family leave.
• Health care coverage for single and family plans after 30 days of full-time work.
• Conservation day leave.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.

What This Job Offers

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