Outreach Program Assistant

International Crane Foundation•Decatur, AL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is seeking a community-oriented team member in Decatur, AL to contribute to education and engagement initiatives and lead outreach conservation efforts for the Sandhill Crane and endangered Whooping Crane. This full-time LTE opportunity is for 7 months, starting September 2026 and ending March 2027. The position is based at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, AL. The incumbent will be supported by the Outreach Biologist and work closely with the Outreach Biologist Assistant. In this unique position, you will take the lead on all aspects of ICF's Whooping Crane outreach program in Alabama, helping to build a strong local network of support for the cranes, their habitat, and their continued recovery. Your work will center on engaging communities near crane use areas through a variety of educational and outreach programs. From in-person and virtual presentations in K-12 classrooms to talks with birding clubs, hunting groups, civic organizations, and zoo visitors, you'll tailor messages to help diverse audiences understand and support crane conservation. In addition, you'll assist ICF staff in broader outreach efforts throughout Alabama. This includes participating in media interviews, writing articles or social media content, leading naturalist hikes or programs, and helping to distribute educational materials across the region. You'll be instrumental in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships with volunteers, hunters, and agency partners. These connections are critical in building a network of people who can help monitor and protect these remarkable birds on the landscape. A key part of your role will involve training and coordinating volunteers to support outreach efforts. You'll also work closely with hunters and educators through in-person and online hunter education programs, helping to reduce threats to cranes by increasing awareness and understanding. Lastly, you'll be responsible for ensuring that outreach activities are accurately recorded in a shared database in a timely manner, contributing valuable data that supports ICF's ongoing research and evaluation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology, conservation, or a related field
Valid state driver's license
Acceptable driving record
Access to a reliable vehicle for work-related travel
Experience with public speaking
Experience cultivating and maintaining diverse partnerships
Experience engaging and supporting volunteers
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams
Experience delivering educational or outreach programs through online platforms
Excellent communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to effectively connect with a variety of audiences in both in-person and virtual settings

Responsibilities

Lead outreach programs
Form community-based partnerships
Coordinate volunteers
Resolve threats to cranes
Collaborate with wildlife refuge staff to preserve and grow the Whooping Crane and Sandhill Crane populations
Take the lead on all aspects of ICF's Whooping Crane outreach program in Alabama
Engage communities near crane use areas through a variety of educational and outreach programs
Deliver in-person and virtual presentations in K-12 classrooms
Give talks with birding clubs, hunting groups, civic organizations, and zoo visitors
Participate in media interviews
Write articles or social media content
Lead naturalist hikes or programs
Distribute educational materials across the region
Form and maintain meaningful relationships with volunteers, hunters, and agency partners
Train and coordinate volunteers to support outreach efforts
Work closely with hunters and educators through in-person and online hunter education programs
Ensure that outreach activities are accurately recorded in a shared database in a timely manner