Hiring Bi-State Sage-Grouse Communication and Data Coordinator

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Position Title: Bi-State Sage-Grouse Communication and Data Coordinator

Term: Up to 3 years, potential to continue depending on need and funding

Host Entity: Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association

Supervisory Responsibilities: None, but may lead others

Base of Operation: Bishop preferred but will consider other locations in the Bi-State area

Salary: $60,000 to $80,000 + benefits

Application Closing Period: October 16th, 2022

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Bi-State Local Area Working Group (LAWG) is a diverse group of stakeholders that includes federal, state, and local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, Tribes, individual Tribal members, and private landowners. The Bi-State LAWG works across jurisdictional boundaries to conserve Bi-State sage-grouse populations and their habitats and has been touted nationally as a model for collaborative conservation success.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND TYPE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED: As guided by the Bi-State Sage-Grouse Executive Oversight Committee and the Bi-State Technical Advisory Committee, the Coordinator will be responsible for the following duties:

COORDINATION

Develop, expand, and manage the collaborative Bi-State partnerships crucial to the continued success of this conservation effort, including:

  • Leverage established relationships with current Bi-State partners in order to better understand potential opportunities and challenges;
  • Provide direct support to the Local Area Working Group (LAWG) through communication, outreach, and partnership-building with a focus on underrepresented partners, including Tribal members, private landowners, etc.;
  • Identify new potential LAWG partners, opening opportunities for expanding collaboration and capacity;
  • Act as point of contact and liaison for new LAWG members and conservation partners including new staff of existing partners when turnover occurs.

Directly interact with, coordinate, and facilitate between agency staff leaders from local decision makers to director level leadership, agency and university scientific researchers, and local and regional elected officials.

  • Facilitate and schedule LAWG, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and Executive Oversight Committee (EOC) meetings and Conferences (e.g. conifer workshop, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Summits).
  • Provide technical and logistical support to the Bi-State Tribal Natural Resources Committee (BTNRC) as requested by Tribal leaders of the group. Help to provide connectivity between the BTNRC and the other components of the Bi-State Collaborative (EOC, TAC, and LAWG) by frequent communication and information sharing.
  • Provide project coordination and support for annual sage-grouse population monitoring efforts.
  • Pursue grant funding opportunities to support Bi-State outreach and conservation efforts and provide support to partners pursuing grant funding opportunities that support the larger conservation effort.

DATA MANAGEMENT

Manage and oversee the development and completion of the annual accomplishment reports.

  • Develop a clear, modern template, and design for data reporting;
  • Compile and consolidate information and data from LAWG partners;
  • Write, edit, and design reports;
  • Coordinate the annual data call;
  • Assure quality control of data reported;
  • Track annual funding contributions from partners;
  • Upload Bi-State accomplishment information into relevant databases (ex. Conservation Efforts Database, Land Treatment Digital Library, etc.).

Maintain and modernize as needed the Bi-State database of conservation actions that is shared among all partners.
Create and manage files related to the Bi-State such as meeting notes, agendas, research, news etc. 

OUTREACH

  • Manage, update, improve the Bi-State website (www.bistatesagegrouse.com).
  • Strengthen communications and collaboration with stakeholders, partners, and the public.
  • Provide point of contact for public inquiries, data requests, and status updates.
  • Stays current on data sharing policies of individual partners.
  • Plan effective strategies for communicating relevant science, conservation accomplishments and ongoing work, including:
  • Website posts and updates;
  • Coordinate with agency public affairs officers and conservation partners to share Bi-State information through their respective outreach and media channels;
  • Email marketing and Newsletter (Mailchimp) for relevant projects;
  • Leading and coordinating volunteer projects and field trips;
  • Writing success stories and developing outreach products (brochures, science communication articles, videos, merchandise, posters, giveaways, etc.);
  • Giving presentations about sage-grouse/sagebrush systems as well as working to host additional experts for public outreach events;
  • Staffing booths at local events;
  • Photographic projects, events, and gatherings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • BA/BS degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or communications fields or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally. 
  • Experience using software such as Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, Microsoft to create media publications such as mass emails, website posts, newsletters, and handouts.
  • Experience using excel or access to manage data.
  • Experience developing and maintaining partnerships (community, government, nonprofit).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience managing/working on habitat restoration or enhancement projects, including budgets, contracts, and monitoring.
  • Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and related sciences.
  • Completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
  • Relationship building skills to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., landowners, government officials, non-governmental organization partners, and internal staff.
  • Ability to work independently with ranch owners in a rural setting and willingness to work outside of normal business hours.
  • Knowledge of ecological land management principles of sagebrush grassland, with knowledge of greater sage-grouse and sagebrush-obligate bird ecology highly preferred.
  • Ability to collect and report scientific data through detailed notes and use of GPS and store and organize data using common software.
  • Knowledge of GIS is highly preferred.
  • Ability to operate vehicles (e.g.; ATV, 4 x 4 truck, or SUV) and hike in rough terrain in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
  • Politically savvy and experienced in partnership development (partners, community, government).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives some direction from the Executive Director or his or her designee through periodical communications yet has complete latitude to go forward with projects or assignments. More regularly receives guidance and direction from the Bi-State Sage Grouse Executive Oversight Committee and Technical Advisory Committee.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This position requires both office work and field work. When working in the field, this position requires working outside in variable weather conditions, including hot and dry conditions at high elevation, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Field visits may involve hiking several miles through mud, creeks, desert, and mountain terrain. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: This position is full time and exempt, with paid annual leave (15 days annually for the first 4 years); 8 paid holidays annually, 80% employer coverage of medical, vision, and dental insurance, and a non-matched IRA retirement plan upon eligibility. Opportunities for training and career advancement available as annual budget permits. Starting salary based on experience ranging from $60,000-$80,000.

ESIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ESIA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume and three references to admin@esiaonline.org with the subject line: Bi-State Sage-Grouse Coordinator Position. No phone calls or drop-ins, please. Please submit applications by October 16th. Preferred start date as soon as possible. 

 

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