Job Description

Organizational Profile

The Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) advances wildlife conservation in the northeastern US and across the Americas through scientific research and community engagement. Our work involves researching and monitoring biodiversity in a variety of ecosystems and delivering results to inform management and policy decisions. We work with many partners, primarily in New England, Canada, and the Caribbean, where some of the Northeast’s migratory birds winter. We also engage thousands of volunteers on a wide range of projects through data collection and monitoring. Our office is located in the vibrant community of White River Junction, across the river from Dartmouth College. 

At VCE, we believe that kindness and collaboration are integral to effective conservation science. Our staff is committed to creating a workplace culture that respects and celebrates diversity and values the wellbeing of all employees. We accomplish this by fostering inclusivity and offering flexibility within the workday to encourage a healthy work-life balance.

Position Description 

The Community Science Coordinator promotes volunteer engagement in VCE’s conservation science projects by bringing field-based and presentation-style programs to audiences around New England and eastern New York, including those previously underreached by VCE. This position also supports project leaders by coordinating and training community scientists in the use of standardized field methods and online data tools (including the Vermont Atlas of Life, iNaturalist, eBird Vermont, e-Butterfly, Mission Monarch, and others). Another key responsibility is to convey research and monitoring results and natural history information in short articles, videos, and social media posts. With support from the Director of Conservation Science, the Community Science Coordinator collaborates with VCE partners to increase the rigor and inclusivity of people-powered environmental science in Vermont.

Primary Responsibilities

Coordination

• With support from project leaders, develop a detailed understanding of each of VCE’s community science projects including: relevant research questions, project history, methodology, products, and their uses for conservation.

• Help volunteers identify and sign up for community science projects that are compatible with their interests, abilities, and availability.
• Manage a high volume of volunteer information with close attention to detail including: contact information, training status, route/survey responsibilities, survey completion status, tracked time and mileage, and data submission status. 
• Respond to inquiries from community scientists about logistics and protocols as they arise.
• Communicate clearly with VCE staff and project stakeholders, including collaborators at other organizations, project supporters,  and  those who own and/or manage field sites.

Training and Outreach

• Recruit and train members of the public to participate in community science initiatives, with emphasis on expanding our volunteer corps and reaching groups that have been historically underrepresented in VCE’s work.
• Plan and carry out hands-on training sessions, followed up by continuing support and coordination. 
• Field questions from community scientists and others on all of VCE’s digital platforms.
• Develop and deliver presentations on natural history and VCE projects to the general public. 
• Lead VCE-sponsored community science events, including field-based educational programs and meetings with peer institutions focused on advancing professional practices.
• Represent VCE at events hosted by partner organizations.
• Communicate project updates, news, and results to volunteers, in concert with project PIs.

General

• Organize, plan, and manage various assignments under the supervision of the project leader.
• Contribute written and video natural history content to VCE’s blog, eNews, and Field Guide. 
• Serve in other ways as an ambassador of VCE to the general public.
• Contribute to a collegial, positive work environment.
• Commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion by considering opportunities for marginalized and underrepresented communities in programs and communications.

Qualifications

• Experience with project management and strong organizational skills
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Strong writing skills, including familiarity with the rules and conventions of composition
• Strong verbal communication skills, including ability to listen actively and express ideas clearly
• Comfort with public speaking and delivering presentations
• Experience monitoring biodiversity and working outdoors in various conditions
• Experience coordinating volunteers and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders (demonstrated ability to involve diverse communities in community science preferred)
• Experience with data entry and management (database experience preferred)
• Enthusiasm for natural history and a diverse set of identification skills (advanced bird and butterfly identification skills preferred)
• Commitment to conservation science and community engagement as vehicles for positive environmental change
• Proficiency in office and field technology
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for transportation to field sites 

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

25 total views, 0 today

Apply for this Job