Job Title: Conservation Outreach Specialist
Department: Conservation
Supervisor: Director of Conservation
Position type and expected hours of work: Full-Time, Salaried, some evening and weekend hours
Location: Remote
FLSA Status: Nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act
Salary: $35,000-46,500 (Salary Band 10)

Summary: The Conservation Outreach Specialist will coordinate and communicate with partners, Nature Forward staff and community members to plan and execute community events, including planning and arranging for pre and post event logistics, support recruitment of event participants and work with community partners. The Conservation Outreach Fellow will be experienced in community engagement, with skillsets in relationship-building, logistics and small event management and supplies management/purchasing to support Nature Forward staff in developing and deploying meaningful environmental and community-based engagement projects throughout the metro DC region.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Outreach

  • Attend and present Nature Forward advocacy and citizen engagement initiatives at Nature Forward events, local and regional conferences and community meetings.
  • Engage with coalition and community partners to design and lead community engagement programs.
  • Coordinate and grow Conservation Department’s Volunteer Corps to meet department needs for community event help, advocacy needs and Water Quality Monitoring outreach.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Basic familiarity with Capital Region’s communities and environmental concerns.
  • A passion for protecting our natural resources and landscapes through organizing and policy change.
  • Strong collaboration and community engagement skills and experience
  • A commitment to working respectfully across differences and bringing diverse communities together.
  • Proficient in social media and app-based communication. Proficient in Zoom and Microsoft Office products including PowerPoint, Word, Excel.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Working knowledge of environmental issues including for example: climate change mitigation and adaptation, water quality including urban runoff/stormwater management, land use planning, and/or related issues (we will teach this skill set to the right candidate).
  • Proficient/conversational in Spanish.  

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to hike moderate distances over uneven terrain carrying a load of 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to balance on slippery rocks and scale down steep embankments.
  • Must be able to travel to various local sites
  • Must be able to work at a computer

Benefits 

  • Health care, life insurance and long-term disability insurance
  • Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
  • Paid holidays including a one-week winter break
  • Paid sick and vacation leave accrual 

Disclaimer: This description is not a comprehensive list of job activities 

To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume, including three professional references, to conserve@natureforward.org. Please include the job name in the subject line and cover letter. This position will stay open until filled. Preferred application deadline is June 14, 2024. Preferred start date will be end of July 2024. 

Nature Forward provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.