Love animals? Want to make a positive impact on the planet? Come join Woodland Park Zoo as a Conservation Monitoring Strategist. We have one, hybrid, full-time, benefitted position open.
SUMMARY
This position will lead the development and implementation of conservation monitoring platforms, tools, and approaches in support of adaptive management for protected areas and field programs – particularly, WPZ’s flagship Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program and the 402,000-acre YUS Conservation Area in Papua New Guinea. Under their leadership, the zoo will demonstrably and measurably enhance the management effectiveness of the YUS Conservation Area supported by data and evidence-based decision making at the community, landscape, and program levels. The integrated collection and management of such data will contribute toward a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program and the zoo’s field conservation program portfolio. Funding is secured for 18 months at this time.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
- Guide, facilitate, and participate in the determination of data and management information needs according to the YUS Conservation Area’s management plans and priorities, and those of the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, together with the program team, customary landowners, and other stakeholders.
- Review, research, and advise on the development and use of appropriate tools, technologies, and methods for the integrated collection and practical analysis of ecological and social data in support of adaptive management (including the use of Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART), Geographic Information Systems, and other tools as appropriate).
- Provide direct, ongoing assistance to TKCP’s technical staff and partners throughout the implementation and continuous improvement of the conservation monitoring program in the YUS Conservation Area: 1) patrol planning, 2) data recording and analyses, 3) reporting and community engagement, and 4) adaptive management.
- Develop partnerships and participate actively in networks relating to protected area management and monitoring, including the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) Network and the Pacific Islands Protected Areas Portal (PIPAP).
- Evaluate protected area management systems, structures, and processes at all levels and advise on opportunities for integration and alignment.
- Contribute toward the establishment of participatory adaptive management processes for the YUS Conservation Area, the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, and the zoo’s field conservation program portfolio.
- Refine and maintain the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program’s Strategic Plan Results Chains,with particular focus on evaluation and reflection for program development and planning.
- Develop and oversee program workplans relating to Protected Area Management and Monitoring, including their implementation, quality assurance, and donor reporting.
- Lead and contribute toward the development of grant proposals according to strategic priorities and needs in support of the YUS Conservation Area’s management effectiveness.
- Collaborate with the zoo’s Evaluation and Impact team to calibrate and align monitoring efforts with the zoo’s overall conservation goals and objectives.
- Develop and assist in the preparation of technical and operational reports for WPZ, TKCP, and other YUS Conservation Area stakeholders.
- Review existing programming and make recommendations for areas of expansion.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree in conservation, natural resource management, data sciences, monitoring and evaluation, geography, or other relevant fields
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience with conservation monitoring, including system development, data collection, analyses, and reporting.
- Familiarity and experience with protected area management, natural resource management, and/or community-based conservation programming.
- Ability to provide broad strategic and system-level thinking, with an understanding and appreciation for the depth and details of the data.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Experience with GIS software including managing geographic databases and layers, map creation, and spatial analysis.
- Knowledge of relevant monitoring tools, methods, and techniques.
- Experience in a cross-cultural working environment and virtual collaboration.
- Ability to employ best practices and continually seek to improve effectiveness of the position while regularly demonstrating an approach to accuracy.
- Ability to listen, give and receive feedback in a productive and professional manner. Able to translate vision into planning and implementation.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team within diverse teams and environments while treating everyone with respect.
- Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.
- Ability to communicate complex information in a way that is understandable and engaging to broad audiences, comfortable speaking to groups in a variety of settings.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to incorporate different perspectives, and work with diverse populations and stakeholders. Ability to successfully collaborate with both Woodland Park Zoo staff, Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program colleagues in Papua New Guinea, and external partners.
- Ability to collaborate with experts in the appropriate fields at universities and other organizations.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member and independently with limited supervision.
- Organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests, and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
- Highly organized, efficient, solutions- and detail-oriented with excellent administrative and time management skills.
- Flexible and responsive with ability to prioritize workload and schedules in a fast-paced environment with multiple agendas.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with high energy and creative problem-solving skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- This position may be required to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a typical office environment and/or outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Pay: $72,000.00-80,000.00 annually plus benefits
Employment Requirements:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A criminal background check will be required of the selected applicant. This role is not remote. Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
COVID-19 Vaccination
- As of November 24, 2021, employees working on or accessing zoo grounds are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by your first day of employment.
- People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.
- Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
Application Directions: Applications are accepted online through our Jobs Page at zoo.org/jobs; no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are required.
Woodland Park Zoo is pleased to offer a comprehensive program of group benefits to help maintain your and your family’s health and wellbeing. These include:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- 11 paid holidays, 2 personal holidays
- Vacation and sick accrual
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts
- 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
- Free staff parking
- Working for an organization that cares about wildlife conservation!
Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in application and employment for any reason, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, age, disability or medical status including genetic information, and/or veteran’s status.
Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all of its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.
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