Central Hardwoods Joint Venture Indiana Coordinator

American Bird Conservancy

Central Hardwoods Joint Venture Coordinat****or

Position Summary

Title: Let the Sun Shine In – Indiana Coordinator

Supervisor: Central Hardwoods Joint Venture (CHJV) Conservation Delivery Coordinator

Location: Southern Indiana

Submission Deadline:  November 30, 2022

American Bird Conservancy (ABC), an international bird conservation organization, is seeking to employ a Coordinator for the newly formed Let the Sun Shine In – Indiana collaboration.  Let The Sun Shine In – Indiana (LSSI) is a collaboration focused on recovering and maintaining oak-hickory ecosystems for the benefit of both wildlife and the people of southern Indiana.  This public/private collaboration consists of partners with a mutual interest in healthy, sustainable forests and watersheds, and improved wildlife habitat.  The partnership will educate the public about the benefits of active, science-based forest management, identify priority areas in need of management, and combine resources and seek additional funding sources to increase regional forest management aimed at restoring oak-hickory ecosystems.

This is a full-time position with ABC.  Initial funding is for three years, with plans to seek additional funding to extend the position.  The LSSI Coordinator works for the LSSI partnership, which consists of state, federal, and NGO conservation agencies and organizations with a mutual interest in healthy oak-hickory ecosystems, watersheds, and wildlife populations in southern Indiana. The Coordinator will work collaboratively with the LSSI partners to develop and implement oak-hickory restoration and management projects in LSSI Forest Stewardship Clusters (FSC), or focal areas, as well as effective outreach and education programs that educate the public and forestry professionals about the value of the oak-hickory ecosystem and the active management necessary to conserve and restore it.

This position requires excellent communication skills, an understanding of forestry, forest and wildlife ecology, silvicultural techniques used for forest stand improvement, and related fields.  The successful applicant must be able to interact positively in all circumstances with federal, state, and NGO partners, and the general public.  Duties will include working closely with federal, state, NGO, and private landowners and managers and program administrators, so knowledge and experience with land management and implementing conservation practices is essential.  There is extensive contact with others within and outside the organization and partnership, in person, by telephone, and through e-mail and other correspondence. The work requires initiative and flexibility. It is essential that the staff member in this position is able to prioritize tasks.

For more information about LSSI, see the Let the Sun Shine In – Illinois website https://www.letthesunshinein.life/.  LSSI – Illinois is our sister organization after which LSSI – Indiana is modelled.

Primary Duties:

1. Developing and maintaining relationships with LSSI partners and communicating and coordinating with them regularly on objectives, projects and progress.
2. Leading the planning and implementation of a strategic public-facing outreach and education campaign about the value of oak-hickory ecosystems and the management necessary to restore and maintain them.
3. Coordinating/leading landscape-level planning and implementation including the development of four LSSI forest stewardship clusters (focal areas).
4. Developing two forest-management demonstration areas in conjunction with LSSI partners.
5. Planning and giving tours of demonstration areas.
6. Outreach via website and social media.
7. Workshops on LSSI management principles for private landowners and professional foresters/biologists.
8. Coordinating/leading development of a LSSI oak-hickory management template.
9. Tracking grant-related accomplishments and writing reports.
10. Participating in meetings, conferences and committee assignments with various agencies and partners to promote LSSI principles and oak-hickory ecosystems, and their conservation and management.
11. In collaboration with partners, identifying opportunities and/or utilizing national and regional programs to fund LSSI conservation efforts and future salary.

Position Requirements:

1. Knowledge of ecology and natural resource issues required, and management of oak-hickory ecosystems preferred, especially an understanding of forest management and its impacts on neotropical migrant and resident birds.
2. Bachelor's degree or higher in forestry, wildlife management, wildlife ecology, or a related field (masters or higher preferred) with at least 3 years of professional experience. An understanding of habitat management, especially the use of silvicultural and forest stand improvement techniques, prescribed fire for natural community restoration, and a working knowledge of U.S. Department of Agricultural “farm bill” private lands incentive programs.
3. An entrepreneurial approach to achieving conservation objectives; ability to create, recognize and act on conservation opportunities and develop innovative solutions to address oak-hickory ecosystem conservation needs.
4. Desire to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated networking and communication skills (presentation, inter-personal, reading, writing); project management experience, and organizing and leadership skills.
5. Results-oriented. Demonstrated ability to accomplish ambitious conservation objectives.
6. Ability to work and coordinate multiple projects at the same time. Ability to set priorities, work independently, efficiently and accurately, and meet deadlines.
7. Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and the ability to adapt messages to a diverse audience that includes habitat managers, conservation administrators, academia, and the general public.
8. Ability and willingness to travel often and sometimes for significant periods of time, including remote locations.
9. Proficiency with computers and software, especially Microsoft Office products. Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ArcGIS preferred as well.

Benefits:

• Benefits include medical, dental, and 403 (b) retirement saving plans.
• Paid vacation days, holidays, and sick leave.
• Professional training and workshop expenses covered, contingent on available budget and supervisor approval.
• Lodging, meals, and transportation covered for work-related travel away from home within available budget.
• Rental vehicle or personal mileage reimbursement where applicable.

At American Bird Conservancy, we believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills makes us more effective. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment for all of our employees.

As an equal opportunity employer, ABC is committed to ensuring that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor unrelated to the requirements of the position.