Sagebrush in Prisons Project Manager

Job Title: Sagebrush in Prisons Project Manager

Department: Ecological Education

Location: Kuna (Boise), Idsaho and Ontario, Oregon

Status: Regular, part-time (approximately 20 hours per week)

Supervisor: Program Director Karen Hall

Compensation:  $23.55 depending on experience

Application accepted until July 14, 2022. Applications reviewed on receipt. Get yours in early as we may hire sooner!

Position Summary:  This position will support IAE’s Sagebrush in Prisons Project (SPP), a multi-state, multi-partner effort to improve habitat for wildlife that depend on the sagebrush ecosystem and engage diverse incarcerated people in pro-social action, conservation science, and vocational training.  

This position will lead the SPP at two prisons near Boise (South Boise Women’s Correctional Center and Idaho State Correctional Center), and one prison in Ontario, Oregon (Snake River Correctional Institution).  You must have your own vehicle and be able to travel to the prisons. Mileage will be reimbursed at the current federal rate. 

This position averages 20 hours per week, but may require some longer weeks during critical periods of spring sowing and fall packing and planting.

The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a dynamic nonprofit organization founded in 1999 whose mission is to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research and education. We fill a unique niche among nonprofits and work with a diverse group of partners including federal, state and county agencies and municipalities to accomplish our mission. We maintain an open and convivial office environment with over 20 regular staff in our main office in Corvallis, OR and a branch office in Santa Fe, NM. We are committed to diversity and equity in our work place and the communities we serve.

The Ecological Education Program at the IAE offers educational opportunities for students of all ages from K-12 to adult community members and specialty audiences, such as teachers or adults in custody. Through outreach activities and informal science education, we engage people in meaningful place-based active education conducted in schools, camps, prisons and in the wider communities that we serve. We work with other nonprofit partners, community members, departments of correction, schools, granting organizations and federal agencies to deliver education focused on connecting people to nature. Our efforts are primarily focused on underserved, under-resourced and diverse audiences.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

VACCINE REQUIREMENT: In compliance with federal guidelines, IAE has a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy. All employees are required to submit proof of vaccination prior to employment. Employees may request exceptions and reasonable accommodations for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs. Any offer of employment will be contingent on complying with this policy.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Manage the Sagebrush in Prisons Project at our sites in Kuna, ID and Ontario, OR, including year-round project monitoring and educational programming.
• Be the go-to expert in plant propagation of plants in the project including all aspects of plant growth and development including watering regimes, daily plant care, IPM, seed collections, data collection and prep for plant outs – with the potential to be involved in actual planting. 
• Coordinate with prison officials and media for earned press stories of SPP. 
• Plan and implement ecological education projects to include coordination with project partners and/or funders, develop and maintain project work plans, implement project objectives and fulfill grant agreements and deliverables in a timely manner. Adapt to changing project needs.    
• Be able to design and deliver classroom and field trip lessons, develop curriculum, design and manage educational evaluations and process, analyze and report data.
• Supervise specific staff, volunteers and subcontractors, and participate in the hiring of contractors
• Develop and write reports, newsletters and publications with support from supervisor; effectively communicate in appropriate format to multiple audiences and write for blogs, websites in English and Spanish. Translate and disseminate materials/curricula and develop bilingual resources as needed. 
• Participate in identifying and developing grant proposals/agreements (with assistance), develop proposal budgets and cultivate relationships that result in project funding.
• Other duties as assigned, which may include conducting tours, workshops and presentations for funders, partners and the public, assist with other EE projects as requested and participate in inter-department education programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of five years of educational teaching (formal or informal) experience.

• A strong background in biology/ecology related field, including an experience in native plant propagation.
• Able to pass a background check and Department of Corrections background check.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Experience managing and coordinating several projects simultaneously.
• Positive attitude and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Current U.S. driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and work in outdoor conditions while standing or stooping.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Technologically savvy – including the ability to develop videos (including storyboards, filming, editing), create written works and work in GIS (Storymapping and other needs).
• Bilingual in English/Spanish

How to apply:

To apply for this position, submit:

• Cover letter that includes a summation of your interest in the position and start date.
• List of three references, one of which should be a past employer. Please state that we may contact them.
• Resume 

Applications must be received by 5pm July 14th, 2022. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Non-US residents must include a copy of their work visa. Applications considered upon receipt. Get yours in soon!

Email materials and/or questions with subject line – IDAHO SPP MANAGER - to:

Karen Hall, Ecological Education Program Director, karenhall@appliedeco.org
 

IAE supports diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of IAE is in our people and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that
are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate
in employment and personnel practices and our commitment to equal employment
opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.